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City · 9,292 residents · Pender County, North Carolina

Hampstead , North Carolina

In Hampstead, a typical home is worth $402,100 and typical rent is $1,216 a month. Compared with all of Pender County, the typical home value is 34% higher, typical household income is 14% higher, and the share of households that own their home is 10 points lower.

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  • Typical home value

    $402,100

    34% above the county

    39% above North Carolina

    • Hampstead
    • Pender
    • North Carolina

  • Typical rent

    $1,216a month

    10% above the county

    About the same as North Carolina

    • Hampstead
    • Pender
    • North Carolina

  • Typical household income

    $91,745a year

    14% above the county

    27% above North Carolina

    • Hampstead
    • Pender
    • North Carolina

  • Households that own their home

    73%

    10 points below the county

    6 points above North Carolina

    • Hampstead
    • Pender
    • North Carolina

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$488,918
0.8% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$1,985 a month
8.1% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Hampstead is in Pender County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Pender County. See the county

Data updated: October 1, 2026 11 official sources

Only here

What sets Hampstead apart

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

  1. Hampstead has the 5th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 136 cities in North Carolina with more than 5,000 people (35%).

  2. The typical home in Hampstead is worth $402,100, 34% more than in Pender County as a whole ($299,000).

  3. Nearby, in Kings Grant, the typical home value is $300,700: 25% less than in Hampstead ($402,100).

  4. 73% of households in Hampstead own their home, against 83% in Pender County.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

The homes here

Housing in Hampstead

What homes there are in Hampstead, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is still the most common home in Hampstead, but it weighs less than in Pender County: 64% against 71%.

Year built

Homes in Hampstead are newer: the typical year built is 2003; in Pender County, 1998.

Homes in Hampstead are smaller: 67% have 3 bedrooms or more; in Pender County, 79%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes
Monthly rent with utilities

With a mortgage

$2,076 a month

Pender County: $1,772 a month

Without a mortgage

$710 a month

Pender County: $522 a month

Owners with a mortgage

66%

Pender County: 61%

Owning costs more in Hampstead: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $2,076 a month; in Pender County, $1,772. Without one, $710.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Hampstead rose 40% since 2015–2019, less than in Pender County (51%).

The typical rent in Hampstead stayed about the same over that time: the difference is within the Census margin of error.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureHampsteadPender CountyNorth CarolinaUnited States
Rental vacancy Unreliable estimate9.8%7.1%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate1.3%0.9%
More than one person per room Unreliable estimate2.1%2.2%3.4%
People per household 2.922.542.442.53
Drive alone 71%74%72%69%
Carpool 11%11%9%9%
Public transit Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate1%3%
Walk or bike Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate2%3%
Work from home 17%13%16%15%
Other means Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate1%2%
Typical commute Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Households in Hampstead are bigger: 2.92 people on average; in Pender County, 2.54.

Many people here do not commute at all: 17% work from home; in Pender County, 13%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month for a home in Hampstead?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home in Hampstead, worth $402,100, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 43% of the typical household income in Hampstead, which is $91,745 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $139,338 a year.

The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Pender County.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Hampstead. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $14,074 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$3,251

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$394,816
Total interest
$568,048
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $6,790 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $2,141 a month

  • Tight

    $2,141 to $2,752 a month

  • Hard

    more than $2,752 a month

    Your payment · 43%

Compared with the typical household income in Hampstead ($91,745 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$3,251
Principal & interest$2,675
Property tax$231
Home insurance$168
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$178

You need at least $14,074 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

The city and its county

Hampstead and Pender County

Hampstead is in Pender County, North Carolina. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).

Hampstead's own numbers

Typical home value
$402,100
Typical monthly rent
$1,216
Typical yearly household income
$91,745
Households that own their home
73%
Effective property tax rate
0.69%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).

Numbers for all of Pender County

FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,199
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+64%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
17%

HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.

Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Pender County.

Everything about Pender County

Buying

Buying a home in Hampstead

A typical home in Hampstead is worth $402,100: 34% above the county and 39% above North Carolina. With the typical household income in Hampstead ($91,745 a year), a typical home costs 4.4 times what the household earns in a year.

Years of income to pay for a typical home

The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.

  • Hampstead 4.4 years
  • Pender 3.7 years
  • North Carolina 4.0 years
  • United States 4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

How prices have changed in Pender County

According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Pender County rose 113% in the 10 years through 2025.

FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Pender County.

Period County North Carolina U.S.
Last year (2025) +0.3% +2.5% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +64% +60% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +113% +107% +85%

The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Hampstead next to Pender County, North Carolina and the U.S.

Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Hampstead $402,100
  • Pender $299,000
  • North Carolina $288,900
  • United States $332,700
Typical monthly rent
  • Hampstead $1,216
  • Pender $1,106
  • North Carolina $1,228
  • United States $1,413
Typical yearly household income
  • Hampstead $91,745
  • Pender $80,396
  • North Carolina $72,388
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Hampstead next to Pender County and North Carolina
Measure Hampstead Pender County North Carolina U.S.
Typical home value $402,100 $299,000 $288,900 $332,700
Typical monthly rent $1,216 $1,106 $1,228 $1,413
Typical yearly household income $91,745 $80,396 $72,388 $80,734
Households that own their home 73% 83% 67% 65%
Typical yearly property tax $2,775 $1,883 $1,896 $3,119
Effective property tax rate 0.69% 0.63% 0.66% 0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income 35% 50% 49% 51%

“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Pender County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Hampstead

For a typical $402,100 home in Hampstead, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Hampstead's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

  • FHA, 3.5% down $3,251a month

    Least cash to close
    Down payment
    $14,074
    Cash to close
    $26,137
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    FHA MIP · $178

  • Conventional, 5% down $3,178a month

    Down payment
    $20,105
    Cash to close
    $32,168
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    PMI · $191

  • Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $2,578a month

    Down payment
    $80,420
    Cash to close
    $92,483
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

  • ITIN, 15% down (example) $2,950a month

    Down payment
    $60,315
    Cash to close
    $72,378
    Rate
    8.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.

  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

How much house can I afford? Estimate closing costs

Taxes and floods

Two costs that change from place to place

Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for Hampstead and for Pender County.

Property tax

Effective rate in Hampstead

0.69%of the home’s value each year

$2,775 a year for the typical owner in Hampstead.

  • Hampstead 0.69%
  • Pender 0.63%
  • North Carolina 0.66%

What North Carolina publishes Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion (North Carolina General Assembly (statute))

Exemptions and deadlines in North Carolina

Flood risk in Pender County

FEMA does not publish these numbers by city: they are for all of Pender County.

Homes in the high-risk zone
17%
5,184
Of those, with NFIP insurance
68%
County North Carolina U.S.
Homes in the high-risk zone 17% 2.8% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 68% 53% 48%

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Renting

Renting in Hampstead

Typical rent in Hampstead is $1,216 a month: 10% above the county. In Hampstead, 35% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Pender County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,199 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $23.06 an hour working full time.

HUD fair market rent for all of Pender County

What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Yearly income
Studio $915 $17.60 $36,600
1 bedroom $1,101 $21.17 $44,040
2 bedrooms $1,199 $23.06 $47,960
3 bedrooms $1,660 $31.92 $66,400
4 bedrooms $2,004 $38.54 $80,160

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

Fair market rent by ZIP code in Hampstead

HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Hampstead is in ZIP code 28443.

For 2 bedrooms it is $1,620: $421 more than the fair market rent for Pender County ($1,199).

  • 28443 $1,620$2,240

1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Hampstead when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file Data from 2020 data Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file

Is your rent high for your ZIP?

Free help

Help to buy or rent in Hampstead

You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.

We found no HUD-approved agencies with an office in Pender County. The nearest ones are below; many serve by phone or online.

A man listens closely, seated at a meeting table.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Assistance programs in Hampstead

No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Hampstead or Pender County. The ones below are statewide in North Carolina: they work in Hampstead the same as in the rest of the state.

Which programs do I qualify for? All programs in North Carolina

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage

    Statewide in North Carolina

    NCHFA fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance, for first-time buyers and for people who have owned a home before, in North Carolina. Offered by North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA).

    Forgivable

    See the program Official page

  • NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment

    Statewide in North Carolina

    A fixed amount of NCHFA down payment assistance for first-time buyers and veterans in North Carolina. Offered by North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA).

    Type not stated

    See the program Official page

  • Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)

    Statewide in North Carolina

    NCHFA interest-free loan with deferred payments of up to 25% of the price (maximum $50,000) for the down payment of low- and moderate-income buyers in North Carolina; you apply through a member organization. Offered by North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA).

    Deferred

    See the program Official page

Housing counselors near Hampstead

The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of Hampstead, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.

  • Cape Fear Regional CDC

    500 Compton St, Wilmington · 13 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 4 more
    (910) 762-7555

  • City of Wilmington

    929 N Front St, Wilmington · 14 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
    • and 5 more
    (910) 341-7836

  • City of Jacksonville

    815 New Bridge St, Jacksonville · 33 miles away

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 3 more
    (910) 938-6551

All counseling agencies in North Carolina

Help in Spanish near Hampstead

2 of the 3 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Housing authorities of Hampstead

HUD’s record names them for Hampstead or Pender County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.

All housing agencies in North Carolina Source: HUD

Cities

Nearby cities

The cities closest to Hampstead, with the typical home value.

Everything about Pender County Housing in North Carolina

Neighboring counties

If Pender County is out of reach, look next door. Each number is that county's own.

Keep going

Guides for your next step

Short explanations, in plain language and with official sources, for buying or renting in Hampstead.

All guides
A mother smiles as she carries her young daughter on her shoulders (black and white).

Questions

Housing questions about Hampstead

Short answers with the numbers for Hampstead and all of Pender County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.

How much does a typical home cost in Hampstead?

The typical home value in Hampstead is $402,100, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Pender County it is $299,000.

How much does it cost to rent in Hampstead?

Typical rent in Hampstead is $1,216 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Pender County is $1,199.

What is the FHA loan limit in Hampstead?

Hampstead uses the FHA limit for all of Pender County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.

How much property tax do owners pay in Hampstead?

The typical homeowner in Hampstead pays $2,775 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 0.69% of the home’s value; in Pender County, the rate is 0.63%.

Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Hampstead?

We found no HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Pender County; the nearest ones are on this page. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.

Sources: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (2020 data); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (HUD) (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (HPI) (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) (As of August 3, 2026).