Cost of Living in Montgomery County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montgomery County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montgomery County ranks #1,949 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montgomery County, North Carolina
Montgomery keeps housing costs within reach
Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits below the national affordability strain threshold, with median households earning $55,849 and paying $753 monthly in rent. Housing remains a manageable expense relative to local incomes.
Montgomery ranks well below state average stress
At 16.2%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below North Carolina's average of 18.6%, placing it among the more affordable housing markets statewide. This advantage holds despite incomes running below both state and national medians.
Montgomery mirrors the piedmont affordability zone
Montgomery's $753 rent and $55,849 income closely match McDowell and Madison counties, though Montgomery sits in the piedmont rather than the mountains. The broader pattern shows that rural and small-town North Carolina consistently offers better affordability than Charlotte and the metro corridors.
Renters and owners both find reasonable costs
Montgomery County households earning $55,849 spend 16.2% of income on rent ($753) or roughly 13.8% on ownership ($645) for median homes valued at $150,300. Both housing pathways remain affordable for working families in this county.
Montgomery: piedmont affordability without mountains
If you want rural affordability without the mountains, Montgomery County offers $753 rents and $150,300 home values in a piedmont setting. Compare this to Moore County's $1,181 rent just an hour south, and you'll see why location within North Carolina matters enormously for housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montgomery County
Affordability Verdict
Montgomery County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $753/month representing approximately 16.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Montgomery County pay $753/month on average, compared to $645/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,643/year. With a median household income of $55,849, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Montgomery County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Montgomery County is less affordable than Burke County by roughly 6% ($753/mo vs $805/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,303
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Montgomery County
Median home value is $150,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,200 vs. your max of $1,303.
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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