Cleveland County, North Carolina

Income Data

-9% vs. North Carolina average
$55,769
Median Household Income
$29,849
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,769
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,849
-24% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#62 / 100
by median household income

How Cleveland County Compares

Cleveland County$55,769
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,769
Median Household Income
$29,849
Per Capita Income
$180,200
Median Home Value
30.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Cleveland income trails national benchmarks

Cleveland County's median household income of $55,769 falls $18,986 below the national median of $74,755, a 25% gap. The county's textile and manufacturing heritage has left economic challenges as regional employment shifted.

Notably below state average income

At $55,769, Cleveland's median household income lags North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $5,303. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, reflecting the economic stress facing traditional mill communities across the piedmont.

Low-income county in piedmont region

Cleveland's $55,769 income ranks between Cherokee ($51,496) and Caswell ($59,407) in this comparison, making it one of the region's more economically challenged counties. The county's industrial decline contrasts sharply with Catawba's more diversified manufacturing base.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Cleveland's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% means housing consumes approximately one-fifth of median household income, among the highest in this group. The median home value of $180,200 represents a significant commitment for workers earning under $56,000.

Invest in skills and economic mobility

Cleveland County households earning $55,769 should prioritize education and workforce development to access higher-wage opportunities in growth sectors. Community college programs, apprenticeships, and certifications offer pathways to increase earning power and build long-term economic resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Cleveland County, North Carolina is $55,769, 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 Cleveland County?
The per capita income in Cleveland County is $29,849, 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 $55,769.
How does Cleveland County compare to the North Carolina average?
Cleveland County's median household income of $55,769 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $29,849, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Cleveland County, North Carolina is $29,849, 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 Cleveland County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Cleveland County's median household income of $55,769 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $29,849 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 Cleveland County rank for income in North Carolina?
Cleveland County ranks #62 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,769 and per capita income of $29,849, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cleveland County

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County median: $55,769 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-25%

vs. Cleveland County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average9% below
vs. National Median25% below

Income Adequacy

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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.