Wake County, North Carolina

+67% vs. North Carolina average
$101,763
Median Household Income
$52,949
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$101,763
+67% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$52,949
+34% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#1 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Wake County Compares

Wake County$101,763
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$101,763
Median Household Income
$52,949
Per Capita Income
$422,800
Median Home Value
24.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Wake County

Income Verdict

Wake County has a median household income of $101,763 and per capita income of $52,949 — a gap of $48,814, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,508/month and a median household income of $101,763, rent consumes approximately 17.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

The median household income of $101,763 places Wake County in a high-earning tier, supporting strong purchasing power and above-average consumer spending. Per capita income of $52,949 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.

Neighbor Context

Wake County earns approximately 66.6% above the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Wake County, North Carolina

Wake County leads the nation

Wake County's median household income of $101,763 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 36%, ranking among the top counties nationwide. Raleigh's robust tech, healthcare, and government job markets drive this exceptional income performance.

North Carolina's highest earner

Wake County tops all North Carolina counties at $101,763, crushing the state average of $61,072 by 67%. As home to the state capital and Research Triangle region, Wake attracts talent and high-paying employers.

Dominates regional income rankings

Wake's $101,763 exceeds nearby Union County ($99,243) and dwarfs rural neighbors like Watauga ($51,367) and Vance ($46,943). The county's economic concentration in tech and professional services creates significant income stratification.

Housing costs rising with income

Wake's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% remains manageable, though median home values of $422,800 mean households must earn well above the county median to own. Strong income growth has outpaced housing appreciation over the past decade.

Invest aggressively for the future

Wake County's high earners should maximize retirement contributions, diversify investment portfolios, and explore estate planning strategies. With higher incomes come opportunities to build substantial wealth; consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wake County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Wake County, North Carolina is $101,763, 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 Wake County?
The per capita income in Wake County is $52,949, 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 $101,763.
How does Wake County compare to the North Carolina average?
Wake County's median household income of $101,763 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $52,949, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Wake County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Wake County, North Carolina is $52,949, 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 Wake County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Wake County's median household income of $101,763 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $40,691 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 Wake County rank for income in North Carolina?
Wake County ranks #1 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $101,763 and per capita income of $52,949, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wake County

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Your income is above the Wake County median

County median: $101,763 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+67%

vs. National Median

+36%

vs. Wake County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average67% above
vs. National Median36% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

Your monthly income ($8,480) vs. median rent ($1,508/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.