Cost of Living in Alleghany County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Alleghany County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Alleghany County ranks #680 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Alleghany County, North Carolina
Alleghany's affordability crisis hits hardest
Alleghany County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% exceeds the national average by 1.9 percentage points, but the real strain lies beneath: median household income is just $44,272, nearly $30,500 below the national median. This lowest-income profile in our county group means Alleghany residents face disproportionate housing burden despite moderate rents.
Alleghany struggles among state peers
At 20.5%, Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio ranks in the bottom tier of North Carolina counties, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by a concerning margin. The county's median income of $44,272 is among the lowest statewide, amplifying the affordability challenge.
Alleghany and Anson: the affordability struggle
Alleghany's $755 monthly rent is slightly lower than Anson County ($849), but both counties share the region's lowest household incomes—$44,272 and $44,245 respectively. Neither county exceeds a 23% rent-to-income ratio, yet both place enormous strain on residents relative to neighboring counties with higher earnings.
Over a fifth of income goes to rent
Alleghany renters spend $755/month on a $44,272 annual income, consuming 20.5% of their earnings before utilities, food, or other costs. Homeowners face similar pressure at $759/month, leaving little margin for savings or emergencies in households with limited income cushion.
Alleghany requires strategic financial planning
If relocating to Alleghany, understand that low rents ($755) are offset by the lowest median income in this county group, making it essential to secure stable, higher-wage employment first. Compare this profile against Alexander or Ashe counties where incomes are stronger relative to housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Alleghany County
Affordability Verdict
Alleghany County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $755/month representing approximately 20.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Alleghany County is $755/month, while owner costs run $759/month. Renting saves approximately $4/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,529/year. With a median household income of $44,272, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Alleghany County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Alleghany County is less affordable than Hertford County by roughly 6% ($755/mo vs $806/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Alleghany County
Rent Burden
20.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,033
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.6%
of gross income
The median home in Alleghany County may be a stretch
Median home value is $199,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,589 vs. your max of $1,033.
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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