Cost of Living in Caldwell County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caldwell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Caldwell County ranks #2,045 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caldwell County, North Carolina
Caldwell offers exceptional national value
Caldwell County renters spend just 15.9% of their income on rent—among the lowest ratios nationally and well below the U.S. average. With median rent of $735 and median household income of $55,401, Caldwell delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing housing quality.
North Carolina's affordability champion
Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in North Carolina, beating the state average of 18.6% by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $735 is the lowest in this sample, paired with favorable income-to-cost ratios.
Unmatched affordability among peers
Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio surpasses all seven comparison counties, including nearby Burke County (17.4%) and Buncombe County (21.8%). The $735 median rent is the county's competitive edge, attracting cost-conscious households across the region.
Lowest-cost housing of all counties
Caldwell renters pay just $735 monthly while homeowners spend $661, with a median home value of $174,000—the second-lowest in this group. Housing costs consume under 16% of the $55,401 median income, among the healthiest ratios available.
Caldwell: unbeatable mountain affordability
Relocate to Caldwell for some of North Carolina's lowest absolute housing costs: $735 rent, $174,000 median home values, and a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio. The trade-off is lower median incomes, but for retirees, remote workers, and budget-first families, Caldwell is hard to beat.
Cost of Living Advisory: Caldwell County
Affordability Verdict
Caldwell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $735/month representing approximately 15.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Caldwell County pay $735/month on average, compared to $661/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,329/year. With a median household income of $55,401, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Caldwell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Rockingham County where rent averages $789/month, Caldwell County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caldwell County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Caldwell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $174,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,389 vs. your max of $1,293.
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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