Wake County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Wake County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Wake County median
County median: $101,763 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
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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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.