Madison County, North Carolina

Income Data

-4% vs. North Carolina average
$58,628
Median Household Income
$33,738
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,628
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,738
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#53 / 100
by median household income

How Madison County Compares

Madison County$58,628
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,628
Median Household Income
$33,738
Per Capita Income
$263,500
Median Home Value
22.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Madison County, North Carolina

Madison earns below the national average

Madison County's median household income of $58,628 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of $16,127 per year. This puts the county in the lower half of American counties by income, though many rural counties share similar economic profiles.

Mid-range earner within North Carolina

Madison County's $58,628 median household income sits below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 100 counties. The county earns slightly less per capita ($33,738 vs. state average $33,920), reflecting modest individual earning power.

Outpaces nearby rural mountain counties

Madison County earns more than McDowell County ($55,527) and Montgomery County ($55,849), positioning it above many of its neighboring Appalachian communities. However, it trails nearby Mitchell County ($58,089) and significantly lags the prosperous Piedmont region represented by Mecklenburg County ($83,765).

Housing remains affordable here

At a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Madison County offers strong housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that experts consider sustainable. The median home value of $263,500 is accessible for households earning the county median, though rising property values warrant monitoring.

Build security with consistent planning

Madison County residents earning $58,628 annually have room to invest after covering basic expenses—particularly those with lower housing costs. Starting with emergency savings, then moving into retirement accounts and diversified investments, can help bridge the income gap with wealthier regions over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Madison County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Madison County, North Carolina is $58,628, 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 Madison County?
The per capita income in Madison County is $33,738, 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 $58,628.
How does Madison County compare to the North Carolina average?
Madison County's median household income of $58,628 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $33,738, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Madison County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Madison County, North Carolina is $33,738, 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 Madison County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Madison County's median household income of $58,628 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $33,738 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 Madison County rank for income in North Carolina?
Madison County ranks #53 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,628 and per capita income of $33,738, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Madison County

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Your income is above the Madison County median

County median: $58,628 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-22%

vs. Madison County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average4% below
vs. National Median22% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,886) vs. median rent ($764/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.