Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Edgecombe County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,167 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $858 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,167
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $858
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 30% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $22.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Edgecombe County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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17% of households in Edgecombe County have no internet at home, against 7% in North Carolina.
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Edgecombe County has the 10th lowest homeownership rate of the 100 counties in North Carolina (61%).
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 Edgecombe 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 Edgecombe County was $979 a month in September 2026: 6.7% 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 | $967 | $18.60 | $38,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $972 | $18.69 | $38,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,167 | $22.44 | $46,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,567 | $30.13 | $62,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,787 | $34.37 | $71,480 |
HUD area: Rocky Mount, 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 14 ZIP codes in Edgecombe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 27809 to $1,380 in 27819. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,167).
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)
| 27801 | Rocky Mount, NC | $940 | $940 | $1,130 | $1,520 | $1,730 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27809 | Rocky Mount, NC | $840 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 27815 | Rocky Mount, NC | $900 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,460 | $1,670 |
| 27819 | Rocky Mount, NC | $1,140 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,850 | $2,110 |
| 27843 | Halifax County, NC | $830 | $830 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 27843 | Martin County, NC | $830 | $830 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 27843 | Rocky Mount, NC | $830 | $830 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 27852 | Greenville, NC | $910 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,690 |
| 27852 | Rocky Mount, NC | $910 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,690 |
| 27852 | Wilson County, NC | $910 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,690 |
| 27864 | Rocky Mount, NC | $940 | $940 | $1,130 | $1,520 | $1,730 |
| 27881 | Rocky Mount, NC | $840 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 27886 | Greenville, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,040 | $1,400 | $1,660 |
| 27886 | Rocky Mount, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,040 | $1,400 | $1,660 |
- 27801 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,130$1,520
- 27809 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,030$1,400
- 27815 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,090$1,460
- 27819 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,380$1,850
- 27843 · Halifax County, NC $1,030$1,400
- 27843 · Martin County, NC $1,030$1,400
- 27843 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,030$1,400
- 27852 · Greenville, NC $1,100$1,470
- 27852 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,100$1,470
- 27852 · Wilson County, NC $1,100$1,470
- 27864 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,130$1,520
- 27881 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,040$1,400
- 27886 · Greenville, NC $1,040$1,400
- 27886 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,040$1,400
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 Edgecombe County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,702 households rent in Edgecombe County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Edgecombe 48%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Edgecombe County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Edgecombe 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 2
1,544 homes in all; 1,534 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Weeks Armstrong Homes Community Public housing 229 Marigold St, Rocky Mount 27801 393 homes, 392 low-income · Run by Rocky Mount Housing Authority · Average payment: $308 a month · Average wait: 16 months · Homes at several sites · (252) 977-3141
- Pinehurst Homes Public housing 17 Pinehurst Homes, Tarboro 27886 193 low-income homes · Run by Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Tarboro · Average payment: $440 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (252) 823-6339
- Cokey Apartments HUD-assisted 150 Parrish Ct, Rocky Mount 27801 75 homes, 73 low-income · For families · (252) 446-0326
- Pender Square I Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Benson Dr, Tarboro 27886 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Hilma Greens Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 W Wilson St, Tarboro 27886 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Rollinwood Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 144 Rollinwood Mnr, Rocky Mount 27801 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Wood Hawk Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1836 Eaglecrest Cir, Rocky Mount 27801 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Hunter Hill Apartment Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Hunter Hill Rd, Tarboro 27886 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Elmhurst Apartments HUD-assisted 1000 Simmons ST, Tarboro 27886 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 641-5400
- R.M. Wilson Apartments HUD-assisted 336 Marigold St, Rocky Mount 27801 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 985-3394
- Southside Acres Apartments HUD-assisted 150 Parrish Ct, Rocky Mount 27801 50 low-income homes · For families · (252) 977-7738
- United Manor Courts HUD-assisted 1200 Elm St, Tarboro 27886 50 low-income homes · For families · (252) 823-7602
- Asbury Park Apartments HUD-assisted 400 Walston St, Princeville 27886 49 homes, 48 low-income · For families · (252) 823-0940
- Hawthorne Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1609 Barlow Rd, Tarboro 27886 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Wilshire Apartments HUD-assisted 806 Old Wilson RD, Pinetops 27864 48 low-income homes · For families · (919) 827-4414
- M.S. Hayworth Apartments HUD-assisted 931 Tessie St, Rocky Mount 27801 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 977-3141
- Thorne Ridge II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 Dreaver St, Rocky Mount 27801 40 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Thorne Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 Dreaver St, Rocky Mount 27801 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Devonshire Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Devonshire Dr, Pinetops 27864 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For families
- George E's Place Tax credit (LIHTC) Simpson DR, Tarboro 27886 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Harambee Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 148 168 South Washington ST, Rocky Mount 27801 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Tarboro Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1625 W Wilson St, Tarboro 27886 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Arc/HDS Edgecombe Co Apts HUD-assisted 169 Wayfarer Ct, Rocky Mount 27801 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (252) 977-6232
- Arc/HDS Edgecombe/Nash GH #1 HUD-assisted 145 Wayfarer Ct, Rocky Mount 27801 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 977-3747
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 Edgecombe County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Edgecombe 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 | $16,850 | $28,100 | $44,950 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,100 | $51,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,100 | $57,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,100 | $64,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,350 | $69,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,550 | $74,450 |
| 7 people | $49,750 | $49,750 | $79,550 |
| 8 people | $52,950 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
Area median income: $80,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rocky Mount, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $870 – $1,064
- 1 bedroom $875 – $1,069
- 2 bedrooms $1,050 – $1,284
- 3 bedrooms $1,410 – $1,724
- 4 bedrooms $1,608 – $1,966
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
- Rocky Mount Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 320 vouchers · 755 public housing units (252) 977-3141 Rocky Mount Housing Authority: Kmacklin@rm-ha.org
- Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Tarboro Public housing · 193 public housing units (252) 823-6339 Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Tarboro: trgreen23@tarborohousing.com
- Princeville Housing Authority Public housing (336) 917-6118 Princeville Housing Authority: tortiviz@aspirews.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 Edgecombe County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Edgecombe County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Housing Authority of the City of Rocky Mount, NC
901 Authority Dr, Rocky Mount
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Edgecombe 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
$2,334
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,167
- Security deposit
- $1,167
- Total
- $2,334
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 Edgecombe County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $967; 1 bedroom: $972; 2 bedrooms: $1,167; 3 bedrooms: $1,567; 4 bedrooms: $1,787. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Edgecombe County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,167) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.44 an hour full time, or $46,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Edgecombe County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,100 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 Edgecombe 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 $1,050 and $1,284 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Edgecombe County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 27809 to $1,380 in 27819. 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 Edgecombe County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Edgecombe 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 Edgecombe County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Edgecombe County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).