Columbus County, North Carolina

Income Data

-21% vs. North Carolina average
$48,184
Median Household Income
$26,755
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,184
-21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,755
-32% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
37.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#83 / 100
by median household income

How Columbus County Compares

Columbus County$48,184
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,184
Median Household Income
$26,755
Per Capita Income
$128,300
Median Home Value
37.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Columbus County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Columbus County, North Carolina is $48,184, 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 Columbus County?
The per capita income in Columbus County is $26,755, 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 $48,184.
How does Columbus County compare to the North Carolina average?
Columbus County's median household income of $48,184 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $26,755, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Columbus County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Columbus County, North Carolina is $26,755, 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 Columbus County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Columbus County's median household income of $48,184 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $26,755 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 Columbus County rank for income in North Carolina?
Columbus County ranks #83 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,184 and per capita income of $26,755, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Columbus County

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County median: $48,184 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-21%

vs. National Median

-36%

vs. Columbus County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average21% below
vs. National Median36% below

Income Adequacy

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