Caldwell County, North Carolina

Income Data

-9% vs. North Carolina average
$55,401
Median Household Income
$30,811
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,401
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,811
-22% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#67 / 100
by median household income

How Caldwell County Compares

Caldwell County$55,401
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,401
Median Household Income
$30,811
Per Capita Income
$174,000
Median Home Value
31.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Caldwell County, North Carolina

Caldwell trails national income median

Caldwell County's median household income of $55,401 falls $19,354 below the national median of $74,755. The 26% shortfall reflects the county's rural, manufacturing-dependent economy and limited high-wage employment.

Lower-middle income for North Carolina

At $55,401, Caldwell County ranks below the state average of $61,072 by $5,671—a 9% deficit. The county's reliance on traditional industries and aging workforce contribute to below-average statewide earnings.

Similar to Burke, far behind leaders

Caldwell County ($55,401) earns nearly equally with Burke ($55,684) but trails Cabarrus ($86,084) by $30,683—a 56% gap. Its foothills location and industrial challenges parallel Burke's economic constraints.

Best affordability ratio in region

Caldwell County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 15.9%, and a median home value of just $174,000. Housing is highly affordable, enabling households to save and invest despite moderate incomes.

Use low costs to build savings

Caldwell County's exceptional housing affordability—the county's strongest financial advantage—creates space to accumulate emergency savings and retirement funds. Prioritize skill development and education to increase earning potential while leveraging low living costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Caldwell County, North Carolina is $55,401, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Caldwell County?
The per capita income in Caldwell County is $30,811, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $55,401.
How does Caldwell County compare to the North Carolina average?
Caldwell County's median household income of $55,401 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $30,811, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Caldwell County, North Carolina is $30,811, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Caldwell County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Caldwell County's median household income of $55,401 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $30,811 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Caldwell County rank for income in North Carolina?
Caldwell County ranks #67 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,401 and per capita income of $30,811, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Caldwell County

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Your income is above the Caldwell County median

County median: $55,401 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Caldwell County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average9% below
vs. National Median26% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.3x

Your monthly income ($4,617) vs. median rent ($735/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.