Guilford County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Guilford County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Guilford County
Income Verdict
Guilford County has a median household income of $66,027 and per capita income of $37,845 — a gap of $28,182, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,108/month and a median household income of $66,027, rent consumes approximately 20.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $66,027 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $37,845 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Guilford County earns approximately 8.1% above the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Guilford County, North Carolina
Guilford earns above state, below nation
Guilford County's median household income of $66,027 outpaces North Carolina's average of $61,072 by about 8%, but falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $8,700. This places Guilford in the middle tier of American counties, strong for the state but with room to grow toward national parity.
Guilford ranks in state's upper tier
Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Guilford ranks well above the state median income, reflecting its position as the state's third-largest metropolitan area. The county's per capita income of $37,845 also exceeds the state average of $33,920, signaling stronger household earning power overall.
Guilford leads its peer counties
Compared to neighboring and similarly sized counties, Guilford's $66,027 median household income edges out Harnett ($69,012) as a major economic hub. The county sustains higher earnings than smaller rural neighbors like Hoke ($60,095) and Haywood ($61,001), reflecting its urban job market advantage.
Rent takes fair share, homes affordable
Guilford households spend 20.1% of income on rent, right at the level financial advisors recommend for affordability. With a median home value of $234,900 against the $66,027 median income, homeownership requires significant down payments but remains achievable for many families.
Build on Guilford's economic strength
Guilford's above-state-average income provides a solid foundation for wealth building; households here can typically allocate 5-10% of earnings to retirement and investment accounts after covering essentials. Starting early with employer 401(k) matching and tax-advantaged savings plans can help bridge the gap toward national median income levels within a generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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County median: $66,027 per year
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Your monthly income ($5,502) vs. median rent ($1,108/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.