Special Interest
Housing in Cherokee County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Cherokee County averages $813/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Carolina median of $1,228 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Cherokee County FMR Area are $705 for a studio, $779 for 1‑bedroom, $1,022 for 2‑bedroom, $1,410 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,637 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $209 increase for a 2-bedroom in Cherokee County shows a 26% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Cherokee County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to North Carolina at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
