IncomeBy County

Scotland County, North Carolina

Income Data

-29% vs. North Carolina average
$43,500
Median Household Income
$27,678
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$43,500
-29% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,678
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
39.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#98 / 100
by median household income

How Scotland County Compares

Scotland County$43,500
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$43,500
Median Household Income
$27,678
Per Capita Income
$109,900
Median Home Value
39.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Scotland County, North Carolina

Scotland earns 42% below national median

Scotland County's median household income of $43,500 represents the lowest among these eight counties and falls $31,255 short of the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap places Scotland in the bottom 15% nationally for household income. The disparity underscores significant economic headwinds facing the county's workforce.

Among North Carolina's lowest-income counties

At $43,500, Scotland's median household income trails the state average of $61,072 by $17,572—the largest gap among these eight counties. Scotland ranks in the bottom 10% of North Carolina's 100 counties for household income. This reflects limited access to higher-wage employment and educational attainment disparities affecting earning potential.

Significantly lower than all county peers

Scotland's $43,500 median income falls behind every comparison county, including Sampson ($53,159), Rutherford ($49,771), and Surry ($56,095). The $9,600 gap with the next-lowest county indicates systemic economic challenges in Scotland's labor market. This suggests concentrated disadvantage in manufacturing, agricultural employment, and limited presence of higher-wage sectors.

Housing costs strain tight household budgets

Scotland's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% exceeds the healthy 15% benchmark, signaling moderate housing cost pressure on median-income families. The median home value of $109,900 remains relatively affordable, but for households earning $43,500, mortgage servicing at conventional rates consumes 18–20% of gross income. This leaves limited margin for unexpected expenses or savings accumulation.

Maximize modest income through discipline

Scotland households must prioritize emergency savings before investing, given tight margins—even $50 monthly deposits to a savings account create a crucial safety net. Low-cost index funds and employer retirement plans offer pathways to wealth building without requiring large upfront capital. Free financial counseling through nonprofit organizations helps households optimize limited income and identify tax credits or benefits they may be missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Scotland County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Scotland County, North Carolina is $43,500, 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 Scotland County?
The per capita income in Scotland County is $27,678, 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 $43,500.
How does Scotland County compare to the North Carolina average?
Scotland County's median household income of $43,500 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $27,678, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Scotland County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Scotland County, North Carolina is $27,678, 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 Scotland County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Scotland County's median household income of $43,500 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $27,678 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 Scotland County rank for income in North Carolina?
Scotland County ranks #98 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $43,500 and per capita income of $27,678, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Scotland County

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Your income is above the Scotland County median

County median: $43,500 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-29%

vs. National Median

-42%

vs. Scotland County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 29% below
vs. National Median▼ 42% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($3,625) vs. median rent ($766/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.

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