Cost of Living in Rockingham County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rockingham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rockingham County ranks #2,620 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rockingham County, North Carolina
Rockingham County delivers strong affordability
Rockingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% comfortably beats the national stress threshold, with renters spending well below one-fifth of income on housing. The median household income of $55,796 falls below the national median of $74,755, yet modest rents of $789 per month create genuine affordability.
Best overall affordability in North Carolina
Rockingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks among the best in North Carolina, beating the state average of 18.6% by a meaningful margin. With rents just $149 above the state median of $938, this county achieves rare affordability through a balance of modest housing costs and reasonable income levels.
Second-cheapest rents, solid incomes
Rockingham County's $789 monthly rent trails only Person County ($796) in the eight-county region, while median incomes of $55,796 exceed all counties except Person, Polk, and Rowan. This combination delivers the region's strongest affordability ratio at 17.0%.
Rents well below income targets
Rockingham County households earning $55,796 spend just 17.0% of income on rent, consuming roughly $789 monthly—nearly a full percentage point below even the national comfort zone. Homeowners pay $731 monthly (15.7% of income), with median home values of $156,000 offering solid entry points for ownership.
Rockingham: strong value in the region
Rockingham County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio and $789 monthly rents make it one of North Carolina's safest affordability bets outside of Person County. Compare its costs against higher-burden neighbors like Pitt ($971) and Polk ($1,089) to see why relocators seeking value choose Rockingham.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rockingham County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Rockingham County is affordable. The median rent is $789/month against a median household income of $55,796, putting rent at 17.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $789/month rent versus $731/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $58/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,329/year. With a median household income of $55,796, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Rockingham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Rockingham County is more affordable than Caldwell County by roughly 7% ($789/mo vs $735/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rockingham County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,302
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rockingham County
Median home value is $156,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,245 vs. your max of $1,302.
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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