Cherokee County, North Carolina

Income Data

-16% vs. North Carolina average
$51,496
Median Household Income
$30,800
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,496
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,800
-22% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#74 / 100
by median household income

How Cherokee County Compares

Cherokee County$51,496
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,496
Median Household Income
$30,800
Per Capita Income
$208,700
Median Home Value
24.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Cherokee County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Cherokee County, North Carolina is $51,496, 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 Cherokee County?
The per capita income in Cherokee County is $30,800, 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 $51,496.
How does Cherokee County compare to the North Carolina average?
Cherokee County's median household income of $51,496 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $30,800, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Cherokee County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Cherokee County, North Carolina is $30,800, 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.
Is Cherokee County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Cherokee County's median household income of $51,496 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $30,800 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Cherokee County rank for income in North Carolina?
Cherokee County ranks #74 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,496 and per capita income of $30,800, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cherokee County

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Your income is above the Cherokee County median

County median: $51,496 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Cherokee County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average16% below
vs. National Median31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.4x

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