IncomeBy County

Wayne County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-5% vs. North Carolina average
$58,082
Median Household Income
$31,216
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,082
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,216
-21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#55 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$58,082
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,082
Median Household Income
$31,216
Per Capita Income
$162,700
Median Home Value
35.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Wayne County

Income Verdict

Wayne County has a median household income of $58,082 and per capita income of $31,216 — a gap of $26,866, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $932/month and a median household income of $58,082, rent consumes approximately 19.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $58,082, residents of Wayne County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $31,216 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Wayne County earns approximately 4.9% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, North Carolina

Wayne County trails national income

Wayne County's median household income of $58,082 is 22% below the national median of $74,755. The county's economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and regional trade, limiting high-wage opportunities.

Below North Carolina average

Wayne ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Carolina counties at $58,082, earning 5% less than the state average of $61,072. Manufacturing employment and agricultural heritage shape the county's economic profile.

Mid-tier earner in its region

Wayne's $58,082 exceeds rural counties like Vance ($46,943) and Watauga ($51,367) but trails the prosperity of Union and Wake counties. The county occupies a middle position economically within eastern and central North Carolina.

Reasonable housing affordability

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% indicates housing costs remain manageable for households near the median income. A median home value of $162,700 is achievable for households earning at or slightly above the county median.

Build steady financial progress

Wayne County households earning near the median have meaningful capacity to save and invest. Focus on employer retirement plans, automatic savings accounts, and diversified investments to steadily accumulate wealth over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Wayne County, North Carolina is $58,082, 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 Wayne County?
The per capita income in Wayne County is $31,216, 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 $58,082.
How does Wayne County compare to the North Carolina average?
Wayne County's median household income of $58,082 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $31,216, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Wayne County, North Carolina is $31,216, 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 Wayne County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Wayne County's median household income of $58,082 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $31,216 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 Wayne County rank for income in North Carolina?
Wayne County ranks #55 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,082 and per capita income of $31,216, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wayne County

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Your income is above the Wayne County median

County median: $58,082 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-22%

vs. Wayne County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 5% below
vs. National Median▼ 22% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

Your monthly income ($4,840) vs. median rent ($932/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Mitchell County
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$58,089
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Fannin County
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$58,073
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Beaverhead County
Montana
$58,072
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Cannon County
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$58,092
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Marion County
Tennessee
$58,103
+0%
Limestone County
Texas
$58,109
+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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