Chatham County, North Carolina

Income Data

+45% vs. North Carolina average
$88,534
Median Household Income
$56,724
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$88,534
+45% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$56,724
+44% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#5 / 100
by median household income

How Chatham County Compares

Chatham County$88,534
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$88,534
Median Household Income
$56,724
Per Capita Income
$397,800
Median Home Value
22.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chatham County, North Carolina

Chatham leads North Carolina in income

Chatham County's median household income of $88,534 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $13,779, ranking the county in the upper income tier across America. This 18% advantage reflects Chatham's proximity to Research Triangle Park and its concentration of high-earning tech and biotech professionals.

Clearly North Carolina's richest county

At $88,534, Chatham's median household income stands $27,462 above North Carolina's state average of $61,072, a 45% premium. The county consistently ranks first or second among all 100 North Carolina counties for household earnings.

Dramatically outearns all regional rivals

Chatham's $88,534 income vastly exceeds nearby Caswell ($59,407), Catawba ($64,544), and every other county in this comparison by substantial margins. The county's prosperity stems from its position as a bedroom community for Durham and Chapel Hill's universities and research institutions.

Strong income supports expensive housing

Despite a median home value of $397,800—the highest in this group by far—Chatham's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% remains manageable. High incomes here enable residents to afford premium housing while maintaining financial flexibility.

Advanced wealth-building strategies apply here

Chatham's above-average incomes position households to maximize 529 college savings plans, taxable investment accounts, and real estate portfolios beyond primary residences. Professional households should engage financial advisors to optimize tax efficiency and diversify wealth across multiple asset classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chatham County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Chatham County, North Carolina is $88,534, 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 Chatham County?
The per capita income in Chatham County is $56,724, 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 $88,534.
How does Chatham County compare to the North Carolina average?
Chatham County's median household income of $88,534 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $56,724, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Chatham County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Chatham County, North Carolina is $56,724, 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 Chatham County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Chatham County's median household income of $88,534 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $27,462 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 Chatham County rank for income in North Carolina?
Chatham County ranks #5 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $88,534 and per capita income of $56,724, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Chatham County

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Your income is above the Chatham County median

County median: $88,534 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+45%

vs. National Median

+18%

vs. Chatham County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average45% above
vs. National Median18% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,378) vs. median rent ($1,066/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.