Wake County, NC Median Household Income: Trends, Analysis, and Key Findings

The median household income in Wake County was $95,629 in 2021, which marked an an increase of 936(0.99%) from $94,693 in 2020. This income is 128.18% of the U.S. median household income of $74,606 (all incomes in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars).
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Updated Jan 11, 2024

Median Household Income in Wake County, NC (2010-2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Below, you will find a table illustrating the median household income in Wake County, spanning the years from 2010 to 2021, with all figures adjusted to 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Year Median Household Income YOY Change($) YOY Change(%)
2010 86,044 - -
2011 85,370 -674 -0.78%
2012 84,310 -1,060 -1.24%
2013 83,280 -1,030 -1.22%
2014 82,625 -655 -0.79%
2015 83,387 762 0.92%
2016 86,373 2,986 3.58%
2017 88,117 1,744 2.02%
2018 89,966 1,849 2.10%
2019 92,536 2,570 2.86%
2020 94,693 2,157 2.33%
2021 95,629 936 0.99%
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Avg Income Age group Avg Income Diversity Index Population Gender ratio (M:F) Homeownership % Avg commute time Custom Dataset: Wake County Self-employed, multilingual, car-commuting, insured individuals 15 to 24 years $27,865 75 27,354 0.75 0.5% 55 min 25 to 44 years $44,231 90 37,459 0.86 19% 43 min 45 to 64 years $53,865 95 42,167 0.77 35% 15 min 65 to 74 years $51,800 74 32,972 0.91 45% 13 min 75 to 84 years $41,234 66 26,758 0.87 66% 42 min 85 years and over $36,093 56 18,857 0.89 76% 45 min

Wake County, NC median household income trends: 2010 to 2021

From 2010 to 2021, the median household income for Wake County increased by $9,585 (11.14%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $4,559 (6.51%) between 2010 and 2021.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2021, spanning 11 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2022 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years.

The line chart shows Wake County, NC median household income from 2010 to 2021. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Wake County, NC median household income trends: 2010 to 2021. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. We observed that the median household income experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2015 to 2016, when the median household income increased by 2,986 (from $83,387 to $86,373). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2011 to 2012, when the median household income decreased by 1,060 (from $85,370 to $84,310).

When compared to all of the counties in the state of North Carolina, Wake County is ranked 1st among the 100 counties for its median household income. Among all the counties in North Carolina, Wake County holds top rank for its median household income. This ranking suggests that Wake County is among the highest-income counties in the state of North Carolina

Median household income in Wake County, NC by household size

To gain deeper insights into the median household income for Wake County, we conducted an analysis of the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 year Estimates (the most recent data available).

Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Wake County. Across the different household sizes in Wake County the mean income is $115,166, and the standard deviation is $32,882. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 28.55%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.

In the most recent year, 2021, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $50,073. It then further increased to $106,754 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.

Bar chart showing Wake County, NC median household income for different household sizes in 2021. The chart illustrates income trends for 1-person to 7-or-more person households, with values adjusted for inflation. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
Wake County, NC median household income, by household size (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

Wake County median household income by household size

The table below displays median household incomes for various household sizes, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Explore how household income varies with the size of the family unit.

Household Size Median Household Income
1-person households 50,073
2-person households 104,278
3-person households 125,800
4-person households 149,220
5-person households 134,824
6-person households 135,211
7-or-more-person households 106,754
Exploring Wake County's Diversity? Request Customized Data Now!

According to the Census Bureau data, the median household income reaches its peak among 4-person households, reaching $149,220 .

Wake County, NC income distribution and inequality

To gain a comprehensive understanding of income distribution in Wake County, we conducted an analysis of quintiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the bureau does not categorize income into subjective classes like lower-income, middle-class, or upper-class, they instead divide the population into five quintiles, ensuring that each quintile represents nearly the same number of households. This classification allows us to analyze income levels across a spectrum from the lowest to the highest income groups.

Bar chart illustrating the Wake County mean household income for different quintiles, plus the top 5%, with values adjusted for 2022 inflation using R-CPI-U-RS. The chart provides insights into income distribution, showcasing variations across quintiles and highlighting the income of the top 5%. Useful for analyzing income disparities and trends for Wake County.
Mean household income by quintiles in Wake County, NC (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars): The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 524,675, which is 169.74% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 2236.75% higher compared to the lowest quintile. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

Mean household income by quintile in Wake County

The table below presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Wake County, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Income Level Mean Household Income
Lowest Quintile 23,457
Second Quintile 59,298
Third Quintile 97,017
Fourth Quintile 151,079
Highest Quintile 309,100
Top 5 Percent 524,675
Exploring Wake County's Diversity? Request Customized Data Now!

Key findings:

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 23,457, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 309,100. This indicates that the top earners earn 13 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • Top 5%: The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 524,675, which is 169.74% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 2236.75% higher compared to the lowest quintile.

Furthermore, as per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Wake County is 0.4468. Gini coefficient is a numeric measure ranging from 0 to 1, where lower numbers indicate greater income equality (with 0 representing complete equality, where all households earn the same income) and higher values signify greater income inequality (with 1 being complete inequality where one household receives all income).

Gini coefficient:
0.4468

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS)

With a Gini coefficient of 0.4468, it is evident that income distribution in Wake County, NC exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Wake County.

It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Wake County

Median household income in Wake County, NC by family type, 2021

The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Wake County reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories.

Interestingly, we found that the median household income did vary between family households and non-family households. In 2021, for Wake County, there were a total of 278,207 family households and 143,937 non-family households.

For the family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $124,110. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $54,907.

Wake County, NC households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, 2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars

The table below presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Wake County. The data in the table offers insights into the distribution of Wake County households based on income levels.

Income Level All Households % All Households Family Households % Family Households Non-Family Households % Non-Family Households
Total: 422,144 100.00% 278,207 100.00% 143,937 100.00%
Less than $10,000 15,361 3.64% 5,280 1.90% 10,081 7.00%
$10,000 to $14,999 9,609 2.28% 3,564 1.28% 6,045 4.20%
$15,000 to $19,999 10,025 2.37% 3,274 1.18% 6,751 4.69%
$20,000 to $24,999 13,708 3.25% 5,971 2.15% 7,737 5.38%
$25,000 to $29,999 12,615 2.99% 5,922 2.13% 6,693 4.65%
$30,000 to $34,999 15,360 3.64% 6,616 2.38% 8,744 6.07%
$35,000 to $39,999 14,753 3.49% 7,642 2.75% 7,111 4.94%
$40,000 to $44,999 14,119 3.34% 6,907 2.48% 7,212 5.01%
$45,000 to $49,999 14,060 3.33% 7,039 2.53% 7,021 4.88%
$50,000 to $59,999 26,309 6.23% 13,616 4.89% 12,693 8.82%
$60,000 to $74,999 38,477 9.11% 22,154 7.96% 16,323 11.34%
$75,000 to $99,999 52,645 12.47% 35,595 12.79% 17,050 11.85%
$100,000 to $124,999 43,773 10.37% 32,859 11.81% 10,914 7.58%
$125,000 to $149,999 36,590 8.67% 29,105 10.46% 7,485 5.20%
$150,000 to $199,999 45,796 10.85% 39,287 14.12% 6,509 4.52%
$200,000 or more 58,944 13.96% 53,376 19.19% 5,568 3.87%
Exploring Wake County's Diversity? Request Customized Data Now!

Key findings:

  • For Family Households: In Wake County, the majority of family households, representing 19.19%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 1.18%, have incomes falling $200,000 or more, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Wake County, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 11.85%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 3.87%, earn $200,000 or more, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
  • For Total Households (Combining Family and Non-Family): When considering total households in Wake County, the majority, constituting 13.96%, earn $200,000 or more, demonstrating that a significant portion of community households falls within this income bracket. Simultaneously, the minority of total households, representing 2.28%, have incomes $10,000 to $14,999, signifying a smaller segment of households in the community.

Things to know

What is the Gini index for Wake County, NC?

As per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Wake County is 0.4468. With this value of Gini coefficient, it is evident that income distribution in Wake County exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Wake County.

It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Wake County

What is the median household income in Wake County, NC?

As per the latest American Community Survey data released on Sep 14,2023, the median household income for Wake County is $96,806. This income is 128.18% of the U.S. median household income of $74,606 (all incomes in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars).

How does Wake County, NC median household income compare to the rest of the United States?

When compared to all of the counties in the state of North Carolina, Wake County is ranked 1st among the 100 counties for its median household income. Among all the counties in North Carolina, Wake County holds top rank for its median household income. This ranking suggests that Wake County is among the highest-income counties in the state of North Carolina

References

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2023
Wake County, NC households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Wake County, NC, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Wake County, NC reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Wake County households based on income levels.

Key observations

  • For Family Households: In Wake County, the majority of family households, representing 19.19%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 1.18%, have incomes falling $200,000 or more, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Wake County, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 11.85%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 3.87%, earn $200,000 or more, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Less than $10,000
  • $10,000 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $59,999
  • $60,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $125,000 to $149,999
  • $150,000 to $199,999
  • $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Wake County, NC (As mentioned above).
  • All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
  • % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Wake County, NC
  • Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
  • % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Wake County, NC
  • Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
  • % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Wake County, NC

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Wake County median household income. You can refer the same here

Median Household Income Variation by Family Size in Wake County, NC: Comparative analysis across 7 household sizes
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median household incomes for various household sizes in Wake County, NC, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in median household income with the size of the family unit, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.

Key observations

  • Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Wake County. Across the different household sizes in Wake County the mean income is $115,166, and the standard deviation is $32,882. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 28.55%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.
  • In the most recent year, 2021, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $50,073. It then further increased to $106,754 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Household Sizes:

  • 1-person households
  • 2-person households
  • 3-person households
  • 4-person households
  • 5-person households
  • 6-person households
  • 7-or-more-person households

Variables / Data Columns

  • Household Size: This column showcases 7 household sizes ranging from 1-person households to 7-or-more-person households (As mentioned above).
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific household size.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Wake County median household income. You can refer the same here

Wake County, NC Median Household Income Trends (2010-2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset illustrates the median household income in Wake County, spanning the years from 2010 to 2021, with all figures adjusted to 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars. Based on the latest 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates from the American Community Survey, it displays how income varied over the last decade. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into median household income trends and explore income variations.

Key observations:

From 2010 to 2021, the median household income for Wake County increased by $9,585 (11.14%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $4,559 (6.51%) between 2010 and 2021.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2021, spanning 11 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2022 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2022-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Years for which data is available:

  • 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year from 2010 to 2021
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific year
  • YOY Change($): Change in median household income between the current and the previous year, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars
  • YOY Change(%): Percent change in median household income between current and the previous year

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Wake County median household income. You can refer the same here

Income Distribution by Quintile: Mean Household Income in Wake County, NC
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Wake County, NC, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in mean household income across quintiles, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Key observations

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 23,457, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 309,100. This indicates that the top earners earn 13 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • *Top 5%: * The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 524,675, which is 169.74% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 2236.75% higher compared to the lowest quintile.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Lowest Quintile
  • Second Quintile
  • Third Quintile
  • Fourth Quintile
  • Highest Quintile
  • Top 5 Percent

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: This column showcases the income levels (As mentioned above).
  • Mean Household Income: Mean household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific income level.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Wake County median household income. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

Explore more

Median household income of places that contain Wake County (in 2022 dollars)
Median household income of popular cities (in 2022 dollars)

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Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

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