Orange County, North Carolina

Income Data

+45% vs. North Carolina average
$88,553
Median Household Income
$51,856
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$88,553
+45% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$51,856
+31% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
20.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#4 / 100
by median household income

How Orange County Compares

Orange County$88,553
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$88,553
Median Household Income
$51,856
Per Capita Income
$428,500
Median Home Value
20.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Orange County, North Carolina

Orange County ranks among America's wealthiest

Orange County's median household income of $88,553 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 18.5%, placing it solidly in the upper tier of American counties. This robust income profile reflects the economic strength of Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle region.

Dominates North Carolina's income rankings

Orange County's $88,553 median household income vastly exceeds the state average of $61,072 by 45%, making it one of North Carolina's highest-income counties. The presence of UNC-Chapel Hill and tech-driven employment opportunities drive this significant regional advantage.

Far outpaces all nearby counties

Orange County's $88,553 income surpasses neighboring Durham ($79,500+) and significantly exceeds all eastern NC counties tracked here. Only a handful of North Carolina counties match Orange's income concentration, marking it as an exceptional economic outlier.

High incomes essential for rising home costs

Orange County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, though the median home value of $428,500 requires substantial household income to afford. Higher earners dominate the county, making affordability a real challenge for those earning below the median.

Maximize investments beyond primary residence

Orange County households enjoy significant income surplus beyond basic living costs, enabling investment in retirement accounts, real estate, and diversified portfolios. Professional financial planning becomes increasingly valuable at higher income levels to optimize tax efficiency and wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Orange County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Orange County, North Carolina is $88,553, 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 Orange County?
The per capita income in Orange County is $51,856, 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 $88,553.
How does Orange County compare to the North Carolina average?
Orange County's median household income of $88,553 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $51,856, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Orange County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Orange County, North Carolina is $51,856, 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 Orange County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Orange County's median household income of $88,553 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $27,481 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 Orange County rank for income in North Carolina?
Orange County ranks #4 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $88,553 and per capita income of $51,856, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Orange County

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County median: $88,553 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+45%

vs. National Median

+18%

vs. Orange County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average45% above
vs. National Median18% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,379) vs. median rent ($1,387/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.