Cost of Living in Jones County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jones County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jones County ranks #611 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jones County, North Carolina
Jones offers exceptional value on tight budgets
Jones County renters spend just 15.6% of income on housing—about 3 percentage points below the national median of 18.6%—thanks to some of the lowest rents in the state at $725 monthly. While median household income of $55,659 lags the national average, the ultra-low housing costs offset this income disadvantage.
Jones ranks among the state's most affordable counties
Jones's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats the state average of 18.6%, placing it in North Carolina's affordability elite despite below-average incomes. The county's $725 median rent—the state's lowest—is the defining factor that makes housing costs manageable here.
Jones delivers the region's cheapest housing
Jones leads nearby counties with the lowest median rent of $725, beating Lenoir County ($814), Macon County ($791), and Jackson County ($855) by substantial margins. Even with lower incomes, this rent advantage gives Jones residents the region's easiest affordability picture.
Minimal housing costs stretch limited incomes
Jones renters pay just $725 monthly while homeowners pay $726, and with a median home value of only $122,600, housing is genuinely affordable across tenure types. On a median income of $55,659, these costs consume just 15.6% of income—among the lowest burdens in the state.
Jones maximizes affordability in rural North Carolina
If you're relocating on a modest budget or seeking maximum housing affordability, Jones County's $725 rents and $122,600 home values offer unmatched value. The tradeoff is rural character and potentially fewer job options, but for remote workers or retirees, the savings are substantial.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jones County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Jones County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $725/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jones County is $725/month, while owner costs run $726/month. Renting saves approximately $1/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,114/year. With a median household income of $55,659, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Jones County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Jones County is less affordable than Halifax County by roughly 7% ($725/mo vs $776/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jones County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,299
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jones County
Median home value is $122,600. Estimated monthly cost: $979 vs. your max of $1,299.
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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