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
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.
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
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.