Cost of living in Graham County, NC
Population 8,041 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Graham County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Graham County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Graham County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Graham County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Graham County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Graham County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Graham County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Graham County
What it costs to live in Graham County each month.
- Rent $840
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $380
- State tax $125
- Rent $930
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $478
- State tax $184
- Rent $1,249
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $478
- State tax $184
Frequently asked questions about Graham County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Graham County?
In Graham County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $840 per month, a two-bedroom averages $930 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,249 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Graham County?
In Graham County, NC, the average household income is $49,038 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $33,333 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Graham County?
The estimated cost of living in Graham County, NC is approximately $2,714 per month for a single person, $3,707 for a couple, $6,158 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Graham County?
The combined sales tax rate in Graham County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Graham County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Graham County, NC would need approximately $2,714 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $49,038 per year ($4,087 per month). Graham County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Graham County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Graham County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 13.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Graham County?
The average home value in Graham County, NC is $155,800, with average annual property taxes of $842, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Graham County compare to other areas?
You can compare Graham County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Graham County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP