Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Catawba County, North Carolina
Catawba 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 $965 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
- $965
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% 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
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Catawba County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Caldwell County, the typical rent is $744: 23% less than in Catawba County ($965).
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 Catawba 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 Catawba County was $1,638 a month in September 2026: 2.8% more than 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 | $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 11 ZIP codes in Catawba County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28650 to $1,720 in 28682. 8 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)
| 28601 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,320 | $1,610 | $1,960 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28602 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,520 | $1,860 |
| 28609 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,520 | $1,850 | $2,260 |
| 28610 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $980 | $980 | $1,170 | $1,430 | $1,740 |
| 28613 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
| 28650 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,560 |
| 28650 | Lincoln County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,560 |
| 28658 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 28673 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,360 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,980 | $2,410 |
| 28673 | Lincoln County, NC | $1,360 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,980 | $2,410 |
| 28682 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,720 | $2,100 | $2,560 |
- 28601 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,320$1,610
- 28602 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,250$1,520
- 28609 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,520$1,850
- 28610 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,170$1,430
- 28613 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,130$1,380
- 28650 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,010$1,330
- 28650 · Lincoln County, NC $1,010$1,330
- 28658 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,260$1,540
- 28673 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,620$1,980
- 28673 · Lincoln County, NC $1,620$1,980
- 28682 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,720$2,100
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 Catawba County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
18,433 households rent in Catawba County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Catawba 41%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Catawba County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Catawba County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 14
1,694 homes in all; 1,640 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hickory Scattered Sites & Wimberly Crossing HUD-assisted 1128 2nd Street Pl SE, Hickory 28602 311 low-income homes · For families · (828) 328-5373
- Silver Springs Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 950 20th St NE, Hickory 28601 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 42 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families · (828) 322-1129
- Oxford Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2985 Oxford Way, Claremont 28610 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Highland Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 21st St NE, Hickory 28601 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 53 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For families
- The Lodge at Hickory Tax credit (LIHTC) 1186 4th Street Ct SW, Hickory 28602 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Twin Cedars Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 20th Avenue DR Ne, Hickory 28601 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Catawba Pines Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 E 1st St, Newton 28658 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 8 · For families
- Catawba Pines Apartments HUD-assisted 815F E 1st St, Newton 28658 68 low-income homes · For families · (828) 464-6493
- Heritage Village Apartments HUD-assisted 2693 Old Conover Startown Rd, Newton 28658 67 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 464-5924
- Woodland Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1726 3rd Ave NW, Hickory 28601 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Glenwood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 5190 Glenwood Place Ct, Hickory 28602 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Hilltop Apartments HUD-assisted 18th Street Place NW, Hickory 28601 105 homes, 55 low-income · For families · (828) 328-4046
- Center Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 S Center St, Hickory 28602 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2021 · For older adults
- Lutherhaus HUD-assisted 720A 7th Ave NE, Hickory 28601 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 327-0393
- Viewmont Square Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1420 4th Street Dr NW, Hickory 28601 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- The Park at Cline Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 Edgewater Dr NW, Conover 28613 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- The Villas at Northview Tax credit (LIHTC) 415 26th Ave NE, Hickory 28601 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Woodland Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1790 3rd Ave NW, Hickory 28601 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- West Hickory Apartments HUD-assisted 300A 17th St SW, Hickory 28602 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 328-5373
- Bradbury Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2901 Old Conover Startown Rd, Newton 28658 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Legacy Place HUD-assisted 1127 2nd St NE, Conover 28613 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 466-5430
- The Villas at Twin Cedars Tax credit (LIHTC) 1866 20th Avenue Dr NE, Hickory 28601 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Beacon Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 1208 Emmanuel Church Rd, Conover 28613 34 low-income homes · For families · (828) 464-6034
- Cac of Catawba Co. HUD-assisted 2001O Eastside Dr, Newton 28658 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 464-4295
- Arc/HDS Catawba Co GH #1 HUD-assisted 401 N 4th Ave, Maiden 28650 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 428-9992
- Arc/HDS Catawba Co GH #3 HUD-assisted 1516 Steeple St NE, Conover 28613 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 466-0348
- Arc/HDS Catawba Co GH #4 HUD-assisted 722 8th Ave SW, Conover 28613 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 465-5678
- Arc/HDS Catawba Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 608 4th St SW, Conover 28613 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 465-5900
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 Catawba 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 Catawba 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
- Western Piedmont Council of Governments Section 8 vouchers · 1,962 vouchers (828) 485-4247 Western Piedmont Council of Governments: executivedirector@wpcog.org
- City of Hickory Public Housing Authority Public housing (828) 322-9191 City of Hickory Public 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 Catawba County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Catawba County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Catawba 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 Catawba 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 Catawba 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 Catawba 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 Catawba 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 Catawba County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28650 to $1,720 in 28682. 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 Catawba County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Catawba 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 Catawba County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Catawba County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).