Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Buncombe County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,866 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,362 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,866
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 29% more than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,362
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% more than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $35.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $74,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Buncombe County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Buncombe County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,362, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Henderson County ($1,187).
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Buncombe County has the 8th highest typical rent of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($1,362).
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At 54%, Buncombe County ranks 10th among the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Buncombe County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Buncombe County was $1,700 a month in September 2026: about the same as 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,482 | $28.50 | $59,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,714 | $32.96 | $68,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,866 | $35.88 | $74,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,223 | $42.75 | $88,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,109 | $59.79 | $124,360 |
HUD area: Asheville, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 19 ZIP codes in Buncombe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,660 in 28701 to $2,190 in 28803. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,866).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 28701 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28704 | Asheville, NC | $1,640 | $1,900 | $2,070 | $2,470 | $3,450 |
| 28709 | Asheville, NC | $1,720 | $1,990 | $2,170 | $2,590 | $3,620 |
| 28711 | Asheville, NC | $1,430 | $1,660 | $1,810 | $2,150 | $3,000 |
| 28711 | McDowell County, NC | $1,430 | $1,660 | $1,810 | $2,150 | $3,000 |
| 28711 | Rutherford County, NC | $1,430 | $1,660 | $1,810 | $2,150 | $3,000 |
| 28715 | Asheville, NC | $1,450 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $3,030 |
| 28715 | Haywood County, NC | $1,450 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $3,030 |
| 28730 | Asheville, NC | $1,350 | $1,560 | $1,700 | $2,030 | $2,830 |
| 28748 | Asheville, NC | $1,330 | $1,530 | $1,670 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28757 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28770 | Asheville, NC | $1,400 | $1,620 | $1,770 | $2,110 | $2,920 |
| 28778 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28787 | Asheville, NC | $1,450 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $3,030 |
| 28801 | Asheville, NC | $1,560 | $1,800 | $1,960 | $2,340 | $3,270 |
| 28803 | Asheville, NC | $1,740 | $2,010 | $2,190 | $2,660 | $3,680 |
| 28804 | Asheville, NC | $1,700 | $1,970 | $2,140 | $2,550 | $3,570 |
| 28805 | Asheville, NC | $1,500 | $1,740 | $1,890 | $2,250 | $3,150 |
| 28806 | Asheville, NC | $1,470 | $1,700 | $1,850 | $2,200 | $3,080 |
- 28701 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28704 · Asheville, NC $2,070$2,470
- 28709 · Asheville, NC $2,170$2,590
- 28711 · Asheville, NC $1,810$2,150
- 28711 · McDowell County, NC $1,810$2,150
- 28711 · Rutherford County, NC $1,810$2,150
- 28715 · Asheville, NC $1,820$2,170
- 28715 · Haywood County, NC $1,820$2,170
- 28730 · Asheville, NC $1,700$2,030
- 28748 · Asheville, NC $1,670$2,010
- 28757 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28770 · Asheville, NC $1,770$2,110
- 28778 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28787 · Asheville, NC $1,820$2,170
- 28801 · Asheville, NC $1,960$2,340
- 28803 · Asheville, NC $2,190$2,660
- 28804 · Asheville, NC $2,140$2,550
- 28805 · Asheville, NC $1,890$2,250
- 28806 · Asheville, NC $1,850$2,200
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Buncombe County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
34,444 households rent in Buncombe County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 31%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Buncombe 54%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Buncombe County
HUD lists 50 properties with homes for low-income households in Buncombe County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 36
- HUD-assisted
- 19
3,328 homes in all; 3,080 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Asheville Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Tunnel Rd, Asheville 28805 248 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 255-8345
- Lee Walker Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 17 Wilbar Ave, Asheville 28801 212 low-income homes · For families
- Ledgewood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 15 Future Dr, Asheville 28803 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 54 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2001 · For families · (828) 298-2318
- Spruce Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Spruce Hill Ct, Asheville 28805 174 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Battery Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1 Battle Sq, Asheville 28801 122 low-income homes · 1 bd: 113 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (828) 252-5277
- Givens Gerber Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 40 Gerber Rd, Asheville 28803 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 94 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (828) 771-2207
- Perry Lane Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Perry Ln, Arden 28704 120 homes, 119 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 36 · For families
- Vanderbilt Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 75 Haywood St, Asheville 28801 123 homes, 118 low-income · Studio: 42 · 1 bd: 81 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness · (828) 254-0027
- Arrowhead Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 100 Cheerio Ln, Asheville 28803 116 low-income homes · Studio: 75 · 1 bd: 41 · For older adults · (828) 417-7229
- Woodridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 61 Bingham Rd, Asheville 28806 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 37 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Jasper Tax credit (LIHTC) 1944 US Highway 70, Swannanoa 28778 84 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Carmel Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 Carmel Ridge Cir, Asheville 28806 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Blue Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 N Blue Ridge Rd, Black Mountain 28711 78 homes, 77 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Dunbar Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Peacock Ln, Arden 28704 74 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Westmore Tax credit (LIHTC) 42 Westmore Dr, Asheville 28806 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Spruce Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 201C Spruce Hill Ct, Asheville 28805 174 homes, 70 low-income · For families · (828) 298-1193
- Amaranth Tax credit (LIHTC) 78 Marketplace Ln, Candler 28715 70 low-income homes · In service since 2020 · For families
- Crowell Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Coleys Cir, Asheville 28806 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- George Knight Homes at Skyland Tax credit (LIHTC) 138 Springside Rd, Asheville 28803 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- MC Cormick Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 54 Hunt Hill Pl, Asheville 28801 100 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Givens Gerber Park III Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Gerber Rd, Asheville 28803 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Glen Rock Tax credit (LIHTC) 372 Depot St, Asheville 28801 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2010 · For families
- The Larchmont Tax credit (LIHTC) 30 E Larchmont Rd, Asheville 28804 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2012 · For families
- The Villas at Fallen Spruce Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Boxelder Cir, Asheville 28806 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 43 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Laurel Wood Apartments HUD-assisted 650 Caribou Rd, Asheville 28803 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (828) 277-1733
- The Griffin Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 Grove St, Asheville 28801 50 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Overlook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 127 Bartlett St, Asheville 28801 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Mountain Springs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 66 Mountain St, Asheville 28801 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Compton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 547 Eliada Home Rd, Asheville 28806 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Crowell Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Crowell Square Ct, Asheville 28806 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Wind Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Wind Ridge St, Asheville 28806 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Northpoint Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 44 Reynolds Mountain Blvd, Asheville 28804 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- River Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 River Glen Dr, Arden 28704 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Eagle Market Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Eagle St, Asheville 28801 62 homes, 32 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For families
- The Homestead Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 311 Aiken Rd, Asheville 28804 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Northpoint Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 44 Reynolds Mountain Blvd, Asheville 28804 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Dry Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Clinton St, Weaverville 28787 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Life House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Peachtree Rd, Asheville 28803 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- WNC King Nantahala Apartments HUD-assisted 20 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Asheville 28801 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 575-2098
- NHS Montford Broad Tax credit (LIHTC) 192 Montford Ave, Asheville 28801 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Fairhaven Summit HUD-assisted 3124 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville 28803 69 homes, 8 low-income · (336) 499-9466
- Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 373 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 575-2098
- Ross Creek Commons HUD-assisted 16 Old Chunns Cove Rd, Asheville 28805 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 575-2098
- Dunstan Manor GH HUD-assisted 46 Saint Dunstans Cir, Asheville 28803 7 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 254-1799
- AS Buncombe Co. GH #1 HUD-assisted 1 Pine Spring Dr, Asheville 28805 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 274-8368
- CHC of Buncombe Co. HUD-assisted 421 Riverview Dr, Asheville 28806 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 981-0740
- WNC Community Homes #4 HUD-assisted 15 Brook Dr, Asheville 28805 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 299-9226
- Ross Creek Phase II HUD-assisted 16 Old Chunns Cove Rd, Asheville 28805 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 254-9917
- WNC Marne Road Group Home HUD-assisted 62 Marne Rd, Asheville 28803 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 253-8026
- Arc/HDS Buncombe Co Icf/MR HUD-assisted 22 Chiles Ave, Asheville 28803 7 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 254-8068
5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Buncombe County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Buncombe County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,500 | $35,850 | $57,350 |
| 2 people | $24,600 | $40,950 | $65,550 |
| 3 people | $27,650 | $46,050 | $73,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,200 | $81,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,300 | $88,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,400 | $95,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,500 | $101,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,550 | $108,150 |
Area median income: $103,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Asheville, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,334 – $1,630
- 1 bedroom $1,543 – $1,885
- 2 bedrooms $1,679 – $2,053
- 3 bedrooms $2,001 – $2,445
- 4 bedrooms $2,798 – $3,420
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Asheville Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,428 vouchers (828) 239-3513 Housing Authority of the City of Asheville: esantos@haca.org
Housing agencies in North Carolina Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina
What North Carolina law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 7 days
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14
- Only a court order can remove youN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6
- Protection from retaliationN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-37.1(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Buncombe County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Buncombe County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Wnc, Inc. - DBA - Ontrack Financial Education & Counseling
50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Buncombe County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in North Carolina, the average home bill was $144 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,732
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,866
- Security deposit
- $1,866
- Total
- $3,732
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Buncombe County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,482; 1 bedroom: $1,714; 2 bedrooms: $1,866; 3 bedrooms: $2,223; 4 bedrooms: $3,109. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Buncombe County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,866) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.88 an hour full time, or $74,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Buncombe County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,200 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Buncombe County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,679 and $2,053 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Buncombe County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,660 in 28701 to $2,190 in 28803. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Buncombe County?
HUD lists 50 properties with homes for low-income households in Buncombe County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Buncombe County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Buncombe County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).