Counties › North Carolina

Cost of Living in Swain County, NC

Population 14,013 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$742
Median home value$207,000
Median household income$52,349

The median rent in Swain County, NC is $742/month, 40% lower than the North Carolina median and 47% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $207,000, 38% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $52,349 a year, 28% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 17.0%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $29,680/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 4.0×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,047/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Swain County vs. North Carolina vs. U.S.

Swain CountyNorth CarolinaU.S.
Median rent$742$1,228$1,413
Median home value$207,000$288,900$332,700
Median household income$52,349$72,388$80,734
Homeownership rate72.7%66.6%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher21.4%35.7%35.7%
Poverty rate19.1%13.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate7.6%4.7%5.2%
Work from home6.0%16.3%15.1%
Median age42.639.138.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Swain County, NC?

The median gross rent in Swain County, NC is $742 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

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

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $29,680 a year in gross income.

Is Swain County, NC expensive to live in?

Rent there is 47% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.0 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

Covington County, ALRent $746 · Income $52,456Vernon County, MORent $734 · Income $52,230Unicoi County, TNRent $750 · Income $52,218Lincoln County, ARRent $744 · Income $51,778Bibb County, ALRent $733 · Income $52,541Mason County, KYRent $727 · Income $52,178

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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