Counties where children have the best opportunity for economic mobility in North Carolina
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.63
- Median Income: $56,819
- Population: 226,097
--- 74.2% white
--- 17.1% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.7% Asian
- Median Income: $56,819
- Population: 226,097
--- 74.2% white
--- 17.1% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.7% Asian
#50. Gaston County
CJ Nunnery // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.63
- Median Income: $57,674
- Population: 62,676
--- 70.9% white
--- 19.2% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
- Median Income: $57,674
- Population: 62,676
--- 70.9% white
--- 19.2% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
#49. Lee County
Gary Rolband // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.63
- Median Income: $43,938
- Population: 26,598
--- 95.8% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $43,938
- Population: 26,598
--- 95.8% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#48. Ashe County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.64
- Median Income: $55,041
- Population: 36,491
--- 87.7% white
--- 5.1% Black
--- 0.9% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
- Median Income: $55,041
- Population: 36,491
--- 87.7% white
--- 5.1% Black
--- 0.9% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
#47. Alexander County
Nikola Spasic Photography // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.64
- Median Income: $50,422
- Population: 170,600
--- 55.3% white
--- 35.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.7% Asian
- Median Income: $50,422
- Population: 170,600
--- 55.3% white
--- 35.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.7% Asian
#46. Pitt County
KAD Photo // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.64
- Median Income: $76,791
- Population: 75,070
--- 76.6% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.6% Asian
- Median Income: $76,791
- Population: 75,070
--- 76.6% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.6% Asian
#45. Chatham County
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.64
- Median Income: $56,830
- Population: 380,583
--- 62.4% white
--- 25.9% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.4% Asian
- Median Income: $56,830
- Population: 380,583
--- 62.4% white
--- 25.9% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.4% Asian
#44. Forsyth County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.65
- Median Income: $57,840
- Population: 159,852
--- 77.5% white
--- 8.1% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.5% Asian
- Median Income: $57,840
- Population: 159,852
--- 77.5% white
--- 8.1% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.5% Asian
#43. Catawba County
Mary Terriberry // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.65
- Median Income: $52,637
- Population: 44,588
--- 92.2% white
--- 3.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $52,637
- Population: 44,588
--- 92.2% white
--- 3.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#42. Stokes County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.65
- Median Income: $52,063
- Population: 61,695
--- 93.4% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $52,063
- Population: 61,695
--- 93.4% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#41. Haywood County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.66
- Median Income: $53,600
- Population: 145,784
--- 75.1% white
--- 16.2% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
- Median Income: $53,600
- Population: 145,784
--- 75.1% white
--- 16.2% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
#40. Rowan County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.66
- Median Income: $52,124
- Population: 12,293
--- 76.1% white
--- 18.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $52,124
- Population: 12,293
--- 76.1% white
--- 18.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#39. Pamlico County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.66
- Median Income: $58,646
- Population: 537,113
--- 52.5% white
--- 34.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.2% Asian
- Median Income: $58,646
- Population: 537,113
--- 52.5% white
--- 34.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.2% Asian
#38. Guilford County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.67
- Median Income: $56,510
- Population: 40,240
--- 57.1% white
--- 36.3% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
- Median Income: $56,510
- Population: 40,240
--- 57.1% white
--- 36.3% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
#37. Pasquotank County
D Guest Smith // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.67
- Median Income: $53,138
- Population: 13,002
--- 72.4% white
--- 22.8% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $53,138
- Population: 13,002
--- 72.4% white
--- 22.8% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#36. Perquimans County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.68
- Median Income: $53,456
- Population: 52,169
--- 43.4% white
--- 33.2% Black
--- 7.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.5% Asian
- Median Income: $53,456
- Population: 52,169
--- 43.4% white
--- 33.2% Black
--- 7.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.5% Asian
#35. Hoke County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.68
- Median Income: $42,401
- Population: 9,326
--- 62.3% white
--- 27.8% Black
--- 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
- Median Income: $42,401
- Population: 9,326
--- 62.3% white
--- 27.8% Black
--- 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
#34. Jones County
George Dukin // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.68
- Median Income: $47,155
- Population: 10,997
--- 93.8% white
--- 2.4% Black
--- 1.7% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $47,155
- Population: 10,997
--- 93.8% white
--- 2.4% Black
--- 1.7% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#33. Clay County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.68
- Median Income: $50,746
- Population: 333,582
--- 46.6% white
--- 37.2% Black
--- 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.5% Asian
- Median Income: $50,746
- Population: 333,582
--- 46.6% white
--- 37.2% Black
--- 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.5% Asian
#32. Cumberland County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.68
- Median Income: $47,989
- Population: 42,983
--- 81.2% white
--- 2.1% Black
--- 7.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
- Median Income: $47,989
- Population: 42,983
--- 81.2% white
--- 2.1% Black
--- 7.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
#31. Jackson County
Wileydoc // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.69
- Median Income: $59,676
- Population: 133,074
--- 65.4% white
--- 21.2% Black
--- 1.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
- Median Income: $59,676
- Population: 133,074
--- 65.4% white
--- 21.2% Black
--- 1.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
#30. Harnett County
digidreamgrafix // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.69
- Median Income: $73,124
- Population: 1,100,984
--- 49.9% white
--- 31.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 6% Asian
- Median Income: $73,124
- Population: 1,100,984
--- 49.9% white
--- 31.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 6% Asian
#29. Mecklenburg County
Anthony Ricci // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.71
- Median Income: $59,928
- Population: 115,613
--- 88.5% white
--- 3.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.4% Asian
- Median Income: $59,928
- Population: 115,613
--- 88.5% white
--- 3.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.4% Asian
#28. Henderson County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.71
- Median Income: $64,657
- Population: 42,543
--- 86.8% white
--- 4.6% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $64,657
- Population: 42,543
--- 86.8% white
--- 4.6% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#27. Davie County
Wileydoc / Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.71
- Median Income: $66,026
- Population: 211,320
--- 72.5% white
--- 16.2% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $66,026
- Population: 211,320
--- 72.5% white
--- 16.2% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#26. Johnston County
Isaiah N Lilly // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.71
- Median Income: $56,462
- Population: 62,148
--- 82.8% white
--- 11.7% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.8% Asian
- Median Income: $56,462
- Population: 62,148
--- 82.8% white
--- 11.7% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.8% Asian
#25. Stanly County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.72
- Median Income: $57,830
- Population: 32,979
--- 90.8% white
--- 4.4% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.1% Asian
- Median Income: $57,830
- Population: 32,979
--- 90.8% white
--- 4.4% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.1% Asian
#24. Transylvania County
iofoto // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.72
- Median Income: $64,400
- Population: 133,789
--- 83.4% white
--- 9.1% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $64,400
- Population: 133,789
--- 83.4% white
--- 9.1% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#23. Brunswick County
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.73
- Median Income: $67,000
- Population: 320,146
--- 48.9% white
--- 35.2% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.9% Asian
- Median Income: $67,000
- Population: 320,146
--- 48.9% white
--- 35.2% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.9% Asian
#22. Durham County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.73
- Median Income: $56,325
- Population: 101,405
--- 69.4% white
--- 21.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.6% Asian
- Median Income: $56,325
- Population: 101,405
--- 69.4% white
--- 21.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.6% Asian
#21. Craven County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.74
- Median Income: $65,681
- Population: 59,964
--- 76.6% white
--- 13.5% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $65,681
- Population: 59,964
--- 76.6% white
--- 13.5% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#20. Pender County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.74
- Median Income: $75,765
- Population: 221,200
--- 67.6% white
--- 19.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.6% Asian
- Median Income: $75,765
- Population: 221,200
--- 67.6% white
--- 19.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 4.6% Asian
#19. Cabarrus County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.74
- Median Income: $46,383
- Population: 17,747
--- 90.2% white
--- 4.1% Black
--- 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $46,383
- Population: 17,747
--- 90.2% white
--- 4.1% Black
--- 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#18. Avery County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.74
- Median Income: $65,399
- Population: 85,670
--- 87.8% white
--- 5% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.8% Asian
- Median Income: $65,399
- Population: 85,670
--- 87.8% white
--- 5% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.8% Asian
#17. Lincoln County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.75
- Median Income: $55,058
- Population: 19,413
--- 90.6% white
--- 4.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $55,058
- Population: 19,413
--- 90.6% white
--- 4.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#16. Polk County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.75
- Median Income: $66,824
- Population: 183,965
--- 78.6% white
--- 11.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.4% Asian
- Median Income: $66,824
- Population: 183,965
--- 78.6% white
--- 11.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.4% Asian
#15. Iredell County
SevenMaps // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.77
- Median Income: $51,599
- Population: 10,584
--- 63% white
--- 30% Black
--- 1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
- Median Income: $51,599
- Population: 10,584
--- 63% white
--- 30% Black
--- 1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
#14. Gates County
David Garrison // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.77
- Median Income: $62,332
- Population: 67,598
--- 65.9% white
--- 23.7% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $62,332
- Population: 67,598
--- 65.9% white
--- 23.7% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#13. Franklin County
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.77
- Median Income: $88,465
- Population: 235,699
--- 76.6% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 3.5% Asian
- Median Income: $88,465
- Population: 235,699
--- 76.6% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 3.5% Asian
#12. Union County
KAD Photo // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.78
- Median Income: $67,440
- Population: 98,618
--- 79.4% white
--- 10.7% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
- Median Income: $67,440
- Population: 98,618
--- 79.4% white
--- 10.7% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.1% Asian
#11. Moore County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.8
- Median Income: $61,805
- Population: 67,944
--- 88.5% white
--- 4.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
- Median Income: $61,805
- Population: 67,944
--- 88.5% white
--- 4.4% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
#10. Carteret County
Nagel Photography // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.81
- Median Income: $59,699
- Population: 266,981
--- 86.4% white
--- 5.8% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
- Median Income: $59,699
- Population: 266,981
--- 86.4% white
--- 5.8% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.2% Asian
#9. Buncombe County
PatGallery // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.84
- Median Income: $62,362
- Population: 225,175
--- 79.6% white
--- 12.6% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
- Median Income: $62,362
- Population: 225,175
--- 79.6% white
--- 12.6% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
#8. New Hanover County
MarkVanDykePhotography // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $69,500
- Population: 36,718
--- 88.9% white
--- 3.7% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $69,500
- Population: 36,718
--- 88.9% white
--- 3.7% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#7. Dare County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $88,471
- Population: 1,112,883
--- 62.5% white
--- 19.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 7.5% Asian
- Median Income: $88,471
- Population: 1,112,883
--- 62.5% white
--- 19.9% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 7.5% Asian
#6. Wake County
Anya Douglas // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $54,732
- Population: 201,597
--- 72.1% white
--- 14.3% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2% Asian
- Median Income: $54,732
- Population: 201,597
--- 72.1% white
--- 14.3% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2% Asian
#5. Onslow County
aceshot1 // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.91
- Median Income: $79,416
- Population: 27,575
--- 87.6% white
--- 5.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $79,416
- Population: 27,575
--- 87.6% white
--- 5.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#4. Currituck County
Constantine Lukashin // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.92
- Median Income: $68,560
- Population: 10,353
--- 81.2% white
--- 10.6% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.9% Asian
- Median Income: $68,560
- Population: 10,353
--- 81.2% white
--- 10.6% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.9% Asian
#3. Camden County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.94
- Median Income: $48,786
- Population: 54,077
--- 93.2% white
--- 1.8% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
- Median Income: $48,786
- Population: 54,077
--- 93.2% white
--- 1.8% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.3% Asian
#2. Watauga County
Bryan Pollard // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.01
- Median Income: $79,205
- Population: 147,376
--- 73.2% white
--- 11.1% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 7.9% Asian
- Median Income: $79,205
- Population: 147,376
--- 73.2% white
--- 11.1% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 7.9% Asian
This story features data reporting and writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
#1. Orange County
Bryan Pollard // Shutterstock