Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lenoir County, North Carolina
Lenoir County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,012 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $861 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.46 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,012
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 30% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $861
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 30% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $19.46
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Lenoir County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 59%, Lenoir County ranks 5th among the 100 counties in North Carolina for the lowest homeownership rate.
-
At $45,143, Lenoir County ranks 6th among the 100 counties in North Carolina for the lowest typical household income.
-
15% of households in Lenoir County have no internet at home, against 7% in North Carolina.
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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir County was $1,214 a month in September 2026: 4.6% 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 | $783 | $15.06 | $31,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $788 | $15.15 | $31,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,273 | $24.48 | $50,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,508 | $29.00 | $60,320 |
HUD area: Lenoir 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 11 ZIP codes in Lenoir County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28525 to $1,120 in 28551. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,012).
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)
| 28501 | Craven County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28501 | Greene County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28501 | Jones County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28501 | Lenoir County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,800 |
| 28504 | Jones County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,570 |
| 28504 | Lenoir County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,570 |
| 28525 | Duplin County, NC | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,490 |
| 28525 | Lenoir County, NC | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,490 |
| 28551 | Goldsboro, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
| 28551 | Greene County, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
| 28551 | Lenoir County, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
- 28501 · Craven County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28501 · Greene County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28501 · Jones County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28501 · Lenoir County, NC $1,080$1,440
- 28504 · Jones County, NC $1,050$1,320
- 28504 · Lenoir County, NC $1,050$1,320
- 28525 · Duplin County, NC $1,010$1,260
- 28525 · Lenoir County, NC $1,010$1,260
- 28551 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,350
- 28551 · Greene County, NC $1,120$1,350
- 28551 · Lenoir County, NC $1,120$1,350
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 Lenoir County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,525 households rent in Lenoir County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lenoir 46%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lenoir County
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lenoir 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
- 10
- public housing
- 7
1,865 homes in all; 1,848 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Kinston Towers I HUD-assisted 511 N Queen St, Kinston 28501 148 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 523-1195
- Simon Bright Public housing Kinston 28501 144 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $243 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (252) 523-1195
- Jack Roundtree Public housing 709 Marilyn Dr, Kinston 28501 125 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $319 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (252) 523-1195
- Carver Courts Public housing 15A Carver Cts, Kinston 28501 122 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $266 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (252) 523-1195
- Six Churches Plaza-Kinston Towersii HUD-assisted 107 E Peyton Ave, Kinston 28501 110 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 527-7984
- Mitchell Wooten Public housing 10A Mitchell Wooten Ct, Kinston 28501 108 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $200 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (252) 523-1195
- Richard Green Public housing 419A Richard Green Apartments, Kinston 28501 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $212 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (252) 523-1195
- ST. John Village Apartments HUD-assisted 912 E Highland Ave, Kinston 28501 96 homes, 83 low-income · For families · (252) 527-5550
- Greenbrier Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Doctors Dr, Kinston 28501 61 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Andover Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2127 Daly Waldrop Rd, Kinston 28504 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Cambridge Farms Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Doctors Dr, Kinston 28501 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Stockton Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Doctors Dr, Kinston 28501 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Grainger Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Summit Ave, Kinston 28501 57 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Best Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 909 Savannah Ln, Kinston 28501 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Lagrange Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 N Wooten St, La Grange 28551 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Lagrange Village Apartments HUD-assisted 111 E James St, La Grange 28551 50 low-income homes · For families · (252) 566-4840
- Abby Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 4626 Cindy Ln, Kinston 28504 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Magnolia Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Sweet Bay Lane, La Grange 28551 48 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- LaGrange Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 208 E King St, La Grange 28551 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 566-4496
- E. K. Best JR. Village Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 909 Savannah Ln, Kinston 28501 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Church Manor/Roland L. Paylor Apts. HUD-assisted 214 W Washington Ave, Kinston 28501 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 523-1601
- Kinston Hotel Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 N Queen St, Kinston 28501 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Kinston Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1313 McAdoo St, Kinston 28501 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For families
- John C. Hood Homes Public housing 200 Lincoln St, Kinston 28501 30 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $328 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (252) 523-1195
- Nantucket Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 619 N Herritage St, Kinston 28501 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Riverview Townes Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Riverview Drive, Kinston 28501 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1995 · For families
- River Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 511 Fire Tower Rd, La Grange 28551 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · For families
- La Grange Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 N Forbes St, La Grange 28551 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Scattered Sites Public housing 103A N Trianon St, Kinston 28501 12 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kinston · Average payment: $472 a month · Homes at several sites · (252) 523-1195
- Arc/HDS Lenoir County Apartments HUD-assisted 108 E Daniels St, Kinston 28501 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (252) 523-8275
- Arc/HDS Lenoir Co. Group Home #3 HUD-assisted 1510 Farmgate Rd, Kinston 28504 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 523-1480
- Arc/HDS Lenoir County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 601 Larkspur Rd, Kinston 28501 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 523-7303
- Arc/HDS Lenoir County Icf/MR Group Home HUD-assisted 900 Rosanne Dr, Kinston 28504 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 523-4542
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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir 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 | $16,450 | $27,450 | $43,900 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,350 | $50,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,250 | $56,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,150 | $62,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,300 | $67,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 7 people | $48,550 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 8 people | $51,700 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
Area median income: $65,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lenoir County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $705 – $861
- 1 bedroom $709 – $867
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,146 – $1,400
- 4 bedrooms $1,357 – $1,659
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 Authority of the City of Kinston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 889 vouchers · 641 public housing units (252) 523-1195 Housing Authority of the City of Kinston: kha@khanc.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 Lenoir County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc.
504 Green St E, Wilson · 37 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
Housing Authority of the City of Rocky Mount, NC
901 Authority Dr, Rocky Mount · 49 miles away
- 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 Lenoir 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
$2,024
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,012
- Security deposit
- $1,012
- Total
- $2,024
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 Lenoir County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $783; 1 bedroom: $788; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,273; 4 bedrooms: $1,508. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lenoir County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,012) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.46 an hour full time, or $40,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lenoir County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,150 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 Lenoir 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 $911 and $1,113 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lenoir County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28525 to $1,120 in 28551. 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 Lenoir County?
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lenoir 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 Lenoir County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lenoir County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).