Cost of Living in Haywood County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Haywood County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Haywood County ranks #2,226 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Haywood County, North Carolina
Haywood's mountain rental squeeze
Haywood County renters spend 20.7% of median household income ($61,001) on rent at $1,052/month, matching the threshold where affordability tightens. The county runs above the national norm by a thin margin.
Above-average rent burden statewide
Haywood's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio sits 2.1 points above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing the county among the less affordable regions. Median rent of $1,052 runs $114 above the state median of $938.
Western mountain premium pricing
Haywood's $1,052 rent exceeds most comparison counties, reflecting western North Carolina's mountain tourism and residential desirability. Henderson County ($1,120) and Guilford ($1,108) command higher rents, but Haywood ranks third-priciest in our analysis.
Renters pay double homeowner costs
Renters shoulder $1,052/month while homeowners spend just $820/month—a striking $232 gap revealing Haywood's heated rental market. Median home value of $254,900 reflects mountain-area appeal that pushes rents higher than mortgages.
Haywood: mountain living at a price
Haywood's scenery and outdoor recreation attract remote workers and retirees, driving up rents faster than incomes. If relocating here, prioritize homeownership or substantial remote income to avoid being priced into rental instability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Haywood County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Haywood County is affordable. The median rent is $1,052/month against a median household income of $61,001, putting rent at 20.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,052/month rent versus $820/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $232/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,143/year. With a median household income of $61,001, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Haywood County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Haywood County is less affordable than Guilford County by roughly 5% ($1,052/mo vs $1,108/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Haywood County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,423
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
The median home in Haywood County may be a stretch
Median home value is $254,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,035 vs. your max of $1,423.
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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