Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Burke County, North Carolina
Burke County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,147 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $884 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.06 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,147
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $884
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $22.06
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 24% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Burke County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 37%, Burke County ranks 2nd among the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Among the neighboring counties, Caldwell County has the lowest typical rent ($744), 16% below the $884 in Burke County.
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13% of households in Burke County have no internet at home, against 7% in North Carolina.
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 Burke 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 Burke County was $1,375 a month in September 2026. 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 | $961 | $18.48 | $38,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $965 | $18.56 | $38,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,147 | $22.06 | $45,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,399 | $26.90 | $55,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,707 | $32.83 | $68,280 |
HUD area: Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, 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 12 ZIP codes in Burke County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28619 to $1,660 in 28655. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,147).
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)
| 28612 | Cleveland County, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28612 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
| 28619 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $850 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,510 |
| 28628 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $960 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,700 |
| 28637 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $850 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,510 |
| 28641 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $780 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,530 |
| 28655 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28655 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28655 | McDowell County, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28666 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $980 | $980 | $1,160 | $1,420 | $1,730 |
| 28671 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $960 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,700 |
| 28690 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,010 | $1,010 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,790 |
- 28612 · Cleveland County, NC $1,130$1,380
- 28612 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,130$1,380
- 28619 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,010$1,240
- 28628 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,140$1,390
- 28637 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,010$1,240
- 28641 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,010$1,340
- 28655 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28655 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28655 · McDowell County, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28666 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,160$1,420
- 28671 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,140$1,390
- 28690 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,200$1,460
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 Burke County, 37% 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.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,252 households rent in Burke County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Burke 37%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Burke County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Burke County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 3
981 homes in all; 973 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Providence Place Public housing 105A Carolina St, Morganton 28655 150 homes, 148 low-income · Run by Morganton Housing Authority · Average payment: $390 a month · Average wait: 11 months · Homes at several sites · (828) 437-9101
- Falls Road Terrace/Praley Heights Public housing 210 Morganton St NW, Valdese 28690 121 low-income homes · Run by Valdese Housing Authority · Average payment: $412 a month · Average wait: 13 months · Homes at several sites · (828) 485-4247
- Cascade Gardens Public housing 642 1st St, Morganton 28655 100 homes, 99 low-income · Run by Morganton Housing Authority · Average payment: $379 a month · Average wait: 8 months · Homes at several sites · (828) 437-9101
- Sienna Tax credit (LIHTC) 607 Valdese Ave, Morganton 28655 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Glenwood Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 Burkemont Ave, Morganton 28655 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Pond View Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Main Ave E, Hildebran 28637 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Morgan Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 906 Jamestown Rd, Morganton 28655 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Meadow Brook Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Fiddlers Ct, Morganton 28655 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- The Willows Tax credit (LIHTC) 418 Old Nc 18, Morganton 28655 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Valdese Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1120 Refour Ave SE, Valdese 28690 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (828) 879-9385
- Agape Retirement Home, Inc HUD-assisted 212 Church St NW, Valdese 28690 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 874-3463
- Buena Vista Apartments HUD-assisted 105 Reese ST, Drexel 28619 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 437-2312
- Green Acres Apartments HUD-assisted 111 Johnson St, Morganton 28655 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 437-9101
- Millside Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Gillam St, Morganton 28655 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Willow Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Willow Run Dr, Morganton 28655 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Southmont Apartments HUD-assisted 408 W Concord St, Morganton 28655 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 437-2323
- Rutherford Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Spann St, Connelly Springs 28612 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1987 · For families
- Willow Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Willow Run Dr, Morganton 28655 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Cac of Burke Co. HUD-assisted 206 Lenoir St, Morganton 28655 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 430-8166
- Arc/HDS Burke Co GH #3 HUD-assisted 166 VFW Rd, Morganton 28655 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 438-0004
- CHC of Burke #1 HUD-assisted 114 W Erwin St, Morganton 28655 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 438-8350
- CHC of Burke Co. #2 HUD-assisted 407 N College St, Morganton 28655 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 433-7791
- Arc/HDS Burke Co GH #1 HUD-assisted 101 Stephens Dr, Morganton 28655 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 438-6243
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Burke County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Burke 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
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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 | $17,900 | $29,850 | $47,750 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,100 | $54,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,350 | $61,350 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,600 | $68,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,050 | $73,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,450 | $79,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,850 | $84,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,250 | $90,000 |
Area median income: $85,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $865 – $1,057
- 1 bedroom $869 – $1,062
- 2 bedrooms $1,032 – $1,262
- 3 bedrooms $1,259 – $1,539
- 4 bedrooms $1,536 – $1,878
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
- Morganton Housing Authority Public housing · 247 public housing units (828) 437-9101 Morganton Housing Authority: vsmith@morgantonhousing.com
- Valdese Housing Authority Public housing · 121 public housing units (828) 485-4247 Valdese Housing Authority: executivedirector@wpcog.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 Burke County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory · 19 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
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Cleveland County Community Development Corporation
823 W Warren St, Shelby · 33 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Wnc, Inc. - DBA - Ontrack Financial Education & Counseling
50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville · 49 miles away · 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 Burke 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
$2,294
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,147
- Security deposit
- $1,147
- Total
- $2,294
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 Burke County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $961; 1 bedroom: $965; 2 bedrooms: $1,147; 3 bedrooms: $1,399; 4 bedrooms: $1,707. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Burke County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,147) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.06 an hour full time, or $45,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Burke County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,600 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 Burke 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 $1,032 and $1,262 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Burke County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28619 to $1,660 in 28655. 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 Burke County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Burke County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Burke County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Burke County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).