Cost of Living in Swain County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Swain County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Swain County, North Carolina
Swain rents are North Carolina's lowest
Swain County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits comfortably below North Carolina's 18.6% average, and its median rent of $715/month is the lowest in this entire dataset. For renters earning $55,429 annually, Swain delivers genuine affordability.
Lowest rents in the state sample
At just $715/month, Swain's median rent is $223 below the North Carolina state average of $938, while the 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above the state average. This positions Swain as exceptionally affordable by state standards.
Swain dominates on rental affordability
Swain's $715 rent beats every comparable county—Stokes ($766), Surry ($741), Sampson ($811), and others by significant margins. The standout is the $464/month owner cost, the region's lowest, reflecting Swain's unique combination of ultra-affordable housing.
Mountain living at remarkably low cost
Swain renters dedicate just 15.5% of their $55,429 income to $715/month rent—excellent by any standard. Homeowners pay an astonishingly low $464/month, though the median home value of $209,800 suggests strong property appreciation potential.
Swain: mountain bargain you won't find elsewhere
Relocating to Swain County means claiming North Carolina's lowest rents ($715/month) and owner costs ($464/month). If mountain living and exceptional affordability appeal to you, Swain delivers both—though demand for this rare combination is rising.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Swain County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.0%
of gross income
The median home in Swain County may be a stretch
Median home value is $209,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,675 vs. your max of $1,293.
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.