Cost of Living in Brunswick County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brunswick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brunswick County ranks #2,008 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Brunswick rent burden nearly matches nation
Brunswick County renters spend 20.5% of income on rent, just slightly above the national baseline and nearly identical to the U.S. average. With a median household income of $74,034—nearly aligned with the national median of $74,755—Brunswick offers relative parity with national affordability patterns.
Slightly tighter than North Carolina norm
At 20.5%, Brunswick's rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6% by nearly 2 percentage points. The county's median rent of $1,267 is 35% higher than the state average, reflecting the area's coastal appeal and rising housing demand.
Priciest among eastern county peers
Brunswick's $1,267 monthly rent ranks among the highest in the eastern region, notably exceeding nearby Bladen County ($752) and Carteret County ($1,062). The premium reflects Brunswick's beach market appeal and relative regional prosperity.
Owners pay premium, renters feel squeeze
Brunswick homeowners spend $1,111 monthly while renters pay $1,267—both substantial relative to the $74,034 median income. Housing costs consume over one-fifth of typical household budgets here.
Brunswick offers coastal access at a price
Relocating to Brunswick brings beachside living with median home values of $314,700 and higher incomes than inland counties. Be prepared: rents averaging $1,267 and tight affordability ratios mean this county demands stronger household finances than rural alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brunswick County
Affordability Verdict
Brunswick County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,267/month — about 20.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,267/month rent versus $1,111/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $156/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,614/year. With a median household income of $74,034, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Brunswick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Onslow County where rent averages $1,198/month, Brunswick County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brunswick County
Rent Burden
20.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,727
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Brunswick County may be a stretch
Median home value is $314,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,512 vs. your max of $1,727.
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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