Cost of Living in Johnston County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnston County ranks #2,232 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnston County, North Carolina
Johnston leads the state in rental affordability
Johnston renters spend just 15.1% of income on housing—well below the national median of 18.6%—making it one of North Carolina's most affordable rental markets. Strong median incomes of $79,838 significantly exceed the national average of $74,755, giving residents substantial financial flexibility.
Johnston's affordability ranks among the best statewide
At 15.1%, Johnston's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6% by a meaningful margin, placing it in the upper tier of North Carolina's most affordable counties. This advantage stems from both reasonable rents of $1,007 and strong household incomes that outpace state norms.
Johnston outaffordability its regional peers significantly
Johnston's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio decisively beats Iredell County (18.0%) and Lee County (18.3%), and it towers over higher-burden counties like Jackson (19.2%). The combination of solid incomes and moderate rents gives Johnston residents the region's widest financial cushion.
Balanced income supports both renting and owning
Johnston renters allocate $1,007 monthly to housing while homeowners with mortgages pay $1,276, yet both remain manageable on a median income of $79,838. This flexibility—along with a median home value of $267,600—allows households to choose renting or buying without severe financial strain.
Johnston combines opportunity with financial ease
If affordability and income stability matter equally, Johnston delivers both: strong job markets, reasonable housing costs, and household incomes that leave breathing room after paying rent or mortgage. Relocating here means enjoying one of the state's best rent-to-income ratios while maintaining solid earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnston County
Affordability Verdict
Johnston County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,007/month representing approximately 15.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Johnston County is $1,007/month, while owner costs run $1,276/month. Renting saves approximately $269/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,686/year. With a median household income of $79,838, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Johnston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Johnston County is less affordable than Perquimans County by roughly 5% ($1,007/mo vs $1,061/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnston County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,863
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.2%
of gross income
The median home in Johnston County may be a stretch
Median home value is $267,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,136 vs. your max of $1,863.
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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