IncomeBy County

Washington County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-32% vs. North Carolina average
$41,750
Median Household Income
$28,150
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$41,750
-32% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,150
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
39.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#99 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Washington County Compares

Washington County$41,750
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$41,750
Median Household Income
$28,150
Per Capita Income
$107,000
Median Home Value
39.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Washington County

Income Verdict

Washington County has a median household income of $41,750 and per capita income of $28,150 — a gap of $13,600, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $829/month and a median household income of $41,750, rent consumes approximately 23.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $41,750 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $28,150 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Washington County earns approximately 31.6% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Washington County, North Carolina

Washington faces steep income gap

Washington County's median household income of $41,750 is 44% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's lowest-income counties. Economic stagnation and limited employment opportunities plague this rural northeastern region.

North Carolina's lowest income county

Washington ranks dead last among North Carolina's 100 counties at $41,750, earning 32% less than the state average of $61,072. The county struggles with population decline and limited economic diversification.

Poorest of the poor

Washington's $41,750 edges below only Tyrrell County ($43,952) in the region, reflecting shared economic hardship in rural Coastal North Carolina. Nearby Vance and Warren counties all hover in the $45,000-$47,000 range.

Housing costs strain residents

Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% is among the highest in the state, meaning renters face real affordability pressure despite low absolute housing costs. A median home value of $107,000 is the lowest in this county group, but remains challenging for below-median earners.

Seek support and opportunity

Washington County households should explore state and federal assistance programs, workforce development initiatives, and community development organizations. Even incremental income growth through skills training or relocation for employment can meaningfully improve long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Washington County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Washington County, North Carolina is $41,750, 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 Washington County?
The per capita income in Washington County is $28,150, 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 $41,750.
How does Washington County compare to the North Carolina average?
Washington County's median household income of $41,750 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $28,150, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Washington County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Washington County, North Carolina is $28,150, 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 Washington County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Washington County's median household income of $41,750 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $28,150 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 Washington County rank for income in North Carolina?
Washington County ranks #99 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $41,750 and per capita income of $28,150, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Washington County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Washington County median

County median: $41,750 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-32%

vs. National Median

-44%

vs. Washington County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 32% below
vs. National Median▼ 44% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.2x

Your monthly income ($3,479) vs. median rent ($829/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Taylor County
Georgia
$41,743
+0%
Nevada County
Arkansas
$41,761
+0%
Whitley County
Kentucky
$41,719
+0%
St. Francis County
Arkansas
$41,784
+0%
Barnwell County
South Carolina
$41,800
+0%
Jackson County
Colorado
$41,809
+0%
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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.

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