Counties › North Carolina

Cost of Living in Jackson County, NC

Population 43,771 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$904
Median home value$284,700
Median household income$55,815

The median rent in Jackson County, NC is $904/month, 26% lower than the North Carolina median and 36% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $284,700, 14% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $55,815 a year, 23% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 19.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $36,160/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 5.1×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,440/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Jackson County vs. North Carolina vs. U.S.

Jackson CountyNorth CarolinaU.S.
Median rent$904$1,228$1,413
Median home value$284,700$288,900$332,700
Median household income$55,815$72,388$80,734
Homeownership rate60.8%66.6%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher31.1%35.7%35.7%
Poverty rate18.0%13.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.9%4.7%5.2%
Work from home7.8%16.3%15.1%
Median age38.139.138.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Jackson County, NC?

The median gross rent in Jackson County, NC is $904 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Jackson County, NC?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $36,160 a year in gross income.

Is Jackson County, NC expensive to live in?

Rent there is 36% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.1 times the median household income.

Other counties in North Carolina

Wake County, NCRent $1,623 · Income $105,768Mecklenburg County, NCRent $1,627 · Income $87,005Guilford County, NCRent $1,163 · Income $68,642Forsyth County, NCRent $1,098 · Income $67,165Cumberland County, NCRent $1,222 · Income $61,291Durham County, NCRent $1,508 · Income $82,316

Counties with a similar cost of living

Alamosa County, CORent $907 · Income $55,397Crittenden County, ARRent $911 · Income $55,358Carroll County, KYRent $910 · Income $56,466Isabella County, MIRent $913 · Income $55,237Cabell County, WVRent $923 · Income $55,832Delaware County, OKRent $913 · Income $56,676

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.