Cost of Living in Burke County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Burke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Burke County ranks #2,440 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Burke County, North Carolina
Burke offers rare affordability advantage
Burke County renters spend just 17.4% of income on rent—comfortably below the national baseline and well under national affordability stress levels. With a median household income of $55,684 and median rent of $805, Burke demonstrates how lower-cost regions can deliver better housing affordability ratios.
Below state average affordability strain
Burke's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $805 sits just below the state average, while local incomes create a favorable affordability balance.
Second-best affordability in region
Burke's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is surpassed only by Caldwell County's 15.9% in this sample, both mountain counties with strong affordability profiles. Burke's median rent of $805 undercuts nearby Buncombe ($1,281) by 37%, making it an appealing alternative for budget-conscious relocators.
Balanced housing costs for modest incomes
Burke renters pay $805 monthly while homeowners spend $722, with a median home value of $170,500. The $55,684 median income means housing consumes less than one-fifth of budgets—one of the healthiest ratios in this county set.
Burke County: affordable mountain living
If affordability is your priority, Burke delivers: median rents under $805 and a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beat most of North Carolina. The trade-off is lower median incomes, so ensure local employment opportunities align with your career needs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Burke County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Burke County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $805/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Burke County is $805/month, while owner costs run $722/month. Owning saves approximately $83/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,943/year. With a median household income of $55,684, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Burke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Burke County sits 7% more expensive than Montgomery County ($753/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Burke County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,299
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Burke County may be a stretch
Median home value is $170,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,361 vs. your max of $1,299.
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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