Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Johnston County, North Carolina
Johnston County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,689 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,146 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,689
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% more than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,146
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $32.48
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $67,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Johnston County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Sampson County, the typical rent is $834: 27% less than in Johnston County ($1,146).
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 Johnston 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 Johnston County was $1,754 a month in September 2026: 1.7% 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 | $1,489 | $28.63 | $59,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,552 | $29.85 | $62,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,689 | $32.48 | $67,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,103 | $40.44 | $84,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,823 | $54.29 | $112,920 |
HUD area: Raleigh-Cary, 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 16 ZIP codes in Johnston County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 27504 to $1,900 in 27527. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,689).
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)
| 27504 | Harnett County, NC | $1,060 | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27504 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27520 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,040 | $2,740 |
| 27524 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27524 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27527 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,680 | $1,750 | $1,900 | $2,370 | $3,180 |
| 27542 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27542 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27542 | Wilson County, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27555 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27568 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27569 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27569 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27576 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27577 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27593 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,260 | $1,570 | $2,110 |
- 27504 · Harnett County, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27504 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27520 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,640$2,040
- 27524 · Goldsboro, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27524 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27527 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,900$2,370
- 27542 · Goldsboro, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27542 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27542 · Wilson County, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27555 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27568 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27569 · Goldsboro, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27569 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27576 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27577 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27593 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,260$1,570
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 Johnston 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.
20,499 households rent in Johnston County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Johnston 48%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Johnston County
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnston 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)
- 26
- HUD-assisted
- 14
- public housing
- 3
2,398 homes in all; 2,379 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Project Unnamed Public housing 1606 Dail St, Smithfield 27577 205 low-income homes · Run by Smithfield Housing Authority · Average payment: $391 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (919) 934-9491
- Coastline/Canady/Wilson Public housing 200A S Sellers St, Selma 27576 183 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (919) 965-3755
- BHA Properties Public housing 703 S Whittington St, Benson 27504 173 low-income homes · Run by Benson Housing Authority · Average payment: $395 a month · Average wait: 30 months · Homes at several sites · (919) 894-4710
- Lizzie Mill Station HUD-assisted 182 Redwood Dr, Selma 27576 100 low-income homes · For families · (919) 351-0100
- Cleveland Green Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Lainey St, Garner 27529 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Benson Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 54 Tide Cir, Benson 27504 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · For families
- Cleveland Green III Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 United St, Garner 27529 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Triangle Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 203 College Rd, Smithfield 27577 74 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 934-6066
- Cobblers Station Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Commodore Street, Clayton 27520 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Glen Lake Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Nc Highway 210, Smithfield 27577 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Welsummer Yards Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 Old Roberts Rd, Benson 27504 72 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Johnson Court Apts HUD-assisted 2266 Kay Dr, Smithfield 27577 70 homes, 69 low-income · For families · (919) 934-6546
- Legacy Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 1150 Berkley Belle Dr, Benson 27504 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 16 · For families
- MHA Housing of Piedmont NC HUD-assisted 708B Avenue Rd, Smithfield 27577 69 homes, 62 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 854-4825
- Fieldale Apartments HUD-assisted 12 Fieldale Dr, Smithfield 27577 60 low-income homes · For families · (919) 989-6015
- Riverwood Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) 161 Stetson Ln, Clayton 27527 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- The Meadows Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Ricks Rd, Selma 27576 58 homes, 57 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Clayton Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Boling St, Clayton 27520 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Glenbrook Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 511 Glen Rd, Garner 27529 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2013 · For families
- The Hedges Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 N Ryals St, Benson 27504 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Austin Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 129 S 3rd St, Smithfield 27577 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Bowman Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 539 Glen Rd, Garner 27529 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Lions Spring Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 Shotwell Rd, Clayton 27520 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Oaks Apartments (The) HUD-assisted 312 Surles Dr, Four Oaks 27524 41 homes, 40 low-income · For families · (919) 963-3756
- Cleveland Green Phase II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Lainey St, Garner 27529 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Village Gardens HUD-assisted 303 Dairy Rd, Clayton 27520 37 homes, 36 low-income · For older adults · (919) 934-6066
- Crestfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 604 E Morris Ave, Benson 27504 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Heritage Court Apartments HUD-assisted 809 E Main St, Clayton 27520 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 553-4824
- Joseph E. Price Elderly Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Merriman Dr, Selma 27576 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Pine Knoll Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 204 Skyland Dr, Smithfield 27577 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Ridgecrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Adams Dr, Benson 27504 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Oak Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 51 Oak Park Dr, Four Oaks 27524 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Windsor Place Apartments HUD-assisted 116 Nc Highway 210, Smithfield 27577 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 934-1773
- Cleveland School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 8968 Cleveland Rd, Clayton 27520 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Four Oaks Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Keen Rd, Four Oaks 27524 28 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Hillmont Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 306 West Main Street, Micro 27555 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Kenly Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 567 W 1st St, Kenly 27542 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1988 · For families
- Oakdale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7254 Oakdale Circle, Middlesex 27577 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Pine Knoll Apts. HUD-assisted 100 Pineview Cir, Smithfield 27577 20 low-income homes · For families · (919) 934-6036
- Arc/HDS Johnston County Group Home #3 HUD-assisted 505 W Blanche St, Pine Level 27568 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 965-0158
- Arc/HDS Johnston Co Group Home- Fo HUD-assisted 217 George St, Four Oaks 27524 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 963-2563
- Arc/HDS Johnston Group Home - SM HUD-assisted 300 N 7th St, Smithfield 27577 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 934-8782
- Clayton Court Apartments HUD-assisted 600 N Oneil St, Clayton 27520 4 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 934-6066
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 Johnston County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Johnston 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 | $27,800 | $46,350 | $74,100 |
| 2 people | $31,800 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
| 3 people | $35,750 | $59,550 | $95,300 |
| 4 people | $39,700 | $66,150 | $105,850 |
| 5 people | $42,900 | $71,450 | $114,350 |
| 6 people | $46,100 | $76,750 | $122,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $82,050 | $131,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $87,350 | $139,750 |
Area median income: $132,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,340 – $1,638
- 1 bedroom $1,397 – $1,707
- 2 bedrooms $1,520 – $1,858
- 3 bedrooms $1,893 – $2,313
- 4 bedrooms $2,541 – $3,105
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
- Johnston County Housing Assistance Payments Program Section 8 vouchers · 634 vouchers (919) 989-5070 Johnston County Housing Assistance Payments Program: randy.smale@johnstonnc.com
- Smithfield Housing Authority Public housing · 205 public housing units (919) 934-9491 Smithfield Housing Authority: director@smithfieldhousingnc.org
- Selma Housing Authority Public housing · 183 public housing units (919) 965-3755 Selma Housing Authority: director@selmahousing.org
- Benson Housing Authority Public housing · 173 public housing units (919) 894-4710 Benson Housing Authority: bbrown@bensonhousing.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 Johnston County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Cccs, A Division of Triangle Family Services, Inc.
3937 Western Blvd, Raleigh · 26 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Cambodian, Cantonese, and 17 more languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Navicore Solutions- Raleigh, NC
4917 Waters Edge Dr, Raleigh · 27 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
-
Carolina Community Impact Inc.
3725 National Dr, Raleigh · 28 miles away · Spanish
- 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 Johnston 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
$3,378
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,689
- Security deposit
- $1,689
- Total
- $3,378
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 Johnston County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,489; 1 bedroom: $1,552; 2 bedrooms: $1,689; 3 bedrooms: $2,103; 4 bedrooms: $2,823. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Johnston County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,689) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.48 an hour full time, or $67,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Johnston County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $66,150 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 Johnston 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 $1,520 and $1,858 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Johnston County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 27504 to $1,900 in 27527. 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 Johnston County?
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnston 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 Johnston County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Johnston County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).