Cost of Living in Surry County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Surry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Surry County ranks #1,577 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Surry County, North Carolina
Surry keeps housing costs in check
Surry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% comfortably beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, reflecting a balanced housing market. On a $56,095 median household income, the $741 monthly rent remains well within manageable territory.
Well-above-average affordability statewide
At 15.8%, Surry ranks among North Carolina's more affordable counties, with renters enjoying a rent burden 2.8 percentage points below the state average. The $741 median rent falls $197 below the statewide median of $938.
Surry rents are among the lowest
Surry's $741 rent is the second-lowest in this group (after Swain's $715) and notably cheaper than Stanly ($830) and Sampson ($811). The $687 monthly owner cost is also competitive, making both renting and buying accessible here.
Housing takes less than one-sixth
Surry renters spend 15.8% of their $56,095 median income on $741/month rent—a healthy proportion. Homeowners pay $687/month, and the median home value of $166,400 offers solid entry points for buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing county income levels.
Surry: quiet affordability on the Piedmont
Considering a move? Surry County offers rents $197 below the state average and a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio that ranks among North Carolina's best. The combination of low costs and moderate incomes makes it genuinely attractive for budget-conscious relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: Surry County
Affordability Verdict
Surry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $741/month — about 15.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $741/month rent versus $687/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $54/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,443/year. With a median household income of $56,095, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Surry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Surry County is less affordable than Person County by roughly 7% ($741/mo vs $796/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Surry County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,309
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
The median home in Surry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $166,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,328 vs. your max of $1,309.
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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