Cost of Living in Onslow County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Onslow County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Onslow County ranks #2,601 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Onslow County, North Carolina
Onslow's rent squeeze slightly exceeds national norms
Onslow County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the tightest in the region, pushing past the national average and indicating that renters here dedicate meaningfully more of their earnings to housing. With a median household income of $64,568—nearly $10,000 below the national median—the squeeze is real despite moderate rents of $1,198 per month.
Higher rents outpace state affordability standard
Onslow County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio sits 3.7 percentage points above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, and its median rent of $1,198 is 28% higher than the state median of $938. This combination places Onslow among the state's less affordable counties for renters.
Middle ground between affordable and pricey coastal zones
Onslow's $1,198 median rent sits between Pamlico ($909) and New Hanover ($1,343), positioning it as the bridge between the county's affordable inland areas and premium coastal markets. It edges above Pasquotank ($1,146) and Perquimans ($1,061), reflecting its military-anchored economy and coastal proximity.
Nearly identical rent and mortgage burdens
Onslow renters and homeowners face nearly identical monthly costs—$1,198 and $1,205 respectively—on a median home value of $219,500, suggesting a balanced housing market. Together, housing consumes approximately 22% of a $64,568 median income, leaving limited breathing room for other expenses.
Military proximity drives Onslow's housing demand
Onslow appeals to military families and those seeking coastal access, but renters should know they'll spend more on housing than typical North Carolina residents. Compare Onslow's opportunities against more affordable inland neighbors like Pamlico or Northampton if cost of living is your primary consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Onslow County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Onslow County is affordable. The median rent is $1,198/month against a median household income of $64,568, putting rent at 22.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,198/month rent versus $1,205/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $7/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,643/year. With a median household income of $64,568, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Onslow County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Onslow County is more affordable than Pasquotank County by roughly 5% ($1,198/mo vs $1,146/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Onslow County
Rent Burden
22.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,507
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.4%
of gross income
The median home in Onslow County may be a stretch
Median home value is $219,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,752 vs. your max of $1,507.
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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