IncomeBy County

Stokes County, North Carolina

Income Data

-2% vs. North Carolina average
$60,039
Median Household Income
$32,721
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,039
-2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,721
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#48 / 100
by median household income

How Stokes County Compares

Stokes County$60,039
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,039
Median Household Income
$32,721
Per Capita Income
$186,800
Median Home Value
32.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Stokes County, North Carolina

Stokes income trails national average slightly

Stokes County's median household income of $60,039 falls $14,716 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a roughly 20% gap. This places Stokes in the middle-lower tier nationally, ahead of most rural and struggling counties but behind prosperous suburban and metro regions. The county's economy shows moderate health relative to many rural North Carolina peers.

Stokes slightly below state average rank

At $60,039, Stokes's median household income edges below the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by about $1,000. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties, just shy of statewide parity. This near-average position reflects Stokes's character as a stable, working-class rural county without significant poverty concentrations.

Competitive with piedmont manufacturing belt

Stokes's $60,039 trails Stanly ($61,631) by a narrow $1,600 but exceeds Surry ($56,095) and Rutherford ($49,771) by substantial margins. Compared to Transylvania ($64,523), Stokes lags by $4,500, reflecting the latter's distinct mountain economy. Stokes's income position aligns it with stable, manufacturing-dependent piedmont counties.

Rents affordable, homeownership accessible

Stokes's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% ranks among the healthiest of all eight counties, signaling genuine housing affordability for renters. The median home value of $186,800 sits within reach for two-income households and those with modest down payments at conventional mortgage rates. This favorable housing ratio leaves meaningful room in household budgets for savings and investment.

Strong position for long-term wealth building

Stokes households earning $60,039 can comfortably save 10–12% of income annually—$6,000–$7,200—for retirement, college, and home equity. The favorable rent-to-income ratio means more households can pursue homeownership and benefit from automatic equity building. Manufacturing employment often includes pension access, further strengthening retirement security when combined with disciplined personal savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Stokes County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Stokes County, North Carolina is $60,039, 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 Stokes County?
The per capita income in Stokes County is $32,721, 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 $60,039.
How does Stokes County compare to the North Carolina average?
Stokes County's median household income of $60,039 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $32,721, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Stokes County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Stokes County, North Carolina is $32,721, 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 Stokes County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Stokes County's median household income of $60,039 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $32,721 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 Stokes County rank for income in North Carolina?
Stokes County ranks #48 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,039 and per capita income of $32,721, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $60,039 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. North Carolina Average▼ 2% below
vs. National Median▼ 20% below

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$60,078
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$60,000
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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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