Survey Finds Many NC Parents Borrowing for Basics

A new survey of North Carolina parents finds widespread borrowing, missed housing payments and medical care gaps tied to everyday costs.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Child Care

Survey Finds Many NC Parents Borrowing for Basics

Live Poll

Are you finding it harder to cover everyday household costs than a year ago?

A survey conducted by Capita and YouGov found 43% of North Carolina parents borrowed money, took on debt, or used payday or cash advances to cover everyday needs in the past year. The same survey found 28% fell behind on rent or mortgage payments at least once.

Why it matters

The findings suggest families in North Carolina have less flexible income to absorb household costs than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the expanded child tax credit was in place. Parents also report growing frustration with hidden or unexpected fees of raising children.

Among NC parents earning under $30,000, more than 50% borrow or take on debt for basic expenses, compared with around 20% of those earning $100,000 or more. The survey of 500 state residents and 1,000 nationally polled people was conducted in October 2026, and it does not explain how income-related borrowing patterns may change over time.

The players

Capita

Capita is a British business services company that conducted the survey with YouGov on parents' financial pressures in North Carolina.

YouGov

YouGov is an international research data and analytics group that co-conducted the survey of North Carolina and national respondents.

Joe Waters

Joe Waters is the CEO of Capita, who told the author that parents are increasingly annoyed with hidden or unexpected fees of raising kids.

The details

The survey, conducted by Capita and YouGov in October, polled 500 North Carolina residents alongside a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people. More than one-third of NC parents reported skipping or reducing meals in at least one month, and about one-third did not get needed medical care in the past year because of cost.

October 2026: Survey of 500 NC residents and 1,000 nationally polled people conducted.
Past year: 43% of NC parents borrowed or used payday or cash advances, and 28% fell behind on rent or mortgage payments.

Season Trajectory

The findings contrast with the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the expanded child tax credit gave families substantial support. With that aid no longer in place, the survey indicates North Carolina parents are relying more heavily on borrowing and missed payments to cover basic costs.

Parents facing unexpected fees and tight budgets may need to plan for borrowing costs or prioritize payments on rent, mortgage, and medical care. Households earning under $30,000 face the highest rates of borrowing for basic needs in the survey.

The takeaway

Tracking monthly expenses and identifying fees early can help families reduce reliance on payday loans or cash advances. Households under financial strain may also benefit from contacting providers early when rent or mortgage payments become difficult.