Columbus County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Columbus County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Columbus County
Income Verdict
Columbus County has a median household income of $48,184 and per capita income of $26,755 — a gap of $21,429, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $775/month and a median household income of $48,184, rent consumes approximately 19.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $48,184, residents of Columbus County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $26,755 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
Columbus County earns approximately 21.1% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.
Data Story
About Household Income in Columbus County, North Carolina
Columbus faces severe income disadvantages
Columbus County's median household income of $48,184 falls $26,571 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 36% deficit. The county ranks among America's poorest, reflecting rural southeastern North Carolina's persistent economic challenges.
North Carolina's lowest county income
At $48,184, Columbus has the lowest median household income among all eight counties analyzed and ranks in the absolute bottom tier statewide. The county trails North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $12,888, reflecting decades of economic decline.
Poorest county in all comparisons
Columbus's $48,184 income is the lowest in this eight-county analysis, nearly $3,500 below Cherokee and $10,000 below Caswell. The county's agricultural base and limited industrial development leave few pathways to higher-wage employment.
Housing costs pose critical affordability crisis
Columbus's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is the highest in this group, meaning one-fifth of household income goes to housing alone. The median home value of $128,300 is the lowest in this comparison, yet still strains household budgets earning less than $50,000.
Seek regional opportunity and support services
Columbus County residents earning $48,184 face acute economic pressure requiring strategic action, including exploring employer benefits like income-based programs and nonprofit financial counseling services. Consider regional job markets in nearby areas and workforce development programs to increase earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Columbus County
Your income is above the Columbus County median
County median: $48,184 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-21%
vs. National Median
-36%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,015) vs. median rent ($775/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.