Sampson County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-13% vs. North Carolina average

$53,159

Median Household Income

$26,978

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$53,159

-13% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$26,978

-32% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

41.4%

income as % of home value

Rank in North Carolina

#72 / 100

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Sampson County Compares

Sampson County$53,159

North Carolina Average$61,072

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,159

Median Household Income

$26,978

Per Capita Income

$128,400

Median Home Value

41.4%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Sampson County

Income Verdict

Sampson County has a median household income of $53,159 and per capita income of $26,978 — a gap of $26,181, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $811/month and a median household income of $53,159, rent consumes approximately 18.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $53,159, residents of Sampson County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $26,978 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Sampson County earns approximately 13% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Sampson County, North Carolina

Sampson households earn 29% below nation

Sampson County's median household income of $53,159 sits $21,596 below the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the bottom 30% nationally for household earnings. The gap reflects Sampson's primarily rural character and dependence on agricultural and light manufacturing sectors.

Middle-lower rank within North Carolina

Sampson's $53,159 median income trails the state average of $61,072 by roughly $8,000 per year. Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Sampson ranks in the lower-middle tier for household income. The county's economy relies heavily on agricultural production and small-scale manufacturing, sectors that typically offer lower wage premiums than knowledge-based industries.

Competitive with rural eastern peers

Sampson's $53,159 median income exceeds Scotland County ($43,500) by $9,600 but trails Rutherford County ($49,771) slightly. Compared to piedmont neighbors like Stanly ($61,631) and Transylvania ($64,523), Sampson lags by $8,000–$11,000. This reflects the income gradient between eastern agricultural counties and more industrialized central regions.

Rent-affordable, but home purchase challenging

Sampson's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% indicates housing affordability remains strong for renters. However, the median home value of $128,400 still requires household income above the county median for comfortable mortgage servicing. Working families here benefit from low rental costs but face genuine obstacles accumulating down payments for homeownership.

Agricultural workers can leverage tax benefits

Sampson's significant agricultural workforce can access specialized tax deductions and farm business structures that reduce tax burden and build equity. All households benefit from tax-advantaged retirement accounts—even modest $100-per-month contributions compound significantly over decades. Community banks and credit unions in Sampson offer financial counseling to help workers optimize earnings and plan for asset building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Sampson County, North Carolina?

The median household income in Sampson County, North Carolina is $53,159, 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 Sampson County?

The per capita income in Sampson County is $26,978, 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 $53,159.

How does Sampson County compare to the North Carolina average?

Sampson County's median household income of $53,159 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $26,978, compared to the state average of $33,920.

What is the per capita income in Sampson County, North Carolina?

The per capita income in Sampson County, North Carolina is $26,978, 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 Sampson County a low-income area in North Carolina?

Sampson County's median household income of $53,159 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $26,978 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 Sampson County rank for income in North Carolina?

Sampson County ranks #72 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,159 and per capita income of $26,978, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Sampson County

Your Household Income

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Your income is above the Sampson County median

County median: $53,159 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-29%

vs. Sampson County MedianAbout equal

vs. North Carolina Average▼ 13% below

vs. National Median▼ 29% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($4,430) vs. median rent ($811/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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