Cost of Living in Graham, NC
Population 17,537 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Graham is a smaller North Carolina community of around 18000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,783 and housing costs ($201,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Graham sits roughly 25 miles east of Greensboro. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Greensboro's $221,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Graham
The median home value in Graham is $200,600 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $990/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,783/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 72.2°F and lows of 49.2°F. Overall, Graham has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 56 | 64 | 74 | 80 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 70 | 68 | 62 | 49 | 38 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.07 | 2.81 | 3.88 | 3.83 | 3.37 | 4.28 | 4.65 | 3.53 | 4.40 | 3.09 | 3.27 | 3.12 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Graham, NC?
Graham has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Graham, NC?
The median gross rent in Graham is $990 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Graham?
The median home value in Graham is $200,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Graham?
The median household income in Graham is $54,783 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Graham, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Graham is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Graham, NC affordable?
Yes, Graham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Graham?
Graham has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 49.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Graham at a Glance
- Population
- 17,537
- Median Income
- $54,783
- Home Value
- $200,600
- Median Rent
- $990/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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