Cost of Living in Henderson, NC
Population 14,922 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Henderson's median household income of $38,780 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here).
Geographically, Henderson is about 35 miles northeast of Durham, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 67% lower than Durham's $355,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Henderson
The median home value in Henderson is $116,800 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $835/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,780/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 5.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Henderson has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% 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 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 50 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.43 | 2.78 | 4.10 | 3.53 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 5.02 | 4.71 | 5.15 | 3.37 | 3.32 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Henderson, NC?
Henderson has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Henderson, NC?
The median gross rent in Henderson is $835 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Henderson?
The median home value in Henderson is $116,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Henderson?
The median household income in Henderson is $38,780 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Henderson, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Henderson is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Henderson, NC affordable?
Yes, Henderson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Henderson?
Henderson has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.1". Average annual snowfall is 5.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Henderson at a Glance
- Population
- 14,922
- Median Income
- $38,780
- Home Value
- $116,800
- Median Rent
- $835/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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