IncomeBy County

Wilson County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-16% vs. North Carolina average
$51,381
Median Household Income
$30,057
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,381
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,057
-24% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#75 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Wilson County Compares

Wilson County$51,381
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,381
Median Household Income
$30,057
Per Capita Income
$171,800
Median Home Value
29.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Wilson County

Income Verdict

Wilson County has a median household income of $51,381 and per capita income of $30,057 — a gap of $21,324, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $915/month and a median household income of $51,381, rent consumes approximately 21.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $51,381, residents of Wilson County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $30,057 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Wilson County earns approximately 15.9% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Wilson County, North Carolina

Wilson earns well below U.S. median

Wilson County's median household income of $51,381 falls $23,374 short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic constraints. This 31% income gap mirrors broader challenges in rural Eastern North Carolina, where manufacturing jobs have declined and wage growth has stalled.

Lower middle tier in North Carolina

Wilson's $51,381 median income sits below the state average of $61,072, placing the county in the lower-middle income bracket statewide. The $9,691 gap underscores that Wilson households have less disposable income than typical North Carolinians, limiting their purchasing power and savings potential.

Modest edge over western counties

Wilson earns slightly more than Wilkes County ($50,438) but less than nearby Yadkin County ($60,321) and Yancey County ($54,961). This middle position reflects Wilson's mix of agricultural and light industrial work, with less diversity than better-performing regional neighbors.

Rental affordability is stretched

Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% is rising toward the affordability threshold of 30%, signaling housing cost pressure for renters. While still manageable, this ratio is notably higher than state and national peers, meaning Wilson renters must dedicate a larger share of pay to housing.

Invest in skills and income growth

Given tight household budgets, Wilson residents should prioritize skill-building through trade certifications or associate degrees to unlock higher-wage jobs. Even modest income gains of $5,000–$10,000 per year can dramatically accelerate savings and wealth accumulation over a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wilson County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Wilson County, North Carolina is $51,381, 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 Wilson County?
The per capita income in Wilson County is $30,057, 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 $51,381.
How does Wilson County compare to the North Carolina average?
Wilson County's median household income of $51,381 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $30,057, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Wilson County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Wilson County, North Carolina is $30,057, 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 Wilson County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Wilson County's median household income of $51,381 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $30,057 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 Wilson County rank for income in North Carolina?
Wilson County ranks #75 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,381 and per capita income of $30,057, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wilson County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Wilson County median

County median: $51,381 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Wilson County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 16% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($4,282) vs. median rent ($915/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.

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