1st Advantage MortgageIredell County households have a median income of $81,419 and median rent of $1,252 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Those figures describe the county, not you: compare at least three written offers by APR and total cost, and confirm the lender's license before you apply.
On this page
- Who lives in Iredell County
- Paychecks and income spread in Iredell County
- Jobs and commutes in Iredell County
- Renting and owning in Iredell County
- Cities, towns and CDPs in Iredell County
- Regional comparison for Iredell County
- People and households in Iredell County
- Local borrowing considerations for Iredell County
- A Iredell County household budget, worked through
- Licensing and complaints for Iredell County
- Before you sign
- Related local guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Iredell County
Iredell County is home to about 196,544 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 14th most populous of 100 county-level areas in North Carolina. It covers 574 square miles of land, or about 342 people per square mile. For statistical purposes it belongs to the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area, as delineated by the Office of Management and Budget in July 2023. The Census Bureau counts 6 places in the county (5 incorporated, 1 census-designated); the largest is Mooresville, with about 52,381 residents, or 27% of the county.
Paychecks and income spread in Iredell County
Half of Iredell County households take in less than $81,419 a year and half take in more, 12% above the North Carolina median of $72,388.
| Yearly household income | Iredell County | Gap to North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 18.7% | -4.6 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 41.9% | +0.5 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.0% | +2.1 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 12.4% | +2.1 pts |
The spread is wide: 39% of Iredell County households make $100,000 or more, and 19% make less than $35,000. 10.0% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 13.0%). The Gini index of income inequality is 0.472 (0 is perfect equality). If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Iredell County median.
Jobs and commutes in Iredell County
By the Census industry count, 19% of employed Iredell County residents work in education and health care and 16% in manufacturing. Compared with North Carolina, the county leans toward manufacturing (16% against 12%). ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 4.2% in Iredell County. Long commutes are common here: 15% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work.
| Top industries | Iredell County share | +/- vs North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 19.2% | -3.3 pts |
| Manufacturing | 15.7% | +4.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 13.8% | +2.6 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 10.9% | -1.8 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 7.9% | -0.5 pts |
| Construction | 6.7% | -0.7 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Iredell County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Renting and owning in Iredell County
Renters in Iredell County pay a median of $1,252 a month, 2% above the North Carolina figure of $1,228. 44% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 22% spend half or more. With a median value of $321,400, a typical Iredell County house costs 3.9 times what the median household earns in a year. Owners occupy 72% of homes. Half the housing stock was built before 1997.
| Housing | Iredell County | North Carolina statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $1,252/mo | $1,228/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $321,400 | $288,900 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 72% | 67% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 44% | 49% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 22% | 25% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 12.0% | 11.0% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 9% | 13% | n/a |
Cities, towns and CDPs in Iredell County
6 Census places fall mainly inside Iredell County; the 6 biggest are below. They account for 99,890 residents, leaving about 49% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. Among places of 500 or more people, median income runs from $52,880 in Statesville to $173,542 in Lake Norman of Iredell. Median rent ranges from $1,000 in Statesville to $1,626 in Mooresville. Linked names have their own city guide; this page covers every other Iredell County community.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mooresville | town | 52,381 | $89,647 | $1,626 | 16 mi |
| Statesville | city | 29,894 | $52,880 | $1,000 | 1 mi |
| Lake Norman of Iredell | CDP | 12,494 | $173,542 | $1,327 | 18 mi |
| Troutman | town | 3,995 | $98,462 | $1,292 | 8 mi |
| Harmony | town | 967 | $80,288 | $1,304 | 12 mi |
| Love Valley | town | 159 | n/a | $564 | 14 mi |
Regional comparison for Iredell County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (19 to 30 miles). None of the six report a higher median household income than Iredell County; Lincoln County is highest at $80,016 and Yadkin County lowest at $62,932.
| Nearby county | Center to center | Household income | Gross rent | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iredell County | - | $81,419 | $1,252/mo | 72% |
| Alexander County, NC | 19 mi | $65,354 | $764/mo | 81% |
| Davie County, NC | 20 mi | $75,057 | $867/mo | 82% |
| Catawba County, NC | 22 mi | $67,864 | $965/mo | 72% |
| Rowan County, NC | 23 mi | $65,725 | $1,013/mo | 72% |
| Yadkin County, NC | 27 mi | $62,932 | $766/mo | 77% |
| Lincoln County, NC | 30 mi | $80,016 | $1,015/mo | 79% |
People and households in Iredell County
34% of Iredell County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. The uninsured rate is 9.0%, against 9.9% for North Carolina.
| Residents | Iredell County | North Carolina | Middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40.8 | 39.1 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 34.1% | 35.7% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 8.5% | 9.9% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 9.0% | 9.9% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 3.7% | 5.3% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 14.6% | 16.3% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 10.0% | 13.0% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.2% | 4.7% | 4.4% |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 28.1% |
| 15 to 29 min | 38.3% |
| 30 to 44 min | 18.3% |
| 45 to 59 min | 8.1% |
| 60+ min | 7.3% |
Local borrowing considerations for Iredell County
A few patterns in the Iredell County data, and the practical point behind each:
- 12% mobile homes. Many are not titled as real estate, so home-equity options may not apply; an unsecured loan is the usual route.
- Fraud. Gift cards, wire transfers or fees to unlock a loan mean walk away (report it).
- Know your credit. Review all three bureau reports for free (AnnualCreditReport.com).
A Iredell County household budget, worked through
Here is the Iredell County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Monthly gross at the median, Iredell County: $6,785
- Median rent: $1,252, or 18 cents of every gross dollar
- 35% debt-to-income limit: $1,123 left for all other debt payments
- Under a 45% cap, $3,053 total minus rent leaves $1,801
Two-income households and single earners in Iredell County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Licensing and complaints for Iredell County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Iredell County resident can confirm its license with the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. More on North Carolina: North Carolina personal loans.
Before you sign
Steps that save money for Iredell County residents:
- Get a written quote for whatever you are paying for in Iredell County.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Iredell County-area credit union.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in North Carolina.
- Pick the shortest term whose payment still fits.
Related local guides
City guides inside Iredell County, and the statewide guide:
Frequently asked questions
Is Iredell County a high-income county?
Its $81,419 median ranks 13th of 100 North Carolina counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
How does Iredell County rent compare with North Carolina?
$1,252 locally versus $1,228 for the state, 2% above.
I own my home in Iredell County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 72% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Does this page cover Mooresville?
Yes, along with the other 5 Census places in Iredell County, such as Statesville, Lake Norman of Iredell, Troutman.
Does living in Iredell County change what I qualify for?
Not in our fit check, which uses only the amount, credit range, income and payments you enter, the same for a Iredell County resident as anyone. Lenders decide under fair-lending law.