Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Martin County, North Carolina
Martin 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 $758 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
- $758
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% 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
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Martin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
15% of households in Martin 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 Martin 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $769 | $14.79 | $30,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $774 | $14.88 | $30,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,325 | $25.48 | $53,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,330 | $25.58 | $53,200 |
HUD area: Martin 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 Martin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27846 to $1,130 in 27857. 5 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)
| 27825 | Martin County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,410 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27840 | Martin County, NC | $860 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $1,480 |
| 27841 | Martin County, NC | $810 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,410 |
| 27846 | Martin County, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,330 |
| 27846 | Washington County, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,330 |
| 27857 | Martin County, NC | $860 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,490 |
| 27861 | Martin County, NC | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,360 |
| 27871 | Beaufort County, NC | $810 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,660 |
| 27871 | Greenville, NC | $810 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,660 |
| 27871 | Martin County, NC | $810 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,660 |
| 27892 | Martin County, NC | $770 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,340 |
- 27825 · Martin County, NC $1,070$1,400
- 27840 · Martin County, NC $1,120$1,470
- 27841 · Martin County, NC $1,060$1,380
- 27846 · Martin County, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27846 · Washington County, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27857 · Martin County, NC $1,130$1,480
- 27861 · Martin County, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27871 · Beaufort County, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27871 · Greenville, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27871 · Martin County, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27892 · Martin County, NC $1,020$1,340
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 Martin 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.
3,156 households rent in Martin County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Martin 42%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Martin County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Martin 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 3
760 homes in all; 758 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mid-East Regional Public housing 101 Roanoke Ct, Jamesville 27846 185 low-income homes · Run by Mid-East Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $371 a month · Average wait: 16 months · Homes at several sites · (252) 689-2758
- Riverdale/Warren Court Public housing 508 E Church St, Williamston 27892 150 low-income homes · Run by Williamston Housing Authority · Average payment: $317 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (252) 792-7571
- Webb Terrace Public housing 202 E Green St, Robersonville 27871 100 low-income homes · Run by Robersonville Housing Authority · Average payment: $351 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (252) 217-2283
- Roanoke Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Gatling St, Williamston 27892 58 homes, 57 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Andrews Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Slade St, Williamston 27892 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Andrews Park Apartments HUD-assisted Slade ST., Williamston 27892 50 low-income homes · For families · (252) 792-1595
- Walnut Terrace HUD-assisted 244 W Pine St, Williamston 27892 50 low-income homes · For families · (252) 792-7571
- Williamston Homes for the Elderly HUD-assisted 100 Hatton St, Williamston 27892 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 792-1983
- Hamilton Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 1190 Hamilton Rdg, Oak City 27857 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Santree Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Commons Cir, Williamston 27892 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Robersonville Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) NC Hwy 903, Robersonville 27871 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Arc/HDS Martin County Group Home HUD-assisted 310 N Haines St, Williamston 27892 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 792-5435
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 Martin County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Martin 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: $69,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Martin County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $692 – $846
- 1 bedroom $697 – $851
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,193 – $1,458
- 4 bedrooms $1,197 – $1,463
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
- Williamston Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 161 vouchers · 150 public housing units (252) 792-7571 Williamston Housing Authority: sbenthall@williamstonhousingauthority.org
- Robersonville Housing Authority Public housing · 100 public housing units (252) 217-2283 Robersonville Housing Authority: jwhitfield@robersonvillehousing.com
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 Martin County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Choanoke Area Development Association of Nc, Inc.
120 Sessoms Dr, Rich Square · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
-
Housing Authority of the City of Rocky Mount, NC
901 Authority Dr, Rocky Mount · 36 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc.
504 Green St E, Wilson · 45 miles away
- 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 Martin 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 Martin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $769; 1 bedroom: $774; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,325; 4 bedrooms: $1,330. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Martin 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 Martin 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 Martin 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 Martin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27846 to $1,130 in 27857. 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 Martin County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Martin 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 Martin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Martin County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).