IncomeBy County

New Hanover County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+19% vs. North Carolina average
$72,892
Median Household Income
$46,083
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$72,892
+19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$46,083
+17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
20.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#18 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How New Hanover County Compares

New Hanover County$72,892
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$72,892
Median Household Income
$46,083
Per Capita Income
$353,700
Median Home Value
20.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: New Hanover County

Income Verdict

New Hanover County has a median household income of $72,892 and per capita income of $46,083 — a gap of $26,809, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,343/month and a median household income of $72,892, rent consumes approximately 22.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $72,892 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $46,083 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.

Neighbor Context

New Hanover County earns approximately 19.4% above the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in New Hanover County, North Carolina

New Hanover earns slightly below the nation

New Hanover County's median household income of $72,892 falls just 2.5% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. This means a typical New Hanover household earns roughly what you'd expect in mid-tier American counties, reflecting a stable economic foundation.

Ranks among North Carolina's top earners

New Hanover County significantly outperforms the state average, with its $72,892 median household income exceeding North Carolina's $61,072 by nearly 20%. This positions the county in the state's upper income bracket, driven largely by its role as a regional economic hub.

Leads the coastal county income race

New Hanover's $72,892 income outpaces nearby Onslow County ($64,568) and Pender County ($76,838), though Pender edges ahead by about $4,000. Among its eastern NC peers, only Orange County's research-driven economy yields higher median incomes in the region.

Housing remains affordable for most households

At a 22.1% rent-to-income ratio, New Hanover County sits just above the national affordability threshold, meaning most households comfortably cover housing costs. The median home value of $353,700 remains accessible relative to local incomes, supporting both renters and homeowners.

Build long-term wealth through strategic planning

With solid median incomes and manageable housing costs, New Hanover households have room to invest in retirement accounts, education, and property ownership. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize employer benefits and investment opportunities unique to the county's growing sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
The median household income in New Hanover County, North Carolina is $72,892, 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 New Hanover County?
The per capita income in New Hanover County is $46,083, 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 $72,892.
How does New Hanover County compare to the North Carolina average?
New Hanover County's median household income of $72,892 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $46,083, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in New Hanover County, North Carolina is $46,083, 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.
Why is New Hanover County income higher than the North Carolina average?
New Hanover County's median household income of $72,892 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $11,820 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does New Hanover County rank for income in North Carolina?
New Hanover County ranks #18 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $72,892 and per capita income of $46,083, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in New Hanover County

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Your income is above the New Hanover County median

County median: $72,892 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+19%

vs. National Median

-2%

vs. New Hanover County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▲ 19% above
vs. National Median▼ 2% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.5x

Your monthly income ($6,074) vs. median rent ($1,343/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Union County
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$72,888
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East Feliciana Parish
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$72,899
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Lyon County
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$72,881
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Winnebago County
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$72,873
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Kent County
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$72,872
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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