Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Davidson County, North Carolina
Davidson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,087 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $901 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,087
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $901
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 27% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $20.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in North Carolina
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 Davidson 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 Davidson County was $1,471 a month in September 2026: 3.8% 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 | $959 | $18.44 | $38,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $999 | $19.21 | $39,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,087 | $20.90 | $43,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,505 | $28.94 | $60,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,817 | $34.94 | $72,680 |
HUD area: Davidson County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 13 ZIP codes in Davidson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27239 to $1,160 in 27299. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,087).
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)
| 27107 | Davidson County, NC | $960 | $1,060 | $1,160 | $1,550 | $1,880 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27107 | Winston-Salem, NC | $960 | $1,060 | $1,160 | $1,550 | $1,880 |
| 27239 | Davidson County, NC | $890 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,660 |
| 27239 | Greensboro-High Point, NC | $890 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,660 |
| 27239 | Montgomery County, NC | $890 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,660 |
| 27292 | Davidson County, NC | $920 | $960 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
| 27292 | Greensboro-High Point, NC | $920 | $960 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
| 27295 | Davidson County, NC | $960 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,820 |
| 27299 | Davidson County, NC | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 27351 | Davidson County, NC | $920 | $960 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
| 27360 | Davidson County, NC | $940 | $980 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 27360 | Greensboro-High Point, NC | $940 | $980 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 27374 | Davidson County, NC | $960 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,820 |
- 27107 · Davidson County, NC $1,160$1,550
- 27107 · Winston-Salem, NC $1,160$1,550
- 27239 · Davidson County, NC $1,010$1,380
- 27239 · Greensboro-High Point, NC $1,010$1,380
- 27239 · Montgomery County, NC $1,010$1,380
- 27292 · Davidson County, NC $1,040$1,440
- 27292 · Greensboro-High Point, NC $1,040$1,440
- 27295 · Davidson County, NC $1,090$1,510
- 27299 · Davidson County, NC $1,160$1,610
- 27351 · Davidson County, NC $1,040$1,440
- 27360 · Davidson County, NC $1,070$1,470
- 27360 · Greensboro-High Point, NC $1,070$1,470
- 27374 · Davidson County, NC $1,090$1,510
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 Davidson County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
17,902 households rent in Davidson County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Davidson 42%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Davidson County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Davidson 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
- 13
- public housing
- 2
1,564 homes in all; 1,547 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Big Chair Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 E Guilford St, Thomasville 27360 139 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 92 · For families
- Harmony Court and Caple Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Jamaica Dr, Lexington 27292 138 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For families
- James Avenue Public housing 301 James Ave, Thomasville 27360 135 low-income homes · Run by Thomasville Housing Authority · Average payment: $296 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (336) 475-6137
- Southside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Federal St, Lexington 27292 130 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 46 · 4 bd: 22 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Liberty Arms Public housing 1006 Liberty Arms Ct, Thomasville 27360 126 homes, 124 low-income · Run by Thomasville Housing Authority · Average payment: $399 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (336) 475-6137
- Thomasville Church Homes HUD-assisted 904A Doak St, Thomasville 27360 100 low-income homes · For families · (336) 475-2817
- Forest Hill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Apex Dr, Lexington 27295 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For families
- The Arbor at Cotton Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 Fritts St, Lexington 27292 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · For families
- Club Apartments HUD-assisted 6 London Ct, Lexington 27292 87 homes, 78 low-income · For families · (336) 243-1693
- Mt. Moriah Manor HUD-assisted 202 Robert Floyd Dr, Lexington 27295 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 248-4612
- Hill Top Terrace Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 N Carolina Ave, Lexington 27292 64 homes, 63 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Kingston Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 329 Old Lexington Rd, Thomasville 27360 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Jackson Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Jackson Square Dr, Lexington 27295 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
- The Villas at Hickory Tree Tax credit (LIHTC) 3305 Hickory Tree Rd, Winston Salem 27127 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Aaronfield at Millers Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 306 Millers Creek Dr, Winston Salem 27127 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Green Hill HUD-assisted 309 E 9th Street Ext, Lexington 27295 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 249-2568
- Tomlinson Hill HUD-assisted 305A Pineywood Rd, Thomasville 27360 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 472-7853
- Carolina Senior Living HUD-assisted 900A E Center St, Lexington 27292 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 746-3590
- Teamwork for Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1024 Blair St, Thomasville 27360 19 low-income homes · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Tyro School Apartments HUD-assisted 244 Tyro School Rd, Lexington 27295 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 236-0056
- CAC OF Davidson County HUD-assisted 303 N Church St, Lexington 27292 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (336) 236-4814
- Arc/HDS Davidson Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 434 Shannon Dr, Lexington 27292 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 352-5153
- Arc/HDS Davidson Co GH #3 HUD-assisted 700 Hunters Way, Lexington 27292 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 249-0037
- Arc/HDS Davidson Co GH #4 HUD-assisted 123 Delta St, Lexington 27295 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 248-2518
- Workshop Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 509 Shoaf St, Lexington 27292 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 248-2991
- Arc/HDS Davidson Co GH HUD-assisted 108 Fairview Dr, Lexington 27292 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 249-2533
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 Davidson 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 Davidson 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 | $18,100 | $30,100 | $48,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,400 | $55,050 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,700 | $61,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,000 | $68,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,450 | $74,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,350 | $85,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,800 | $90,850 |
Area median income: $86,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Davidson County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $863 – $1,055
- 1 bedroom $899 – $1,099
- 2 bedrooms $978 – $1,196
- 3 bedrooms $1,355 – $1,656
- 4 bedrooms $1,635 – $1,999
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
- Lexington Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 880 vouchers (336) 249-8936 Lexington Housing Authority: jdecreny@triad.twcbc.com
- Thomasville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 104 vouchers · 260 public housing units (336) 475-6137 Thomasville Housing Authority: rsteele@thomasvilleha.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 Davidson County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Davidson County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
CCCS of Greater Greensboro
21 W. 2nd Street, Lexington
- 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 Davidson 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
$2,174
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,087
- Security deposit
- $1,087
- Total
- $2,174
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 Davidson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $959; 1 bedroom: $999; 2 bedrooms: $1,087; 3 bedrooms: $1,505; 4 bedrooms: $1,817. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Davidson County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,087) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.90 an hour full time, or $43,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Davidson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,000 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 Davidson 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 $978 and $1,196 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Davidson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27239 to $1,160 in 27299. 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 Davidson County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Davidson 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 Davidson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Davidson County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).