Cost of Living in Edgecombe County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Edgecombe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Edgecombe County ranks #3,100 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Edgecombe rents bite harder than nation
Edgecombe residents spend 20.3% of household income on rent, outpacing the national median of roughly 18%. With a median household income of $48,480—35% below the national average of $74,755—renters here feel the squeeze more acutely than most Americans.
Above average strain in North Carolina
Edgecombe's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, ranking it among the least affordable counties for renters statewide. The $818 median monthly rent is also below the state median of $938, yet incomes remain so low that affordability suffers.
Pricier than nearby alternatives
Edgecombe's $818 rent falls between Greene County ($845) and Gates County ($940), but its lower median income of $48,480 makes affordability worse than both neighbors. Franklin County residents, earning $71,386, find nearly identical rents far more manageable at just 16.6% of income.
Renters and owners strain equally
The median renter pays $818 monthly while homeowners pay $834—nearly identical burdens on a $48,480 annual income. Together, these housing costs consume over $9,800 yearly, leaving limited resources for other essentials.
Consider Franklin or Granville nearby
If you're relocating to eastern North Carolina, Franklin and Granville counties offer similar rent but 45% higher median incomes, improving your housing affordability substantially. Graham County offers the lowest rents statewide at $581, though it has the fewest job opportunities in this cohort.
Cost of Living Advisory: Edgecombe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Edgecombe County is affordable. The median rent is $818/month against a median household income of $48,480, putting rent at 20.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Edgecombe County is $818/month, while owner costs run $834/month. Renting saves approximately $16/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,743/year. With a median household income of $48,480, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Edgecombe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Edgecombe County sits 7% more expensive than Chowan County ($766/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Edgecombe County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,131
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Edgecombe County
Median home value is $116,800. Estimated monthly cost: $932 vs. your max of $1,131.
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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