IncomeBy County

Yancey County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-10% vs. North Carolina average
$54,961
Median Household Income
$34,699
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$54,961
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,699
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#68 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Yancey County Compares

Yancey County$54,961
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$54,961
Median Household Income
$34,699
Per Capita Income
$222,300
Median Home Value
24.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Yancey County

Income Verdict

Yancey County has a median household income of $54,961 and per capita income of $34,699 — a gap of $20,262, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $807/month and a median household income of $54,961, rent consumes approximately 17.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $54,961, residents of Yancey County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $34,699 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Yancey County earns approximately 10% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Yancey County, North Carolina

Yancey income trails U.S. median

Yancey County's median household income of $54,961 falls $19,794 below the national median of $74,755, a 26% shortfall that reflects limited high-wage employment. Despite this gap, Yancey performs better than Wilkes and Wilson, suggesting a more diversified mountain economy.

Below state average but competitive

Yancey's $54,961 median sits $6,111 below North Carolina's state median of $61,072, placing the county in the lower half statewide. However, the modest gap suggests Yancey has stronger economic fundamentals than many rural counties, likely bolstered by tourism and mountain-related industries.

Mid-range earner in this group

Yancey earns more than Wilkes ($50,438) and Wilson ($51,381) but less than Yadkin ($60,321), positioning it as the third-strongest county among these four. This ranking reflects Yancey's mountain location and seasonal economy, which creates both opportunities and income volatility.

Moderate rent costs, high home prices

Yancey's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is manageable, but the median home value of $222,300 is the highest among these four counties—a steep price relative to household income. This gap signals that homeownership may be financially challenging for typical Yancey households despite strong mountain property appeal.

Plan before buying mountain property

Yancey's booming home values create wealth for current owners but can trap renters in a high-cost housing market relative to income. Before purchasing, households should ensure a solid down payment fund (20% minimum) and stable income to avoid stretching budgets to the breaking point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Yancey County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Yancey County, North Carolina is $54,961, 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 Yancey County?
The per capita income in Yancey County is $34,699, 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 $54,961.
How does Yancey County compare to the North Carolina average?
Yancey County's median household income of $54,961 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $34,699, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Yancey County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Yancey County, North Carolina is $34,699, 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 Yancey County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Yancey County's median household income of $54,961 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $34,699 is also comparable to 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 Yancey County rank for income in North Carolina?
Yancey County ranks #68 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $54,961 and per capita income of $34,699, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Yancey County

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Your income is above the Yancey County median

County median: $54,961 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-10%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Yancey County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 26% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($4,580) vs. median rent ($807/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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