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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,785 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,153 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.33 an hour, full time.

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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,785
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
24% more than in North Carolina
Typical rent
$1,153
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
6% less than in North Carolina
Wage needed
$34.33
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $71,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
51%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
4% more than in North Carolina

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Gaston County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Nearby, in Cleveland County, the typical rent is $914: 21% less than in Gaston County ($1,153).

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 Gaston 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 Gaston County was $1,633 a month in September 2026: 2.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $1,574 $30.27 $62,960
1 bedroom $1,640 $31.54 $65,600
2 bedrooms $1,785 $34.33 $71,400
3 bedrooms $2,179 $41.90 $87,160
4 bedrooms $2,773 $53.33 $110,920

HUD area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 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 19 ZIP codes in Gaston County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 28016 to $1,610 in 28098. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,785).

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)

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Gaston County, 51% 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.

51%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

31,022 households rent in Gaston County

  • Spend half or more of their income 27%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
  • Spend less than 30% 49%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Gaston 51%
  • North Carolina 49%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Gaston County

HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Gaston 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)
32
HUD-assisted
26
public housing
2

3,091 homes in all; 2,899 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Cameron-Weldon Tax credit (LIHTC) 1304 Baugh St, Gastonia 28052 191 homes, 190 low-income · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 59 · 3 bd: 53 · 4 bd: 21 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Village Square Apartments HUD-assisted 1400 Paige Ct, Gastonia 28054 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 865-9507
  • Historic Osage Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 S 12th St, Bessemer City 28016 143 low-income homes · For families
  • Mountain View Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 Edwin St, Gastonia 28052 109 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 46 · 4 bd: 23 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Long Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 Millington Cir, Dallas 28034 103 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 43 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2014 · For families
  • A.r.p. Manor HUD-assisted 2900 Union Rd, Gastonia 28054 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 861-0954
  • Linwood Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Conrad Ave, Gastonia 28052 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
  • The Lofts at Union Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2708 Union Rd, Gastonia 28054 84 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For older adults
  • Catherine Booth Gardens HUD-assisted 1436 Union Rd, Gastonia 28054 82 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 868-9122
  • Hoffman Homes HUD-assisted 2263 Cordoba St, Gastonia 28054 81 low-income homes · For families · (704) 865-1945
  • Abbington Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2004 Castleton Ct, Belmont 28012 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Evergreen Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2510 Loblolly Pine Dr, Gastonia 28054 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2010 · For families
  • Long Creek Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Sean Michael Dr, Dallas 28034 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · For families
  • Parkside at Hudson Tax credit (LIHTC) 721 Day Lily Cir, Gastonia 28054 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2020 · For families
  • Madison Place Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4200 Forbes Rd, Gastonia 28054 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 37 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
  • Highland Memorial Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 N Highland St, Gastonia 28052 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 63 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
  • Loftin at Montcross Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 864 Hawley Ave, Belmont 28012 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
  • Stonecroft Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1001 Farewell Dr, Gastonia 28054 72 low-income homes · For families · (704) 861-0793
  • Villas at Union Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 Wellons Dr, Gastonia 28054 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
  • Oak Forest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 117A Oak Forest Ln, Dallas 28034 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 1992 · For families
  • Glenwood Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2151 Glenwood Dr, Gastonia 28054 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 28 · For older adults
  • Belmont Housing Auth Public housing 21 Flowers Ct, Belmont 28012 50 low-income homes · Run by Belmont Housing Authority · Average payment: $522 a month · Average wait: 29 months · (704) 825-9376
  • Carolina Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 6001 Mahogany Ln, Kings Mountain 28086 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 17 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (704) 739-9321
  • Perfection Park Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3030 Perfection Park Pl, Belmont 28012 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
  • Cherrywood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 Office Ln, Cherryville 28021 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1991 · For families
  • New Cherrywood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 Sullivan Dr, Cherryville 28021 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2010 · For families
  • The Landings II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2248 Hudson Landings Dr, Gastonia 28054 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For families
  • Holly Hill Apartments Public housing 635 Noles Dr, Mt Holly 28120 46 low-income homes · Run by Statesville Housing Authority · Average payment: $277 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (704) 872-9811
  • Mayworth School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 236 8th Ave, Cramerton 28032 41 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
  • Gateway Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 535 N York St, Gastonia 28052 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
  • Lincoln Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 366 Armstrong Cir, High Shoals 28077 40 low-income homes · For families · (704) 732-0969
  • Stanley Square HUD-assisted 814 N Buckoak St, Stanley 28164 40 low-income homes · For families · (704) 263-1000
  • Mercy Place Belmont HUD-assisted 6531 W Wilkinson Blvd, Belmont 28012 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (704) 825-4254
  • Mclurd Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 McLurd Manor Dr, Stanley 28164 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
  • Northgate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Northgate Ln, Bessemer City 28016 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1995 · For families
  • Rollins Apartments HUD-assisted 311 S Hawthorne St, Mount Holly 28120 34 low-income homes · For families · (704) 827-9025
  • Central School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 E Washington Ave, Bessemer City 28016 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Dallas High School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 W Church St, Dallas 28034 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
  • Bordeaux Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2265 Bordeaux Ave, Gastonia 28056 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Myrtle Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 35 E Myrtle St, Belmont 28012 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 825-2446
  • The Belvedere Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 910 914 Davis Avenue, Gastonia 28054 31 low-income homes · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Colonial Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 400 W Academy St, Cherryville 28021 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 435-9347
  • Northgate Phase II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Heather Ct, Bessemer City 28016 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
  • Kinross Place HUD-assisted 2904 Union Rd, Gastonia 28054 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (704) 852-3744
  • Fairhaven Place HUD-assisted 350 E Hudson Blvd, Gastonia 28054 189 homes, 11 low-income · (704) 469-5333
  • Cac of Gaston Co. HUD-assisted 680 Clyde St, Gastonia 28052 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 854-4236
  • 405 Flint ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 405 Flint St, Gastonia 28054 9 low-income homes · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 1 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1991 · For families
  • RIC Redbud Apartments HUD-assisted 3345 Redbud Dr, Gastonia 28056 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 770-5041
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co Apts HUD-assisted 401 E 3rd Ave, Gastonia 28054 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (704) 865-6601
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #4 HUD-assisted 417 W 10th Ave, Gastonia 28052 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 866-4486
  • Mountain Ridge Group Home HUD-assisted 810 King Arthur Dr, Gastonia 28056 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 529-0446
  • WNC Community Homes #5 HUD-assisted 2250 Baltic St, Gastonia 28054 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 867-0012
  • WNC Community Homes #9 HUD-assisted 1482 Hoffman Rd, Gastonia 28054 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (704) 865-6800
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #1 HUD-assisted 1102 Requa Rd, Cherryville 28021 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 435-4608
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 1101 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia 28054 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 866-7084
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #5 HUD-assisted 1030 Forestbrook Dr, Gastonia 28056 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 867-7901
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #6 HUD-assisted 605 Rosemary Ln, Gastonia 28054 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 866-0437
  • Arc/HDS Gaston Co GH #7 HUD-assisted 934 Springdale Ln, Gastonia 28052 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 867-3473
  • Martin Duplex #2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 607 Tot Dellinger Rd, Cherryville 28021 2 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994

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 Gaston 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 Gaston County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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. HUD

  2. 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). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. 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. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$24,650 $41,100 $65,750
$28,200 $47,000 $75,150
$31,700 $52,850 $84,550
$35,200 $58,700 $93,900
$38,680 $63,400 $101,450
$44,360 $68,100 $108,950
$50,040 $72,800 $116,450
$55,720 $77,500 $123,950

Area median income: $117,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,417 – $1,731
  • 1 bedroom $1,476 – $1,804
  • 2 bedrooms $1,607 – $1,964
  • 3 bedrooms $1,961 – $2,397
  • 4 bedrooms $2,496 – $3,050

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

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 rule

Compare 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 Gaston County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Gaston County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

See every agency in North Carolina Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Gaston 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

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,570

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,785
Security deposit
$1,785
Total
$3,570

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Gaston County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,574; 1 bedroom: $1,640; 2 bedrooms: $1,785; 3 bedrooms: $2,179; 4 bedrooms: $2,773. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Gaston County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,785) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.33 an hour full time, or $71,400 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Gaston County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,700 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 Gaston 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 $1,607 and $1,964 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Gaston County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 28016 to $1,610 in 28098. 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 Gaston County?

HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Gaston 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 Gaston County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Gaston County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).