Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Caldwell County, North Carolina
Caldwell 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 $744 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
- $744
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% 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
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 19% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Caldwell County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 40%, Caldwell County ranks 9th among the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Caldwell County has the 10th lowest typical rent of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($744).
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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell County was $1,340 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 8 ZIP codes in Caldwell County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28638 to $1,130 in 28630. No ZIP code is 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)
| 28611 | Avery County, NC | $870 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,390 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28611 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $870 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,390 | $1,700 |
| 28630 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
| 28638 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $850 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,510 |
| 28645 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $850 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,780 |
| 28645 | Watauga County, NC | $850 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,780 |
| 28645 | Wilkes County, NC | $850 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,780 |
| 28667 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $910 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,320 | $1,610 |
- 28611 · Avery County, NC $1,100$1,390
- 28611 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,100$1,390
- 28630 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,130$1,380
- 28638 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,010$1,240
- 28645 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,060$1,360
- 28645 · Watauga County, NC $1,060$1,360
- 28645 · Wilkes County, NC $1,060$1,360
- 28667 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,080$1,320
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 Caldwell County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,710 households rent in Caldwell County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Caldwell 40%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Caldwell County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Caldwell 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
1,169 homes in all; 1,162 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lenoir Units 1 Public housing 327 Harrington St NW, Lenoir 28645 158 homes, 157 low-income · Run by Lenoir Housing Authority · Average payment: $397 a month · Average wait: 16 months · Homes at several sites · (828) 758-5536
- Caldwell Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1302 Piedmont Dr NW, Lenoir 28645 97 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Caldwell Gardens HUD-assisted 1520-K Berkley St. NW, Lenoir 28645 97 low-income homes · For families · (336) 231-8128
- Koinonia Apartments HUD-assisted 318 Main St NW, Lenoir 28645 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 758-2617
- Woodcrest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 226 Wilson St NW, Lenoir 28645 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2013 · For families · (828) 754-6186
- Kattz Corner Tax credit (LIHTC) 316 Lower Creek Dr NE, Lenoir 28645 68 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Woodlane Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Woodlane Street Ext, Granite Falls 28630 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 18 · For families
- Viridian Tax credit (LIHTC) 185 Linkside Ct SE, Lenoir 28645 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Crescent Pointe at Greenhaven Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Greenhaven Dr NW, Lenoir 28645 60 low-income homes · For older adults
- Arbor Glen Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Abington Rd NW, Lenoir 28645 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- East Harper Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 506 Harper Ave NW, Lenoir 28645 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- LHS Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Willow St SW, Lenoir 28645 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1990 · For older adults
- Pine Mountain Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Kirkland Ave, Hudson 28638 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Woodland Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Kirkland Ave, Hudson 28638 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Koinonia II Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Main St NW, Lenoir 28645 42 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Skyland Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 406 506 Lower Creek Road, Lenoir 28645 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Willow Oaks, LTD. HUD-assisted 10 Quarry Rd, Granite Falls 28630 34 low-income homes · For families · (828) 396-6009
- Stonewall Square HUD-assisted 415 Stonewall St NW, Lenoir 28645 30 low-income homes · For families · (828) 758-1135
- Granite Village Apartments HUD-assisted 112 Falls Ave, Granite Falls 28630 24 low-income homes · For families · (828) 396-7723
- CAC of Caldwell Co. HUD-assisted 1125 Fairview Dr SW, Lenoir 28645 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 757-0005
- Arc/HDS Caldwell Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 713 Severt Cir, Lenoir 28645 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 754-3078
- Arc/HDS Caldwell Co GH HUD-assisted 633 Hawthorne St, Hudson 28638 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 728-5631
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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 | $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
- Lenoir Housing Authority Public housing · 157 public housing units (828) 758-5536 Lenoir Housing Authority: lenoirhousing@charter.net
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 Caldwell 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 · 18 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 · 47 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
-
Community Foundations
919 N Main Street, Suite 143A, Mooresville · 48 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28638 to $1,130 in 28630. 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 Caldwell County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Caldwell 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 Caldwell County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Caldwell County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).