Cost of Living in Washington County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #2,953 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, North Carolina
Washington's Rent Burden Peaks in Region
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest in this comparison and far exceeds national norms, despite modest absolute rents of $829. The median income of $41,750 stands 44% below the national average, creating the tightest housing affordability squeeze in this analysis.
Most Strained Affordability in NC Analysis
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% average, ranking as the least affordable county in this group. The combination of low wages and relatively high rents creates substantial financial pressure on area residents.
Hardest Hit by Housing-Income Mismatch
Washington's $829 rent isn't the highest in the region, but its $41,750 median income is the lowest, creating the worst affordability ratio of any county here. This rural area faces the steepest housing-to-wage challenge across Eastern North Carolina.
Nearly One-Quarter of Income to Rent
Washington renters spend $829 monthly (23.8% of income) while homeowners pay $702 (20.2%), both well above sustainable affordability levels. Even homeownership provides little relief in an economy where median wages severely lag housing costs.
Washington Demands External Income Support
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this analysis, signaling serious affordability challenges even for modest absolute housing costs. Consider this county only if you have family support, remote employment above area wages, or pension income supplementing local opportunities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Washington County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $829/month — about 23.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $829/month rent versus $702/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $127/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,086/year. With a median household income of $41,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Washington County sits 7% more expensive than Halifax County ($776/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
23.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$974
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Washington County
Median home value is $107,000. Estimated monthly cost: $854 vs. your max of $974.
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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