Cost of Living in Watauga County, NC

What does it cost to live in Watauga County? Income, housing, and affordability breakdown.

Median Income

$50,034

Median Rent

$1,067/mo

Median Home

$283,000

Affordability

256

Housing Cost Breakdown

Owning (20% down, 6.5%)

Mortgage (P&I)$1,431
Property Tax$101
Insurance$94

Total Monthly$1,626
% of Income39%

Renting

Median Rent$1,067
Renter's Insurance$25

Total Monthly$1,092
% of Income25.6%

Living in Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga County has a median household income of $50,034 with housing costs that represent 39% of income for owners and 25.6% for renters. Housing costs exceed the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting affordability challenges.

The affordability index of 256 (100 = median income perfectly covers median housing costs) gives a quick snapshot. Use our calculator for a comprehensive comparison across counties, including taxes, utilities, healthcare, and commute costs.

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Property and place

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Family and education

County-level data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2022 5-Year Estimates. Additional sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Estimates are county-level medians. This is not financial advice.