Mitchell County, North Carolina

Income Data

-5% vs. North Carolina average
$58,089
Median Household Income
$32,713
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,089
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,713
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#54 / 100
by median household income

How Mitchell County Compares

Mitchell County$58,089
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,089
Median Household Income
$32,713
Per Capita Income
$202,100
Median Home Value
28.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Mitchell County, North Carolina

Mitchell earns below national average

Mitchell County's median household income of $58,089 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $16,666, placing it in the lower income category nationally. Like many rural mountain counties, Mitchell relies on limited economic sectors and faces structural income challenges.

Middle-income county for North Carolina

Mitchell County's $58,089 median household income trails the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by about $3,000, ranking it near the median of the state's 100 counties. Per capita income of $32,713 is slightly below state average, indicating moderate individual earning power.

Slightly above other Appalachian peers

Mitchell County earns $58,089, modestly outpacing McDowell County ($55,527) and Montgomery County ($55,849) while closely matching Madison County ($58,628). The county's position reflects a band of similarly-challenged rural mountain communities across the region.

Housing remains very affordable

Mitchell County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the most favorable of all profiled counties, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $202,100 is modest relative to the county median income, creating strong housing security for homeowners.

Maximize savings through low housing costs

Mitchell County residents benefit from below-average housing expenses, freeing up income for savings and investments compared to residents of expensive urban markets. Taking advantage of employer retirement plans and building a dedicated investment strategy can compound wealth significantly over a career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Mitchell County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Mitchell County, North Carolina is $58,089, 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 Mitchell County?
The per capita income in Mitchell County is $32,713, 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 $58,089.
How does Mitchell County compare to the North Carolina average?
Mitchell County's median household income of $58,089 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $32,713, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Mitchell County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Mitchell County, North Carolina is $32,713, 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 Mitchell County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Mitchell County's median household income of $58,089 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $32,713 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 Mitchell County rank for income in North Carolina?
Mitchell County ranks #54 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,089 and per capita income of $32,713, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Mitchell County

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County median: $58,089 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-22%

vs. Mitchell County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average5% below
vs. National Median22% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,841) vs. median rent ($744/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.