Cost of Living in Williamston, NC
Population 5,157 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Williamston's median household income of $40,556 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 (31% 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.
Williamston is about 70 miles southwest of Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake's $359,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Williamston
The median home value in Williamston is $108,900 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $621/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,556/year is 46% 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 71.8°F and lows of 49.3°F. Overall, Williamston has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Williamston has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 55 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 88 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 31 | 33 | 39 | 48 | 56 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 39 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.51 | 2.87 | 3.97 | 3.61 | 2.92 | 3.90 | 4.59 | 4.92 | 4.91 | 3.16 | 3.09 | 2.93 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Williamston, NC?
Williamston has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Williamston, NC?
The median gross rent in Williamston is $621 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Williamston?
The median home value in Williamston is $108,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Williamston?
The median household income in Williamston is $40,556 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Williamston, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Williamston is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Williamston, NC affordable?
Yes, Williamston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Williamston?
Williamston has average high temperatures of 71.8°F and average lows of 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Williamston at a Glance
- Population
- 5,157
- Median Income
- $40,556
- Home Value
- $108,900
- Median Rent
- $621/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs