Cost of Living in Cleveland County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cleveland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cleveland County, North Carolina
Cleveland's rents near national average burden
Cleveland County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio runs just below the national norm, with $835 monthly rent and $55,769 income reflecting a typical American housing situation. The county sits solidly in the middle range of national affordability, neither exceptional nor strained.
Close to North Carolina's average affordability
Cleveland's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches North Carolina's 18.6% state average, placing it squarely in the mainstream of the state's housing market. The $835 median rent tracks close to the state's $938 average, making Cleveland a representative North Carolina housing experience.
Mid-range pricing in regional context
Cleveland's $835 rent sits between rural Caswell ($699) and more urban Catawba ($891), while its $180,200 median home value stays lowest among counties in the broader peer group. This positions Cleveland as accessible for first-time homebuyers seeking modest leverage.
Ownership costs sink lower than rents
Cleveland renters spend 18.0% of their $55,769 income on housing, but homeowners pay only 15.6% to mortgages—a significant 2.4-point advantage for ownership seekers. This gap makes Cleveland appealing for renters ready to build equity rather than pay landlords indefinitely.
Solid ground for first-time homebuyers
Cleveland County offers mainstream North Carolina housing costs with a 18.0% rent-to-income ratio and $180,200 median home values—lowest among peer counties and ideal for first-time buyers. The 15.6% ownership burden outperforms the 18.0% renting cost, rewarding the move to homeownership on a $55,769 median income.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cleveland County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,301
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Cleveland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $180,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,439 vs. your max of $1,301.
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.