Bladen County: Government transfers accounted for 35.2% of income in 2022, up from 10.5% in 1970

In 2022, government transfers made up 35.2% of total income in Bladen County, North Carolina—an alarming 24.7% surge from 10.5% in 1970 and a 2.2% increase from 2012’s 33%. This marks the 41st largest increase among all North Carolina counties over the past decade, according to information from the Economic Innovation Group.

On a per capita basis, this translates to $17,034 per resident in 2022, up from $12,464 in 2012 and $1,538 in 1970, ranking Bladen County as the eighth fastest-growing in per capita government transfers among North Carolina counties over the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, Bladen County had the 20th largest share of income derived from government transfers, making it one of the largest dependent counties in the state.

Among North Carolina’s counties, Cherokee County saw the largest increase in transfer dependency over the past 10 years, surging 4.4% from 38.1% in 2012 to 42.5% in 2022, and up 28.2 percentage points from just 14.3% in 1970. In dollar terms, government transfers per capita in Cherokee County jumped from $13,202 in 2012 to $17,000 in 2022, contrasting to the $1,923 recorded in 1970.

For comparison, the statewide average was 19.8% in 2022, showing a higher dependency than the national average of 17.6%. On a per capita level, this translates to $11,491 per resident, compared to $11,542 nationwide.

Government transfer payments are non-repayable funds provided by federal, state, or local governments to support individuals in need. These payments aim to stabilize economic conditions and provide financial support during hardships. Key programs include Social Security transfers (retirement benefits), Medicare transfers (healthcare for seniors), Medicaid transfers (healthcare for low-income individuals), and income maintenance transfers (financial assistance for basic needs).

In Bladen County, reliance on government transfers was just 10.5% (or $1,538 per capita in inflation-adjusted 2022 dollars) in 1970. This has since increased to a total of 24.7% since 1970. This shift is largely influenced by an aging population increased healthcare costs, and economic transformations that have reshaped income sources across the U.S.

In 2022, the primary government transfer programs in Bladen County included:

• Social Security: $5,088 per capita (29.9% of total transfers)
• Medicare: $4,496 per capita (26.4% of total transfers)
• Medicaid: $3,190 per capita (18.7% of total transfers)
• Income Maintenance Programs: $2,386 per capita (14% of total transfers)

With 23.7% of the population aged 65 and older, Bladen County has a significant demand for Social Security and Medicare. However, counties with higher poverty rates also show elevated Medicaid and income maintenance participation.

Government transfers have long been a modest financial safety net, historically comprising only a small fraction of Americans’ income. However, since the 1970s—sometimes dubbed the “Great Transfer-mation”—dependency has surged from 8.2% (or $2,022 per capita in inflation-adjusted 2022 dollars) in 1970 to 17.6% (or $11,542 per capita) in 2022 nationwide.

According to the Economic Innovation Group’s analysis, these trends are not merely short-term responses to economic pressures but rather reflect a profound, long-term transformation in how government support is integrated into American life. The study illustrates that structural shifts—from rising healthcare expenses and demographic changes to stagnant wages—have significantly increased dependency on government transfers.