Cost of Living in Pamlico County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pamlico County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pamlico County ranks #1,334 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pamlico County, North Carolina
Pamlico punches above its weight on affordability
Pamlico County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average despite a median household income of $61,624—$13,131 below the national median—demonstrating that modest wages and genuinely low rents can create real housing relief. At $909 per month, Pamlico's median rent is one of the region's most accessible.
North Carolina's affordability sweet spot
Pamlico County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below the state average of 18.6%, and its $909 median rent is nearly on par with the state median of $938, making it a genuinely affordable option statewide. This combination of below-average costs and below-state-average income ratios marks Pamlico as one of the region's safest bets for renters.
Moderate rents in a quiet eastern county
Pamlico's $909 median rent ranks second-most affordable after Northampton's $749, and it undercuts Perquimans ($1,061), Pasquotank ($1,146), and Onslow ($1,198) by meaningful margins. Unlike Northampton, Pamlico's median income of $61,624 sits higher than some peers, offering slightly more stability.
Renting and owning both reach affordably
Pamlico renters spend $909 monthly while homeowners pay $791—unusually favorable for buyers—on a median home value of $209,800, a smart opportunity for those seeking equity. Housing consumes roughly 18% of a $61,624 median income, leaving reasonable room for savings and other necessities.
Quiet county, strong housing value
Pamlico County delivers genuine affordability without the income sacrifice of Northampton, making it attractive for families seeking stability. If you work remotely or have portable income, Pamlico offers one of the region's best combinations of accessible rents and reasonable ownership costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pamlico County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pamlico County is affordable. The median rent is $909/month against a median household income of $61,624, putting rent at 17.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Pamlico County pay $909/month on average, compared to $791/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,900/year. With a median household income of $61,624, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Pamlico County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Pamlico County is more affordable than Randolph County by roughly 6% ($909/mo vs $857/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pamlico County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,438
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
The median home in Pamlico County may be a stretch
Median home value is $209,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,675 vs. your max of $1,438.
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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