IncomeBy County

Swain County, North Carolina

Income Data

-9% vs. North Carolina average
$55,429
Median Household Income
$31,040
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,429
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,040
-21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#66 / 100
by median household income

How Swain County Compares

Swain County$55,429
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,429
Median Household Income
$31,040
Per Capita Income
$209,800
Median Home Value
26.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Swain County, North Carolina

Swain trails national income by 26%

Swain County's median household income of $55,429 falls $19,326 short of the national median of $74,755. This 26% gap places Swain in the bottom 35% nationally, though ahead of the most economically distressed rural regions. The disparity reflects Swain's dependence on tourism, forestry, and limited higher-wage employment sectors.

Swain below average for North Carolina

At $55,429, Swain's median household income trails the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $5,643. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. Swain's economy, centered on tourism and natural resources rather than diversified manufacturing or services, limits wage growth opportunities.

Comparable to rural piedmont counties

Swain's $55,429 median income sits between Surry ($56,095) and Rutherford ($49,771), placing it in the lower-middle range among these eight counties. Compared to Transylvania ($64,523), also in the mountains, Swain earns roughly $9,000 less annually. This income gap reflects differences in tourism market strength and proximity to higher-wage regional employment centers.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

Swain's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% ranks among the healthiest of all eight counties, enabling meaningful household savings capacity. The median home value of $209,800, while higher than Surry and Rutherford, reflects mountain real estate desirability and remains accessible for households with modest savings. This combination allows Swain families to pursue homeownership without excessive housing cost burden.

Seasonal income requires strategic planning

Swain's tourism-dependent economy often creates seasonal income fluctuations, making disciplined savings during peak seasons essential for year-round stability. Households should build emergency reserves covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing aggressively. Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs allow even modest annual contributions to accumulate substantially, cushioning against seasonal employment volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Swain County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Swain County, North Carolina is $55,429, 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 Swain County?
The per capita income in Swain County is $31,040, 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 $55,429.
How does Swain County compare to the North Carolina average?
Swain County's median household income of $55,429 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $31,040, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Swain County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Swain County, North Carolina is $31,040, 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 Swain County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Swain County's median household income of $55,429 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $31,040 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 Swain County rank for income in North Carolina?
Swain County ranks #66 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,429 and per capita income of $31,040, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Swain County

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Your income is above the Swain County median

County median: $55,429 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Swain County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 9% below
vs. National Median▼ 26% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,619) vs. median rent ($715/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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