Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lincoln County, North Carolina
Lincoln County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,138 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,015 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,138
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,015
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $21.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Lincoln County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Alexander County, the typical rent is $764: 25% less than in Lincoln County ($1,015).
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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln County was $1,682 a month in September 2026: 4.2% 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 | $1,003 | $19.29 | $40,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,045 | $20.10 | $41,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,138 | $21.88 | $45,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,576 | $30.31 | $63,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,902 | $36.58 | $76,080 |
HUD area: Lincoln County, NC 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 12 ZIP codes in Lincoln County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 28168 to $1,330 in 28080. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,138).
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)
| 28033 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $940 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,730 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28033 | Lincoln County, NC | $940 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,730 |
| 28037 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,160 | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 28037 | Lincoln County, NC | $1,160 | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 28080 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $1,170 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,220 |
| 28080 | Lincoln County, NC | $1,170 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,220 |
| 28092 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $960 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,820 |
| 28092 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $960 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,820 |
| 28092 | Lincoln County, NC | $960 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,820 |
| 28168 | Cleveland County, NC | $890 | $920 | $1,030 | $1,360 | $1,650 |
| 28168 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $890 | $920 | $1,030 | $1,360 | $1,650 |
| 28168 | Lincoln County, NC | $890 | $920 | $1,030 | $1,360 | $1,650 |
- 28033 · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,060$1,410
- 28033 · Lincoln County, NC $1,060$1,410
- 28037 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,320$1,800
- 28037 · Lincoln County, NC $1,320$1,800
- 28080 · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,330$1,840
- 28080 · Lincoln County, NC $1,330$1,840
- 28092 · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,090$1,510
- 28092 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,090$1,510
- 28092 · Lincoln County, NC $1,090$1,510
- 28168 · Cleveland County, NC $1,030$1,360
- 28168 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,030$1,360
- 28168 · Lincoln County, NC $1,030$1,360
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 Lincoln County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,759 households rent in Lincoln County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 15%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lincoln 42%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lincoln County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Lincoln 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
601 homes in all; 596 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Project Unnamed Public housing 318 Sherrill Ave, Lincolnton 28092 248 homes, 246 low-income · Run by Lincolnton Housing Authority · Average payment: $412 a month · Average wait: 21 months · Homes at several sites · (704) 735-2221
- Meridian Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 6146 E Nc 150 Hwy, Maiden 28650 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Caroline Courtyard Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Ashton Way, Lincolnton 28092 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Oakland Mill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 440 Salem Church Rd, Lincolnton 28092 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Woodhill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 Georgetown Rd, Lincolnton 28092 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Riverside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Hillside Dr, Lincolnton 28092 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Lutherhaus of Lincolnton HUD-assisted 709 Tait St, Lincolnton 28092 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 735-4419
- Bailey Springs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 939 Bailey Springs Dr, Lincolnton 28092 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Hillside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 Hillside Dr, Lincolnton 28092 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- RIC Lincolnton Apartments HUD-assisted 102 Sarver Ln, Lincolnton 28092 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (704) 770-5041
- Arc/HDS Lincoln County Group Home HUD-assisted 408 Lithia Inn Rd, Lincolnton 28092 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 735-2126
- WNC Community Homes #1 HUD-assisted 200 Wellington Dr, Lincolnton 28092 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 735-0186
- WNC Community Homes #10 HUD-assisted 2466 Carriage Ln, Lincolnton 28092 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 736-4877
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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 | $22,200 | $37,000 | $59,150 |
| 2 people | $25,400 | $42,250 | $67,600 |
| 3 people | $28,550 | $47,550 | $76,050 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,800 | $84,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,250 | $98,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,500 | $104,800 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,700 | $111,550 |
Area median income: $105,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lincoln County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $903 – $1,103
- 1 bedroom $941 – $1,150
- 2 bedrooms $1,024 – $1,252
- 3 bedrooms $1,418 – $1,734
- 4 bedrooms $1,712 – $2,092
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
- Lincolnton Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 275 vouchers · 246 public housing units (704) 735-2221
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 Lincoln County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory · 19 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
-
Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center, Inc.
212 Gamble St, Davidson · 21 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
-
Cleveland County Community Development Corporation
823 W Warren St, Shelby · 23 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lincoln 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
$2,276
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,138
- Security deposit
- $1,138
- Total
- $2,276
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 Lincoln County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,003; 1 bedroom: $1,045; 2 bedrooms: $1,138; 3 bedrooms: $1,576; 4 bedrooms: $1,902. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lincoln County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,138) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.88 an hour full time, or $45,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lincoln County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,800 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 Lincoln 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 $1,024 and $1,252 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lincoln County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 28168 to $1,330 in 28080. 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 Lincoln County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lincoln County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).