Cost of Living in Martin County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Martin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Martin County ranks #2,911 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Martin County, North Carolina
Martin struggles with housing affordability nationally
Martin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% slightly exceeds the national affordability strain point, and the burden falls on households earning just $46,793 annually. At $729 monthly rent, Martin residents spend a larger percentage of smaller paychecks on housing than the typical American household.
Martin ranks among North Carolina's most strained
With an 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, Martin County matches the state average of 18.6%, placing it at the edge of affordability stress for renters. The real squeeze comes from median household income ($46,793) that lags both the state and national figures, limiting housing options.
Eastern counties face similar pressures
Martin County's $729 rent mirrors nearby McDowell County's $741, but Martin's households earn significantly less ($46,793 vs. $55,527), creating sharper affordability pressure. Nash County to the west offers slightly higher incomes ($60,704) and similar rents ($924), suggesting a broader income challenge in the eastern region.
Income matters more than rent here
Martin County's median home value of just $109,900 offers affordable homeownership at $822 monthly, yet renters paying $729 still face strain on $46,793 annual income. The affordability challenge is fundamentally an income story: even modest rents consume nearly one-fifth of household earnings.
Martin County: lowest home values, tightest budgets
If you're relocating for rural living and low home prices, Martin's $109,900 median home value is unbeatable in the state. However, be realistic about income potential—you'll need stable, above-average earnings to avoid housing cost strain in this county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Martin County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Martin County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $729/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $729/month rent versus $822/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $93/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,229/year. With a median household income of $46,793, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Martin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Robeson County where rent averages $784/month, Martin County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Martin County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,092
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Martin County
Median home value is $109,900. Estimated monthly cost: $877 vs. your max of $1,092.
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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