Discover the 5 Richest Counties in North Carolina (and Who Lives There)

North Carolina stands at number 38 for the highest per capita income in the country, and 32% of its residents have a bachelor’s degree. With a per capita income of $55,917, North Carolina is the 13th poorest state in the country. However, several counties within the state report higher than average median household incomes and PCI. Check out the five richest counties in North Carolina and learn about their median incomes and the notable people who call them home.

1. Orange County

Located in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Orange County is one of the best places to live in the state and is also the wealthiest. Orange County has a median income of $79,205 and an average investment income of $63,645. With a median home value of $456,878, a single adult would need to make over $18 an hour for a livable wage. The largest communities in Orange County are Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane. Education, Management, and healthcare are some of the top job industries in the country. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro area schools rank as the top school district in the state. Despite this county’s prosperity, there are serious racial inequities among its residents. 

2. Wake County

Also in the Piedmont, Wake County is the second wealthiest county in North Carolina and the most populous. Wake County has a median income of $88,471 and an average investment income of $41,155. Similar to Orange County, those in Wake County need to make over $18 an hour to make a livable wage. The median home value is $463,222, and the average rent price is more than $1,600. Some of the largest cities in Wake County include Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, and Morrisville. Home to Research Triangle Park, NC State University, and the Carolina Hurricanes, Wake County is one of the best places to live and work in the state. It is also home to several of the wealthiest people in North Carolina, including multiple billionaires, such a John Sall, Tim Sweeney, and James Goodnight. Some of the top industries in Wake County are education, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and cleantech.

3. Chatham County

Located outside of Chapel Hill and Raleigh, Chatham County is well known for its recreational areas and is notable as one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The median income for Chatham County is $76,791, and its average investment income is $39,115. With a median home value of $528,211, single adults would need to make over $18 an hour as a livable wage. The largest cities in Chatham County are Siler City, Pittsboro, Moncure, and Fearrington. The county is known for its rich history and beautiful natural scenery and has experienced recent population growth. Some notable people from Chatham include Bill Bynum, Mama Dip, and Peggy Payne. The largest employment industries in the area are healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

4. Dare County

Dare County is the easternmost county in North Carolina, located along the Atlantic Ocean in the Pamlico Sound. The Median income is $69,500, the average investment income is $29,348, and the median home value is $547,928. The average apartment for rent in the county is $1,150 per month, and the livable wage for a single adult is around $18 per hour. The largest cities in Dare County are Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Southern Shores. The Outer Banks is a resort and vacation area, also featuring a rich culture and history. One of the most notable people to live in the Outer Banks was Andy Griffith, who was often seen at local stores in the county near Nags Head.

5. Union County

Included in the Charlotte metropolitan area, Union County features suburban developments and rural areas with natural recreational areas. The median income in Union County is $88,465, the average investment income is $30,910, and the median home value is $419,476. The average rent prices in this county are between $1,400 and $1,700, and single adults must make more than $18 as a livable wage. The largest cities are Monroe, Fairview, Unionville, and Indian Trail. Union County is the fifth-wealthiest county in North Carolina, and its top employment industries are manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and finance. This county is the birthplace of Senator Jesse Helms and Randy Travis.

A Recap of the 5 Richest Counties in North Carolina

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