IncomeBy County

Surry County, North Carolina

Income Data

-8% vs. North Carolina average
$56,095
Median Household Income
$31,947
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,095
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,947
-19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
33.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#59 / 100
by median household income

How Surry County Compares

Surry County$56,095
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,095
Median Household Income
$31,947
Per Capita Income
$166,400
Median Home Value
33.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Surry County, North Carolina

Surry earns 25% below national average

Surry County's median household income of $56,095 falls $18,660 short of the national median of $74,755. This 25% gap places Surry in the bottom 35% nationally for household earnings, though above the most economically distressed rural counties. The shortfall reflects limited access to knowledge-sector employment and reliance on aging manufacturing industries.

Surry ranks middle-lower in North Carolina

At $56,095, Surry's median household income trails the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $4,977. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. This gap suggests economic challenges common to rural piedmont counties that depend on traditional manufacturing rather than diversified, knowledge-based industries.

Below statewide peers, above eastern counties

Surry's $56,095 median income exceeds Scotland ($43,500) and Rutherford ($49,771) but falls short of Stanly ($61,631) and Transylvania ($64,523) by $5,500–$8,500. Compared to near-peers Stokes ($60,039) and Swain ($55,429), Surry ranks in the middle. This reflects Surry's position as a working-class manufacturing county without significant poverty or prosperity advantages.

Good rental affordability, moderate home costs

Surry's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% indicates solid housing affordability for renters, with meaningful budget flexibility. The median home value of $166,400 remains within reach for dual-income households, requiring roughly $65,000 in annual household income at conventional lending standards. Working families can realistically achieve homeownership while maintaining other financial priorities.

Stable employment supports patient investing

Surry's manufacturing base, while challenged, still provides stable employment that supports consistent savings habits and retirement contributions. Households can realistically allocate 8–10% of the $56,095 median to long-term wealth building without sacrificing current living standards. Even modest regular investment in low-cost index funds generates meaningful wealth accumulation over 20–30 year careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Surry County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Surry County, North Carolina is $56,095, 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 Surry County?
The per capita income in Surry County is $31,947, 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 $56,095.
How does Surry County compare to the North Carolina average?
Surry County's median household income of $56,095 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $31,947, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Surry County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Surry County, North Carolina is $31,947, 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 Surry County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Surry County's median household income of $56,095 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $31,947 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 Surry County rank for income in North Carolina?
Surry County ranks #59 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,095 and per capita income of $31,947, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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Your income is above the Surry County median

County median: $56,095 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-25%

vs. Surry County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 25% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.3x

Your monthly income ($4,675) vs. median rent ($741/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$56,093
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$56,087
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$56,082
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$56,075
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$56,056
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Coles County
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$56,040
+0%
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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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