IncomeBy County

Wilkes County, North Carolina

Income Data

-17% vs. North Carolina average
$50,438
Median Household Income
$27,866
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,438
-17% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,866
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#79 / 100
by median household income

How Wilkes County Compares

Wilkes County$50,438
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,438
Median Household Income
$27,866
Per Capita Income
$161,400
Median Home Value
31.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilkes lags far behind national income

Wilkes County's median household income of $50,438 trails the U.S. median by $24,317—a 33% gap that signals real economic headwinds. This income level places Wilkes well below the typical American household, reflecting the county's reliance on manufacturing and blue-collar work that often pays less than knowledge-based industries.

Below average for North Carolina

At $50,438, Wilkes ranks below North Carolina's state median of $61,072, putting the county in the lower tier among the state's 100 counties. This $10,634 shortfall reflects regional economic challenges and limited high-wage job creation compared to urban hubs like Charlotte and Raleigh.

Struggling compared to peers

Wilkes households earn less than nearby Yadkin County ($60,321) and Wilson County ($51,381), but outpace some rural neighbors. The gap suggests that Wilkes residents face tighter household budgets than residents in neighboring counties with more diversified economies.

Rent costs are very manageable here

At 17% of household income, Wilkes County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the national threshold of 30%, meaning housing remains affordable for renters. This affordability advantage is one of the county's strengths, allowing households to stretch limited incomes toward other necessities.

Build wealth despite lower income

With housing costs under control, Wilkes households have a rare opportunity to prioritize saving and investing, even on modest incomes. Starting with a small emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans (401k or IRA) can set the foundation for long-term wealth growth and financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wilkes County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Wilkes County, North Carolina is $50,438, 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 Wilkes County?
The per capita income in Wilkes County is $27,866, 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 $50,438.
How does Wilkes County compare to the North Carolina average?
Wilkes County's median household income of $50,438 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $27,866, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Wilkes County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Wilkes County, North Carolina is $27,866, 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 Wilkes County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Wilkes County's median household income of $50,438 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $27,866 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 Wilkes County rank for income in North Carolina?
Wilkes County ranks #79 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,438 and per capita income of $27,866, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wilkes County

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Your income is above the Wilkes County median

County median: $50,438 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-17%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Wilkes County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 17% below
vs. National Median▼ 33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.9x

Your monthly income ($4,203) vs. median rent ($715/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Shelby County
Texas
$50,436
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Perry County
Mississippi
$50,435
+0%
Benton County
Tennessee
$50,435
+0%
McDonough County
Illinois
$50,434
+0%
Candler County
Georgia
$50,431
+0%
Potter County
Texas
$50,448
+0%
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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.

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