Jackson County, North Carolina

Income Data

-12% vs. North Carolina average
$53,479
Median Household Income
$32,937
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,479
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,937
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
21.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#70 / 100
by median household income

How Jackson County Compares

Jackson County$53,479
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,479
Median Household Income
$32,937
Per Capita Income
$253,900
Median Home Value
21.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Jackson County, North Carolina

Jackson County lags national income

Jackson County's median household income of $53,479 falls $21,276 short of the national median of $74,755, ranking in the lower 30% nationally. This 28% gap reflects economic challenges and limited high-wage opportunities in the region.

Below-average earnings in North Carolina

Jackson County's $53,479 median income sits 12% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $32,937 also trails the state average of $33,920.

Jackson struggles against similar counties

Jackson County's $53,479 income falls near Macon County ($53,298) but well below Johnston County ($79,838) and Iredell County ($78,678). The $25,000+ gap to top-earning neighbors underscores Jackson's lower economic base.

Housing costs stretch budgets in Jackson

Jackson County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but median home values of $253,900 consume a larger share of household earnings here than in higher-income areas. Residents should scrutinize mortgage affordability carefully given lower median incomes.

Strategic wealth-building matters more here

With median incomes below state and national averages, Jackson County residents benefit from disciplined budgeting and incremental saving strategies. Even modest monthly investments and employer-sponsored retirement plans can compound significantly over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Jackson County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Jackson County, North Carolina is $53,479, 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 Jackson County?
The per capita income in Jackson County is $32,937, 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 $53,479.
How does Jackson County compare to the North Carolina average?
Jackson County's median household income of $53,479 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $32,937, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Jackson County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Jackson County, North Carolina is $32,937, 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 Jackson County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Jackson County's median household income of $53,479 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $32,937 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 Jackson County rank for income in North Carolina?
Jackson County ranks #70 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,479 and per capita income of $32,937, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Jackson County

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Your income is above the Jackson County median

County median: $53,479 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Jackson County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average12% below
vs. National Median28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

Your monthly income ($4,457) vs. median rent ($855/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.