Cost of Living in Wadesboro, NC

Population 4,966 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

47
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wadesboro's median household income of $34,125 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 (30% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Wadesboro is about 45 miles southeast of Concord, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Concord's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 70

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Wadesboro

The median home value in Wadesboro is $98,600 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $921/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,125/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.8%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 50.2°F. Overall, Wadesboro has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$98,600
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$513,041
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$921/mo
30% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 59.0%
Renter-occupied 41.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$921
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,535/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.9 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.2%
Carpooled
25.6%
Walked
2.5%
Work from home
8.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$34,125
54% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,186
Unemployment Rate
12.8%
165% above avg
Poverty Rate
30.0%
Labor Force Participation
59.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.5%
Graduate degree 3.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.6
Male median age 40.6
Female median age 35.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.3°F
Avg Low
50.2°F
Annual Precip
37.9"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 535764738087918983736355
Low °F 323541495765696862504034
Precip" 3.002.773.192.902.893.733.633.793.182.972.912.96

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

86%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
3,147
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wadesboro, NC?

Wadesboro has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wadesboro, NC?

The median gross rent in Wadesboro is $921 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wadesboro?

The median home value in Wadesboro is $98,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wadesboro?

The median household income in Wadesboro is $34,125 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wadesboro, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wadesboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Wadesboro, NC affordable?

Yes, Wadesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Wadesboro?

Wadesboro has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wadesboro at a Glance

Population
4,966
Median Income
$34,125
Home Value
$98,600
Median Rent
$921/mo
Unemployment
12.8%
Avg High Temp
72.3°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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