Cost of Living in Robeson County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Robeson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Robeson County ranks #3,010 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Robeson County, North Carolina
Robeson County faces severe affordability crisis
Robeson County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% is the highest among the eight counties and represents a severe affordability burden compared to national norms. With the lowest median household income of all—just $40,318, nearly half the national median of $74,755—residents struggle despite rents of $784 per month.
North Carolina's most unaffordable county
Robeson County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% substantially exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, marking it as the state's most strained rental market. This crisis reflects both modest rents and critically low incomes, creating the worst affordability situation in the region.
Lowest income, highest housing burden
Robeson County's median income of $40,318 falls $3,308 below Richmond County (the second-lowest at $43,626) and nearly $23,000 below the regional median. Even though rents of $784 are modest, the income gap produces a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio—the worst in the eight-county region.
Nearly one-quarter of income to rent
Robeson County households earning $40,318 spend 23.3% of income on rent, consuming roughly $784 monthly—the highest burden among all eight counties. Homeownership at $559 monthly (16.6% of income) offers substantial relief, with median home values of just $88,600 making ownership the most affordable path for locals.
Robeson County: relocate only with strong income
Robeson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio and $40,318 median income signal a severe affordability crisis that only high-income relocators should consider. If moving here, secure employment significantly above the county median to avoid joining residents already struggling with the nation's tightest housing burden in this analysis.
Cost of Living Advisory: Robeson County
Affordability Verdict
Robeson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $784/month representing approximately 23.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $784/month rent versus $559/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $225/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,957/year. With a median household income of $40,318, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Robeson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cleveland County where rent averages $835/month, Robeson County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Robeson County
Rent Burden
23.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$941
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Robeson County
Median home value is $88,600. Estimated monthly cost: $707 vs. your max of $941.
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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