Cost of Living in Graham County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Graham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Graham County ranks #984 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Graham County, North Carolina
Graham offers unbeatable rent affordability
Graham residents spend just 14.2% of their $49,038 median income on rent—the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all eight counties and well below the national norm. At $581 monthly, Graham's rents rank among North Carolina's cheapest, though incomes remain modest.
North Carolina's most affordable rents
Graham's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% significantly beats the state average of 18.6%, making it the clear affordability winner statewide. The $581 median rent stands 38% below the state median of $938, reflecting Graham's remote western mountain location.
Rents far below all regional peers
Graham's $581 rent and 14.2% ratio dramatically outperform all surrounding counties—Edgecombe ($818), Gates ($940), and Granville ($1,008). For renters prioritizing lowest housing costs, Graham stands alone, though residents must accept geographic isolation.
Extremely low housing burden
Renters pay just $581 monthly while homeowners pay $447, creating annual housing costs of $7,000 or less. This leaves renters with $40,000+ annually for all other needs, offering genuine financial freedom rarely found in today's market.
Ideal for remote workers seeking savings
Graham County is a no-brainer for remote workers from higher-paying metros seeking maximum savings; renters save $300+ monthly versus Franklin County. The tradeoff is geographic isolation in the western mountains—lifestyle choice requires careful consideration beyond affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Graham County
Affordability Verdict
Graham County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $581/month representing approximately 14.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Graham County is $581/month, while owner costs run $447/month. Owning saves approximately $134/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,157/year. With a median household income of $49,038, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Graham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Graham County is less affordable than Caswell County by roughly 17% ($581/mo vs $699/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Graham County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,144
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.9%
of gross income
The median home in Graham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $155,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,244 vs. your max of $1,144.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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