Cost of Living in Alamance County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Alamance County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Alamance County ranks #2,841 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Alamance County, North Carolina
Alamance's rent squeeze vs. the nation
Alamance renters spend 18.8% of their income on housing, slightly above the national median of 18.6%—meaning locals shoulder about the same burden as Americans overall. With a median household income of $64,445, Alamance falls short of the national median by $10,310, making each dollar of rent hit harder.
Right in the middle of the pack
Alamance's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing it near the midpoint of county affordability rankings across the state. The county's median rent of $1,007 exceeds the state average of $938 by $69 monthly.
Alamance vs. nearby Piedmont counties
Alamance renters pay significantly more than those in nearby Alexander County ($745/month vs. $1,007/month), but face lower costs than some eastern alternatives. Alamance's homeownership picture is stronger—median home values of $221,200 compete with regional peers while monthly owner costs stay reasonable at $993.
How Alamance dollars split housing
Renters devote $1,007 monthly to gross rent, while homeowners spend $993—a near-even split that reflects the county's mixed housing economy. Between rent and mortgage obligations, Alamance households allocate roughly a fifth of their $64,445 annual income to housing, leaving modest room for other essentials.
Considering Alamance for relocation?
If you're evaluating North Carolina counties, Alamance offers moderate rents and homeownership opportunities near statewide averages—though incomes lag the national norm. Compare this profile against Alexander County (cheaper rents but lower home values) or Avery County (better affordability metrics) to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Alamance County
Affordability Verdict
Alamance County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,007/month representing approximately 18.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Alamance County pay $1,007/month on average, compared to $993/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,557/year. With a median household income of $64,445, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Alamance County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Alamance County is less affordable than Perquimans County by roughly 5% ($1,007/mo vs $1,061/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Alamance County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,504
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Alamance County may be a stretch
Median home value is $221,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,766 vs. your max of $1,504.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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