SmartAsset says Polk is among highest payments in North Carolina

POLK COUNTY—According to a recent study, Polk County residents receive the second-highest social security checks in the state of North Carolina. 

SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, recently did research and found that Brunswick County has the top social security payments at $21,954 per year with Polk County the second at $21,193 per year. 

The study also showed costs of living in the top 10 counties with the highest social security payments in the state. Polk’s cost of living is $19,285 per year, according to the study, which was lower than most of the top 10 counties with the highest social security. 

The top 10 list of highest social security in the state included Brunswick, Polk, Moore, Transylvania, Union, Chatham, Henderson, Orange, Wake and Dare counties. Orange County had the top cost of living at $20,929 per year and were ranked 8th in the highest social security payments. 

SmartAsset said the research is a key factor in the group’s annual social security study, which also analyzes cost of living data and taxes. 

A recent Gallup poll shows that almost 6 in 10 retired people rely on social security as a major source of income. 

To see the full study with maps of North Carolina’s research as well as a calculator for social security benefits, visit https://smartasset.com/retirement/social-security-calculator#northcarolina/socialsecurity.