Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lee County, North Carolina
Lee County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,179 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,017 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,179
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,017
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $22.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Lee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Lee County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,017, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Hoke County ($1,089).
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 Lee 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 Lee County was $1,649 a month in September 2026: about the same as 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 | $906 | $17.42 | $36,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $912 | $17.54 | $36,480 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,179 | $22.67 | $47,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,405 | $27.02 | $56,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,805 | $34.71 | $72,200 |
HUD area: Lee County, NC. 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 7 ZIP codes in Lee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 28355 to $1,540 in 27330. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,179).
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)
| 27330 | Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $1,280 | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,910 | $2,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27330 | Harnett County, NC | $1,280 | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,910 | $2,280 |
| 27330 | Lee County, NC | $1,280 | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,910 | $2,280 |
| 27330 | Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $1,280 | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,910 | $2,280 |
| 27332 | Harnett County, NC | $990 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,960 |
| 27332 | Lee County, NC | $990 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,960 |
| 28355 | Lee County, NC | $910 | $910 | $1,180 | $1,410 | $1,810 |
- 27330 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,540$1,910
- 27330 · Harnett County, NC $1,540$1,910
- 27330 · Lee County, NC $1,540$1,910
- 27330 · Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC $1,540$1,910
- 27332 · Harnett County, NC $1,250$1,560
- 27332 · Lee County, NC $1,250$1,560
- 28355 · Lee County, NC $1,180$1,410
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 Lee County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,218 households rent in Lee County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lee 44%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lee County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee 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)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 3
1,282 homes in all; 1,273 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Linden HGTS/Utley Plaza/Foushee HGTS Public housing 201 Linden Ave, Sanford 27330 142 homes, 141 low-income · Run by Sanford Housing Authority · Average payment: $352 a month · Average wait: 18 months · Homes at several sites · (919) 776-7655
- Garden Street and Gilmore Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 1021 Clark Cir, Sanford 27330 126 low-income homes · In service since 2019 · For families
- Stewart Manor/Matthews Court Public housing 500 Dudley Ave, Sanford 27330 100 low-income homes · Run by Sanford Housing Authority · (919) 776-7655
- Sandhill Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Mashburn Dr, Sanford 27330 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Summerfield Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2518 Indian Wells Ct, Sanford 27332 78 homes, 77 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 54 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Autumn Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Willow Oak Ln, Sanford 27330 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Autumn Oaks II Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 Willow Oak Dr, Sanford 27330 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Firetower Crossing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Lightwood Ln, Sanford 27330 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Juniper Point Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1112 Juniper Dr, Sanford 27330 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Matthews Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 338 Temple Ave, Sanford 27330 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Sandhill Manor on Courtland Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Harkey Rd, Sanford 27330 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Sanford Gardens HUD-assisted 3084 Khalif Ct, Sanford 27332 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 775-7118
- Brookhollow Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1330 Brookhollow Dr, Sanford 27330 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Apple Tree Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2619 Brick Capital Ct, Sanford 27332 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Forest Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 546 Forest Ridge Dr, Sanford 27330 40 low-income homes · For families · (919) 774-6423
- Hunters Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Glenaire Cir, Sanford 27330 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Mckenzie Park Tax credit (LIHTC) Harkey Road, Sanford 27330 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Wilrik Hotel Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 152 158 Steel ST 200 Wicker ST, Sanford 27330 41 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Mckenzie Park Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) Harkey Road, Sanford 27330 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Timberwood Apts, Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) Timber Place, Sanford 27330 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Garden ST/Gilmore T./Harris CT/Crestview Public housing 406 Dudley Ave, Sanford 27330 26 low-income homes · Run by Sanford Housing Authority · Average payment: $262 a month · Average wait: 28 months · Homes at several sites · (919) 776-7655
- Arc/HDS Lee County Group Home HUD-assisted 3101 Carbonton Rd, Sanford 27330 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 774-6647
- Arc/HDS Lee County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 2412 Knollwood Dr, Sanford 27330 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 776-7822
- CHC of Lee Co. HUD-assisted 108 E Seawell St, Sanford 27332 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 718-0269
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 Lee County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Lee 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 | $17,650 | $29,400 | $47,050 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,600 | $53,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,800 | $60,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,000 | $67,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,400 | $72,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,750 | $77,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,100 | $83,350 |
| 8 people | $55,450 | $55,450 | $88,750 |
Area median income: $85,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lee County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $815 – $997
- 1 bedroom $821 – $1,003
- 2 bedrooms $1,061 – $1,297
- 3 bedrooms $1,265 – $1,546
- 4 bedrooms $1,625 – $1,986
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
- Sanford Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 951 vouchers · 267 public housing units (919) 776-7655 Sanford Housing Authority: mthreatt@sha-nc.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 Lee County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Lee County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Brick Capital Community Development Corporation
822 S Horner Blvd, Sanford · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lee 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
$2,358
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,179
- Security deposit
- $1,179
- Total
- $2,358
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 Lee County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $906; 1 bedroom: $912; 2 bedrooms: $1,179; 3 bedrooms: $1,405; 4 bedrooms: $1,805. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lee County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,179) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.67 an hour full time, or $47,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lee County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,000 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 Lee 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 $1,061 and $1,297 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 28355 to $1,540 in 27330. 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 Lee County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee 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 Lee County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lee County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).