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
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.
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
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.