Chowan County, North Carolina

Income Data

-7% vs. North Carolina average
$56,982
Median Household Income
$33,974
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,982
-7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,974
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#58 / 100
by median household income

How Chowan County Compares

Chowan County$56,982
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,982
Median Household Income
$33,974
Per Capita Income
$204,400
Median Home Value
27.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chowan County, North Carolina

Chowan income lags national standards

Chowan County's median household income of $56,982 falls $17,773 below the national median of $74,755, a 24% gap. The county's rural northeastern location and limited economic diversification contribute to this income shortfall.

Below-average earnings for North Carolina

At $56,982, Chowan's median household income falls $4,090 short of North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of the state's 100 counties, reflecting its rural coastal plain character.

Middle-range income among rural counties

Chowan's $56,982 sits between Cherokee ($51,496) and Caswell ($59,407), positioning it as a moderate-income rural county. The county outearns Columbus ($48,184) but trails the piedmont counties and wealthy Chatham by substantial margins.

Housing costs take notable income share

Chowan's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% indicates housing consumes about one-sixth of median household income, above the most affordable benchmarks. The median home value of $204,400 requires careful consideration for households earning around $57,000.

Focus on debt reduction and stability

Chowan households earning $56,982 should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt before pursuing aggressive investing strategies. Building a solid financial foundation through steady savings and debt paydown creates stability and opens pathways to long-term wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chowan County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Chowan County, North Carolina is $56,982, 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 Chowan County?
The per capita income in Chowan County is $33,974, 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 $56,982.
How does Chowan County compare to the North Carolina average?
Chowan County's median household income of $56,982 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $33,974, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Chowan County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Chowan County, North Carolina is $33,974, 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 Chowan County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Chowan County's median household income of $56,982 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $33,974 is also comparable to 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 Chowan County rank for income in North Carolina?
Chowan County ranks #58 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,982 and per capita income of $33,974, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Chowan County

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Your income is above the Chowan County median

County median: $56,982 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-7%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Chowan County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average7% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,749) vs. median rent ($766/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.