1st Advantage MortgageWashington County (10,812 residents) has a $41,813 median household income and $743 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. Use those as context only. A lender looks at your own documented income and debts; compare APR and total repaid on every Washington County offer.
On this page
- Who lives in Washington County
- Household income in Washington County
- Where Washington County households live
- How Washington County residents earn a living
- Washington County's most unusual numbers
- Census places in Washington County
- Counties near Washington County
- More Washington County figures
- Debt-to-income at Washington County's medians
- Local borrowing considerations for Washington County
- Four steps for Washington County borrowers
- North Carolina rules that apply in Washington County
- Other North Carolina guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Washington County
With an estimated 10,812 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Washington County ranks 95th of 100 in North Carolina for population. Washington County spans 347 square miles; with 10,812 people, that is 31.2 per square mile. Washington County is classed as nonmetropolitan in the OMB's July 2023 list. Largest place: Plymouth, about 3,250 residents (30% of Washington County); 3 Census places in all.
Household income in Washington County
Half of Washington County households take in less than $41,813 a year and half take in more, 42% below the North Carolina median of $72,388.
| Income band | Share in Washington County | Difference from North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 39.9% | +16.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 41.7% | +0.3 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 15.6% | -9.4 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 2.8% | -7.5 pts |
About 40% of households earn under $35,000, while 18% clear $100,000. Census counts 24.1% of Washington County residents in poverty, against 13.0% across North Carolina. Gini index for Washington County: 0.498. A household earning below the $41,813 median should test any payment carefully; one earning above it should still pick the shortest term it can manage.
Where Washington County households live
Washington County rent at the median: $743 a month, utilities in ($1,228 in North Carolina). By the Census definition, 50% of Washington County renters are cost-burdened. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $125,900, about 3.0 times the median household income. The ownership rate is 68%. Nationally, Washington County's $743 rent is 15% below the middle county.
| Home costs | Washington County | North Carolina | Compared with North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burdened owners | 43% | 25% | +18.2 pts |
| Vacant units | 21% | 13% | +8.9 pts |
| Median home value | $125,900 | $288,900 | 56% lower |
| Median gross rent | $743/mo | $1,228/mo | 39% lower |
| Owners | 68% | 67% | +1.4 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 50% | 49% | +0.6 pts |
How Washington County residents earn a living
Education and health care employs 25% of working residents, the largest share; retail trade is next with 12%. The sharpest difference from the state is in agriculture, forestry and mining, at 5% locally and 1% for North Carolina. Unemployment in Washington County, ACS five-year: 13.0%; North Carolina: 4.7%. 26% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 8% work from home. Households without a car make up 14.1% of the total (5.3% statewide).
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Washington County | Gap to North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.8% | +2.3 pts |
| Retail trade | 11.8% | +0.7 pts |
| Manufacturing | 9.6% | -2.0 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 8.2% | -4.5 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 8.0% | -0.4 pts |
| Public administration | 7.7% | +3.6 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
Washington County's most unusual numbers
- Washington County ranks the highest of 100 North Carolina counties for households without a vehicle: 14.1%, against 5.3% statewide. Without a car, transit and ride costs belong in the budget before any payment.
- Washington County ranks 2nd lowest of 100 North Carolina counties for median household income: $41,813, against $72,388 statewide. A lean local median makes the size of the loan the most important choice.
- Few North Carolina counties match Washington County on the ACS unemployment rate: 13.0% here, 4.7% for the state, ranking the highest of 100. Job gaps can make income hard to document; gather records first.
- Few North Carolina counties match Washington County on the poverty rate: 24.1% here, 13.0% for the state, ranking 5th highest of 100. Free help, such as utility and rent assistance, should come before any loan.
Census places in Washington County
3 Census places fall mainly inside Washington County; the 3 biggest are below. They account for 3,851 residents, leaving about 64% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. Plymouth and every other Washington County community use this county guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth | town | 3,250 | $34,521 | $728 | 10 mi |
| Roper | town | 384 | $22,819 | $643 | 3 mi |
| Creswell | town | 217 | $33,594 | n/a | 10 mi |
Counties near Washington County
Six nearby counties, 20 to 31 miles away by the straight-line distance between their centers. Richest neighbor: Perquimans County, $67,917. Poorest: Tyrrell County, $41,685. Washington County: $41,813.
| County | Distance | Median income | Median rent | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County | - | $41,813 | $743/mo | 68% |
| Chowan County, NC | 20 mi | $53,864 | $681/mo | 71% |
| Tyrrell County, NC | 23 mi | $41,685 | $644/mo | 78% |
| Perquimans County, NC | 25 mi | $67,917 | $1,008/mo | 77% |
| Bertie County, NC | 26 mi | $48,750 | $839/mo | 73% |
| Beaufort County, NC | 29 mi | $58,357 | $871/mo | 70% |
| Martin County, NC | 31 mi | $48,578 | $758/mo | 67% |
More Washington County figures
Bachelor's degree or higher: 15% of Washington County adults. 9.2% of residents have no health coverage.
| Measure | Washington County | Gap to North Carolina | Gap to typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 48.8 | +9.7 yrs | +7.3 yrs |
| Bachelor's or higher | 14.8% | -20.8 pts | -7.3 pts |
| No high school diploma | 13.9% | +4.1 pts | n/a |
| No health insurance | 9.2% | -0.6 pts | +1.4 pts |
| No vehicle | 14.1% | +8.8 pts | +8.7 pts |
| Work from home | 8.1% | -8.3 pts | -0.6 pts |
| Poverty rate | 24.1% | +11.0 pts | +10.9 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 13.0% | +8.3 pts | +8.6 pts |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 37.7% |
| 15 to 29 min | 21.3% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.0% |
| 45 to 59 min | 6.9% |
| 60+ min | 19.1% |
Debt-to-income at Washington County's medians
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Washington County's medians:
- Start: $3,484 gross per month ($41,813 / 12)
- Rent at the median, $743, takes 21% of that
- $651: what a 40% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Local borrowing considerations for Washington County
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Washington County borrowers.
- Keeping the car running. At 26% with long commutes, repairs are a frequent Washington County emergency; first decide if the car is worth fixing.
- Mobile homes in Washington County. At 24% of units, they are a big part of local housing; check whether yours is titled as real or personal property.
- Retirees. At a median age of 48.8, many borrowers here rely on award letters as proof of income; favor no prepayment penalty.
- Lower-cost alternatives. In a county with 24% in poverty, nonprofit credit counseling may beat a loan (options).
Four steps for Washington County borrowers
Four checks before you sign anything:
- Write down what the expense costs; a smaller loan costs less.
- Ask each lender for the APR and all fees in writing.
- Only work with lenders licensed for North Carolina borrowers.
- Ask about early-payoff penalties.
North Carolina rules that apply in Washington County
Licensing happens at the state level, so a lender working with Washington County borrowers answers to the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. The North Carolina guide covers state rules in more detail.
Other North Carolina guides
Statewide:
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Washington County household make?
About $41,813 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 42% below the North Carolina median.
Can a Washington County renter afford a loan payment?
At the $743 median rent and $3,484 median monthly income, rent alone uses 21%; add other debts before a new payment.
How many towns are in Washington County?
The Census Bureau counts 3 places mainly in the county, led by Plymouth, Roper, Creswell.
Is the fit check different in Washington County?
No. It is identical everywhere, and it never looks at your neighborhood.
Where can someone in Washington County check a lender's license?
With the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks. If a lender is unlicensed or asks for a fee before funding, walk away.