Cost of Living in Chowan County, North Carolina

$766/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$204,400
Median Home Value
18% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$766/mo
18% below state average
Median Home Value
$204,400
27% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
27.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Chowan County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Chowan County$766/mo
North Carolina Average$938/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$766/mo
Median Gross Rent
$204,400
Median Home Value
$1,016/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
27.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Chowan County, North Carolina

Chowan's rents stay below national burden

Chowan County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm, with median rent at $766 and income at $56,982 creating a workable housing situation. This rural Eastern North Carolina county offers affordable rents without the income penalties of more urban areas.

Below-average housing burden statewide

Chowan's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio runs below North Carolina's 18.6% average, positioning the county as relatively affordable within the state. The $766 monthly rent reflects modest demand in this rural Coastal Plain region, benefiting budget-conscious renters and first-time homebuyers.

Eastern North Carolina value play

Chowan's $766 rent beats Caswell County ($699) by a modest margin while staying well under Catawba ($891) and Chatham ($1,066), making it competitive in Eastern North Carolina. The $204,400 median home value aligns with other rural counties, offering stable entry prices for ownership.

Ownership costs outpace rental burden

Chowan renters spend 16.1% of their $56,982 income on rent, but homeowners dedicate 21.3% to monthly ownership costs—a disparity worth noting for prospective buyers. This gap suggests careful financial planning is essential before transitioning from renting to ownership in Chowan County.

Coastal Plain affordability with trade-offs

Chowan County delivers rural charm and low rents at $766/month, ideal for renters and retirees seeking Eastern North Carolina calm. Prospective homeowners should note the 21.3% ownership-to-income burden and compare carefully before purchasing on the $56,982 median income.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Chowan County

$

Rent Burden

16.1%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,330

per month

Owner Cost Burden

21.4%

of gross income

The median home in Chowan County may be a stretch

Median home value is $204,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,632 vs. your max of $1,330.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.1%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chowan County, North Carolina?
Chowan County, North Carolina has a median monthly rent of $766/mo and a median home value of $204,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Chowan County?
The median gross rent in Chowan County is $766/mo. This is 18% below state average for North Carolina.
Is Chowan County affordable?
Chowan County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Chowan County's rent compare to the state average?
Chowan County's median rent of $766/mo is 18% below state average of $938/mo for North Carolina.
What is the median home value in Chowan County?
The median home value in Chowan County, North Carolina is $204,400. This is 27% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.