Cost of Living in Sampson County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sampson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sampson County ranks #2,805 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sampson County, North Carolina
Sampson keeps housing costs moderate
Sampson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just below the state average of 18.6%, reflecting a housing market that doesn't squeeze renters too hard. At $811/month median rent on a $53,159 household income, Sampson residents spend proportionally less than many U.S. counties.
Affordable compared to state norms
Sampson's median rent of $811/month falls well below North Carolina's state average of $938, saving renters about $127 per month. The county's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's more accessible housing markets.
Sampson rents undercut the region
At $811/month, Sampson rents are higher than Rutherford ($748) but competitive with Scotland ($766) and lower than Stanly ($830). On the ownership side, Sampson's $681 monthly cost is the lowest among these peer counties, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers.
Housing takes one-sixth of income
Sampson renters allocate 18.3% of their $53,159 median household income—roughly $811/month—to gross rent. Homeowners spend $681/month, and the median home value of $128,400 is notably lower than surrounding counties, offering genuine first-time buyer opportunities.
Sampson: affordable living, rural character
Relocating to Sampson means finding rents $127 below the state average and the lowest homeowner costs in the region. If you're seeking rural North Carolina living without breaking the bank, Sampson's affordability metrics make it a genuine contender.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sampson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sampson County is affordable. The median rent is $811/month against a median household income of $53,159, putting rent at 18.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sampson County is $811/month, while owner costs run $681/month. Owning saves approximately $130/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,186/year. With a median household income of $53,159, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Sampson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Davidson County where rent averages $863/month, Sampson County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sampson County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,240
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sampson County
Median home value is $128,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,025 vs. your max of $1,240.
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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