Cost of Living in Wilson County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wilson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wilson County ranks #3,070 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wilson County, North Carolina
Wilson's housing costs strain budgets
Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% pushes above the national comfort zone, meaning renters here dedicate significantly more income to housing than the typical American household. At $915/month in median rent against a $51,381 household income, Wilson renters face tighter affordability than peers in stronger economies.
Above-average housing pressure in NC
Wilson County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's average of 18.6%, positioning it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $915/month reflects regional cost pressures that outpace typical state housing rates.
Wilson carries the highest rent burden
Wilson County renters pay the highest median rent in this comparison—$915/month—while also facing the steepest rent-to-income ratio at 21.4%. Only Yadkin County approaches Wilson's median home value of $171,800, but with significantly better affordability metrics.
Housing consumes larger income share
Wilson County households allocate $915 monthly for rent or $948 for mortgage payments against a $51,381 annual median income ($4,282/month). Renters dedicate 21.4% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 22.2%—both above the 30% affordability threshold that signals strain.
Wilson: explore alternatives nearby
Wilson County renters and homebuyers facing affordability pressure should compare neighboring Wilkes County (17% rent ratio) and Yadkin County (14.6% rent ratio) for potentially better housing value. With strategic location choices, families in this region can access similar job markets with substantially lower housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wilson County
Affordability Verdict
Wilson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $915/month representing approximately 21.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $915/month rent versus $948/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $33/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,629/year. With a median household income of $51,381, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Wilson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Davidson County where rent averages $863/month, Wilson County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wilson County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,199
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.1%
of gross income
The median home in Wilson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $171,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,372 vs. your max of $1,199.
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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