Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Craven County, North Carolina
Craven County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,246 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,110 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.96 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,246
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,110
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $23.96
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Craven County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Jones County has the lowest typical rent ($747), 33% below the $1,110 in Craven County.
-
13% of households in Craven 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 Craven 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 Craven County was $1,589 a month in September 2026: 2.6% 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 | $946 | $18.19 | $37,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $952 | $18.31 | $38,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,246 | $23.96 | $49,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,644 | $31.62 | $65,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,985 | $38.17 | $79,400 |
HUD area: Craven County, NC. 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 16 ZIP codes in Craven County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 28523 to $1,410 in 28533. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,246).
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)
| 28519 | Craven County, NC | $890 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,540 | $1,860 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28523 | Craven County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28526 | Craven County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28526 | Jones County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28526 | Lenoir County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28527 | Craven County, NC | $820 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28532 | Carteret County, NC | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,860 | $2,250 |
| 28532 | Craven County, NC | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,860 | $2,250 |
| 28533 | Craven County, NC | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,860 | $2,250 |
| 28560 | Craven County, NC | $900 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,540 | $1,860 |
| 28560 | Pamlico County, NC | $900 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,540 | $1,860 |
| 28562 | Craven County, NC | $960 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,660 | $2,010 |
| 28562 | Jones County, NC | $960 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,660 | $2,010 |
| 28586 | Beaufort County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28586 | Craven County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28586 | Greenville, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
- 28519 · Craven County, NC $1,170$1,540
- 28523 · Craven County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28526 · Craven County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28526 · Jones County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28526 · Lenoir County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28527 · Craven County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28532 · Carteret County, NC $1,410$1,860
- 28532 · Craven County, NC $1,410$1,860
- 28533 · Craven County, NC $1,410$1,860
- 28560 · Craven County, NC $1,170$1,540
- 28560 · Pamlico County, NC $1,170$1,540
- 28562 · Craven County, NC $1,260$1,660
- 28562 · Jones County, NC $1,260$1,660
- 28586 · Beaufort County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28586 · Craven County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28586 · Greenville, NC $1,080$1,440
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 Craven County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,528 households rent in Craven County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Craven 46%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Craven County
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Craven 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)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 2
2,397 homes in all; 2,392 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Trent Court Public housing 1 Trent Ct, New Bern 28562 218 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of New Bern · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (252) 633-0800
- Craven Terrace II Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Roundtree St, New Bern 28560 188 low-income homes · 1 bd: 94 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Craven Terrace II HUD-assisted 601 Roundtree St, New Bern 28560 182 low-income homes · For families · (252) 633-0540
- Craven Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Roundtree St, New Bern 28560 131 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 29 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Craven Terrace I HUD-assisted 601 Roundtree St, New Bern 28560 131 low-income homes · For families · (252) 633-0540
- New Bern Towers HUD-assisted 1125 Walt Bellamy Dr, New Bern 28562 106 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 638-3663
- Brunswick House Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 Colony Dr, New Bern 28562 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Carolina Avenue Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Carolina Ave, New Bern 28562 84 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Gaston Boulevard Tax credit (LIHTC) 909 3rd Avenue, New Bern 28560 80 low-income homes · For older adults
- Camden Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4800 Camden Square Dr, New Bern 28562 76 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Westwood Arms HUD-assisted 3005 Westminster Dr, New Bern 28562 76 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 637-4455
- Ashley Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4000 Ashley Park Rd, New Bern 28562 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Pine Valley Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Pinetree Dr, New Bern 28562 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Woodfield Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 3000 Woodfield Cove Ln, Havelock 28532 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Tate Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1025 Karen Dr, New Bern 28562 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Havelock Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Shipman Rd, Havelock 28532 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 1995 · For families
- The Pines at Lake Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 44 Stallion Cir, Havelock 28532 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Tyler Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 48 A H Stallion Cir, Havelock 28532 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Wyndsor Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Wyndsor Park Dr, New Bern 28562 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Havelock Hill HUD-assisted 220 Shipman Rd, Havelock 28532 54 low-income homes · For families · (252) 447-3451
- Gatewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Legacy Ln, Havelock 28532 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Manteo Circle Public housing 801 Manteo Cir, Havelock 28532 50 low-income homes · Run by Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $542 a month · (919) 735-0435
- Oaks (THE) HUD-assisted 401 Buck Ln, Vanceboro 28586 48 low-income homes · For families · (252) 244-1588
- Meadows (THE) HUD-assisted 3025 Kensington Park Dr, New Bern 28560 47 homes, 46 low-income · For older adults · (252) 635-3019
- Weatherstone Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 3800 Weatherstone Park Rd, New Bern 28562 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Fairview Apartments HUD-assisted 2926 Brunswick Ave, New Bern 28562 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 636-0005
- Noah - New Bern Older Adult Housing HUD-assisted 3800 Lofland Way, New Bern 28562 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 638-3517
- Bailey Lane Apartments HUD-assisted 255 Bailey Ln, Vanceboro 28586 35 homes, 34 low-income · For families · (252) 244-1324
- Autumn Chase Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Green Park Court, New Bern 28560 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Landmark Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1625 Landmark Cir, New Bern 28560 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1987 · For families
- Elmwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8501 Main St, Vanceboro 28586 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Arc/HDS Craven Co GH #3 HUD-assisted 313 Hoke St, New Bern 28560 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 636-0951
- Arc/HDS Craven Co GH #1 HUD-assisted 143 James St, Vanceboro 28586 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 244-0048
- Arc/HDS Craven Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 2401 Dogwood Dr, New Bern 28562 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 638-2845
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 Craven 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 Craven County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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 | $18,300 | $30,450 | $48,750 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,800 | $55,700 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,150 | $62,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,500 | $69,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,000 | $75,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,500 | $80,750 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,950 | $86,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,450 | $91,900 |
Area median income: $87,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Craven County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $851 – $1,041
- 1 bedroom $857 – $1,047
- 2 bedrooms $1,121 – $1,371
- 3 bedrooms $1,480 – $1,808
- 4 bedrooms $1,787 – $2,184
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
- Twin Rivers Opportunities, Inc. Section 8 vouchers · 1,005 vouchers (252) 637-3599 Twin Rivers Opportunities, Inc.: cmd_section8@earthlink.net
- Housing Authority of the City of New Bern Public housing · 218 public housing units (252) 633-0800 Housing Authority of the City of New Bern: ha_newbern@hotmail.com
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 Craven County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
City of Jacksonville
815 New Bridge St, Jacksonville · 32 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Craven 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
$2,492
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,246
- Security deposit
- $1,246
- Total
- $2,492
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 Craven County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $946; 1 bedroom: $952; 2 bedrooms: $1,246; 3 bedrooms: $1,644; 4 bedrooms: $1,985. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Craven County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,246) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.96 an hour full time, or $49,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Craven County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,500 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 Craven 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 $1,121 and $1,371 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Craven County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 28523 to $1,410 in 28533. 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 Craven County?
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Craven 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 Craven County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Craven County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).