Carteret County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Carteret County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Carteret County
Income Verdict
Carteret County has a median household income of $70,235 and per capita income of $42,707 — a gap of $27,528, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,062/month and a median household income of $70,235, rent consumes approximately 18.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $70,235 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $42,707 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Carteret County earns approximately 15% above the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Carteret County, North Carolina
Carteret slightly below national median
Carteret County's median household income of $70,235 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,520. Despite this modest gap, the county ranks solidly in the middle-income tier nationally, reflecting stable coastal employment.
Above-average among NC counties
At $70,235, Carteret County exceeds the state average of $61,072 by $9,163—a 15% premium. The county's maritime industries, tourism, and waterfront economy support above-average household earnings statewide.
Middle-tier earner in group
Carteret County ($70,235) closely matches Buncombe ($70,578) and Brunswick ($74,034), outpacing lower-income counties but trailing Cabarrus ($86,084) and Camden ($87,781). Its profile reflects a stable mid-coast economy.
Balanced housing affordability
With an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $304,200, Carteret County households face moderate housing costs relative to income. The affordable rent-to-income ratio supports renters, while homeownership requires commitment to manage higher home prices.
Invest steadily in your future
Carteret County's middle-income stability supports disciplined wealth-building through retirement savings and diversified investments. Take advantage of employer plans, automate monthly contributions to index funds, and consider real estate appreciation as a long-term wealth driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Carteret County
Your income is above the Carteret County median
County median: $70,235 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+15%
vs. National Median
-6%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,853) vs. median rent ($1,062/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.