Cost of Living in Cumberland County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cumberland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cumberland County ranks #3,116 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Cumberland's housing hits households hard
Households in Cumberland County devote 23.6% of their income to rent—significantly above the national benchmark of 18%. This burden falls heaviest on a median household earning $58,780, which is $16,000 below the national average and pays $1,156 monthly for housing.
Least affordable county in sample
Cumberland's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the most strained housing market among these eight North Carolina counties. The county's $1,156 median rent outpaces the state average by $218, creating the sharpest affordability squeeze in this comparison group.
Fort Bragg effect raises regional rents
Cumberland's $1,156 rent substantially exceeds nearby Duplin County ($815) and Davidson County ($863), reflecting its military-anchor economy and urban character. Only Dare County ($1,307) and Durham County ($1,415) command higher rents in this regional analysis.
Owner costs nearly match rents
Both renters and owners face high monthly burdens: renters pay $1,156 while homeowners pay $1,134 on a median income of $58,780. Together, these housing costs consume nearly 24% of gross income, leaving less for other essentials than any other county in this group.
Weigh Cumberland's tradeoffs carefully
Cumberland's military presence and job opportunities come at a housing cost premium—your rent dollars stretch further in nearby Davidson or Duplin counties. If relocating here, budget aggressively and compare salaries carefully; a $5,000–$10,000 income bump could meaningfully ease your housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cumberland County
Affordability Verdict
Cumberland County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,156/month representing approximately 23.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,156/month rent versus $1,134/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $22/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,600/year. With a median household income of $58,780, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cumberland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Craven County where rent averages $1,100/month, Cumberland County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cumberland County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,372
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.2%
of gross income
The median home in Cumberland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $183,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,467 vs. your max of $1,372.
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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