Cost of Living in Moore County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Moore County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Moore County ranks #1,736 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Moore County, North Carolina
Moore offers affordable housing for higher earners
Moore County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits below the national affordability strain threshold, supported by the state's second-highest median household income of $82,837. Rents of $1,181 monthly remain manageable for these relatively affluent households.
Moore ranks as North Carolina's second-most affluent
Moore County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6%, but the real story is income: at $82,837, only Mecklenburg County ($83,765) earns more. This income advantage is what makes Moore's higher rents feel affordable relative to other parts of the state.
Moore bridges rural and affluent markets
Moore County's $1,181 rent represents a middle ground: far cheaper than Mecklenburg's $1,521 but substantially pricier than mountain counties like McDowell ($741). The $82,837 median income places Moore squarely in the affluent exurban tier that drives piedmont housing costs.
High income absorbs higher housing costs
Moore County households earning $82,837 annually spend 17.1% on rent ($1,181) and roughly 16.6% on ownership ($1,151) for median homes valued at $315,300. The county demonstrates how strong incomes can sustain higher absolute costs while maintaining affordability ratios.
Moore: affluent living with reasonable ratios
If your income matches Moore County's $82,837 median, you'll find rents of $1,181 and homes worth $315,300 represent genuine value compared to Mecklenburg's premium. However, families earning national or state averages may find Moore's costs stretch paychecks tighter than mountain alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Moore County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Moore County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,181/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Moore County pay $1,181/month on average, compared to $1,151/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,329/year. With a median household income of $82,837, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Moore County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Moore County is more affordable than Currituck County by roughly 5% ($1,181/mo vs $1,126/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Moore County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,933
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
The median home in Moore County may be a stretch
Median home value is $315,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,517 vs. your max of $1,933.
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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