Transylvania County, North Carolina

Income Data

+6% vs. North Carolina average
$64,523
Median Household Income
$38,899
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,523
+6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$38,899
-1% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#33 / 100
by median household income

How Transylvania County Compares

Transylvania County$64,523
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,523
Median Household Income
$38,899
Per Capita Income
$336,100
Median Home Value
19.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Transylvania County, North Carolina

Transylvania earns 14% below national median

Transylvania County's median household income of $64,523 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,232, representing a 14% gap. This positions Transylvania as the highest-earning county among these eight and places it squarely in the middle tier nationally. The county's mountain location and strong tourism economy support above-average household earnings for rural North Carolina.

Transylvania above state average income

At $64,523, Transylvania's median household income exceeds the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $3,451. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. Transylvania's position reflects its distinct character as a prosperous mountain tourism destination with higher property values and professional employment.

Highest-earning among all peer counties

Transylvania's $64,523 median income significantly exceeds all comparison counties, leading Stanly ($61,631) by $2,892 and surpassing Stokes ($60,039) by $4,484. The gap grows to $9,000+ versus Surry, Swain, and Rutherford. This clear income leadership reflects Transylvania's mountain tourism appeal and higher concentration of professional and service workers earning above-average wages.

Strong income, but steep home prices

Transylvania's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% indicates solid housing affordability for renters with meaningful budget flexibility. However, the median home value of $336,100—the highest among these eight counties—creates real homeownership barriers requiring household incomes well above the county median. This reflects Transylvania's attractive mountain real estate market driving property appreciation.

Highest earners position for aggressive wealth building

Transylvania households at the $64,523 median can comfortably allocate 12–15% of income to retirement savings while maintaining robust living standards. The county's higher per-capita income of $38,899—the strongest among all eight counties—suggests multiple earners and professional occupations with pension and 401(k) access. Combined with home equity appreciation in a desirable market, Transylvania households build generational wealth most effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Transylvania County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Transylvania County, North Carolina is $64,523, 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 Transylvania County?
The per capita income in Transylvania County is $38,899, 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 $64,523.
How does Transylvania County compare to the North Carolina average?
Transylvania County's median household income of $64,523 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $38,899, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Transylvania County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Transylvania County, North Carolina is $38,899, 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.
Why is Transylvania County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Transylvania County's median household income of $64,523 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $3,451 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Transylvania County rank for income in North Carolina?
Transylvania County ranks #33 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,523 and per capita income of $38,899, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Transylvania County

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Your income is above the Transylvania County median

County median: $64,523 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+6%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Transylvania County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average6% above
vs. National Median14% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,377) vs. median rent ($909/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.