Cherokee County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Cherokee County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Cherokee County
Income Verdict
Cherokee County has a median household income of $51,496 and per capita income of $30,800 — a gap of $20,696, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $800/month and a median household income of $51,496, rent consumes approximately 18.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $51,496, residents of Cherokee County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $30,800 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Cherokee County earns approximately 15.7% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.
Data Story
About Household Income in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Cherokee faces significant income challenges
Cherokee County's median household income of $51,496 falls $23,259 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 31% deficit. The county ranks among America's lowest-income regions, primarily a rural western North Carolina mountain community.
Among North Carolina's lowest earners
At $51,496, Cherokee's median household income lags the state average of $61,072 by $9,576, or 16%. The county ranks in the lower quartile statewide, indicating economic challenges typical of Appalachian mountain counties.
Poorest county in this regional comparison
Cherokee's $51,496 income is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, trailing even Columbus County's $48,184. The county's remote mountain location and limited industrial base contribute to persistent income disadvantages relative to piedmont and coastal peers.
Housing costs strain limited budgets
Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is the highest in this group, meaning nearly one-fifth of household income goes to housing. The median home value of $208,700 represents a particularly heavy burden for workers earning under $52,000 annually.
Build resilience through small savings habits
Cherokee households should prioritize establishing even modest emergency funds, as financial shocks pose acute risks with limited income cushions. Explore low-cost savings tools like high-yield savings accounts and credit union memberships to maximize the impact of every dollar saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Cherokee County
Your income is above the Cherokee County median
County median: $51,496 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-16%
vs. National Median
-31%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,291) vs. median rent ($800/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.