Cost of Living in Duplin County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Duplin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Duplin County ranks #2,835 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Duplin County, North Carolina
Duplin's deep rural affordability wins
Duplin County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of 18.9%, barely above the national average of 18%, despite earning the lowest median household income ($51,880) in this entire sample. Monthly rents of just $815 make even low-income households' housing burden manageable in this rural coastal county.
Rural affordability above state average
Duplin's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, but its $815 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county comparison. For residents with the state's lowest incomes, Duplin delivers the most accessible housing.
Lowest rents in the eastern region
Duplin's $815 rent undercuts every neighboring county except Davidson ($863), and dramatically beats coastal peers like Craven ($1,100) and Dare ($1,307). This rural location's affordability advantage is unmistakable for budget-conscious residents.
Ownership costs less than renting
Homeowners pay just $707 monthly while renters pay $815 on a median income of $51,880—the only county in this sample where ownership clearly undercuts renting. Housing consumes about 18.9% of income for renters and 16.3% for owners, making ownership the better financial position here.
Duplin for maximum affordability in NC
If stretching a tight budget is your priority, Duplin County offers North Carolina's lowest rents at $815 monthly and the cheapest median home value ($123,200). Budget-conscious relocators should seriously compare Duplin's 18.9% housing burden against Davidson's 16.6% to weigh rural tradeoffs against your income needs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Duplin County
Affordability Verdict
Duplin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $815/month — about 18.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $815/month rent versus $707/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $108/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,300/year. With a median household income of $51,880, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Duplin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Duplin County sits 7% more expensive than Madison County ($764/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Duplin County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,211
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Duplin County
Median home value is $123,200. Estimated monthly cost: $984 vs. your max of $1,211.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Duplin County, North Carolina?
What is the median rent in Duplin County?
Is Duplin County affordable?
How does Duplin County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Duplin County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Duplin County, North Carolina? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Duplin County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.