Chatham County, North Carolina
Income Data
At a Glance
How Chatham County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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County median: $88,534 per year
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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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.