Catawba County, North Carolina

Income Data

+6% vs. North Carolina average
$64,544
Median Household Income
$36,025
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,544
+6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,025
-9% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#32 / 100
by median household income

How Catawba County Compares

Catawba County$64,544
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,544
Median Household Income
$36,025
Per Capita Income
$218,100
Median Home Value
29.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Catawba County, North Carolina

Catawba earns above many rural peers

Catawba County's median household income of $64,544 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,211, or about 14%. However, the county outperforms most rural North Carolina counties and competes respectably with mid-tier American metros.

Above average for North Carolina

At $64,544, Catawba's median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $3,472. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper half of the state's 100 counties, reflecting strong manufacturing and industrial employment.

Solid middle ground in regional earnings

Catawba's $64,544 income sits comfortably above Caswell ($59,407) and well above struggling counties like Columbus ($48,184), but significantly below prosperous Chatham County's $88,534. The county's manufacturing heritage supports steadier wages than purely agricultural regions.

Housing costs are tighter than regional peers

Catawba's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is elevated compared to Caswell's 14.1%, meaning housing consumes a larger income share here. At a median home value of $218,100, homeownership requires careful budgeting, but remains within reach for dual-income households.

Leverage employer benefits strategically

Catawba's manufacturing economy often provides workers with pension plans, 401(k)s, and health insurance—benefits worth actively maximizing. Households should scrutinize their benefits packages, contribute to retirement plans, and consider supplemental savings vehicles to build long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Catawba County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Catawba County, North Carolina is $64,544, 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 Catawba County?
The per capita income in Catawba County is $36,025, 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 $64,544.
How does Catawba County compare to the North Carolina average?
Catawba County's median household income of $64,544 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $36,025, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Catawba County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Catawba County, North Carolina is $36,025, 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.
Why is Catawba County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Catawba County's median household income of $64,544 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $3,472 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Catawba County rank for income in North Carolina?
Catawba County ranks #32 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,544 and per capita income of $36,025, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Catawba County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Catawba County median

County median: $64,544 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+6%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Catawba County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average6% above
vs. National Median14% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.0x

Your monthly income ($5,379) vs. median rent ($891/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Catawba County, North Carolina? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in North Carolina

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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