Cost of Living in McDowell County, NC
Population 44,817 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in McDowell County, NC is $806/month, 34% lower than the North Carolina median and 43% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $171,100, 49% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $57,168 a year, 21% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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McDowell County vs. North Carolina vs. U.S.
| McDowell County | North Carolina | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $806 | $1,228 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $171,100 | $288,900 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $57,168 | $72,388 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 75.6% | 66.6% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 35.7% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 14.8% | 13.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 6.0% | 16.3% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 44.3 | 39.1 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in McDowell County, NC?
The median gross rent in McDowell County, NC is $806 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in McDowell County, NC?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $32,240 a year in gross income.
Is McDowell County, NC expensive to live in?
Rent there is 43% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.0 times the median household income.
Other counties in North Carolina
Counties with a similar cost of living
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.
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