Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in McDowell County, North Carolina
McDowell 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 $806 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
- $806
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 34% 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
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 19% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in McDowell County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 40%, McDowell County ranks 8th among the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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 McDowell 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 McDowell County was $1,425 a month in September 2026. 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 | $864 | $16.62 | $34,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $910 | $17.50 | $36,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,289 | $24.79 | $51,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,330 | $25.58 | $53,200 |
HUD area: McDowell 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 8 ZIP codes in McDowell County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28749 to $1,660 in 28762. 4 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)
| 28749 | McDowell County, NC | $820 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28752 | Avery County, NC | $860 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,360 |
| 28752 | McDowell County, NC | $860 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,360 |
| 28752 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,360 |
| 28761 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,000 | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,560 |
| 28761 | McDowell County, NC | $1,000 | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,560 |
| 28762 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28762 | McDowell County, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
- 28749 · McDowell County, NC $1,010$1,270
- 28752 · Avery County, NC $1,010$1,290
- 28752 · McDowell County, NC $1,010$1,290
- 28752 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,290
- 28761 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,170$1,490
- 28761 · McDowell County, NC $1,170$1,490
- 28762 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28762 · McDowell County, NC $1,660$2,010
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 McDowell County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,550 households rent in McDowell County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- McDowell 40%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in McDowell County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in McDowell County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 5
355 homes in all; 354 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Harrison Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 90 Harrison Ter, Marion 28752 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Blue Ridge Terrace HUD-assisted 100 Carson St, Marion 28752 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 652-4373
- Phillip's Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 McDowell High Dr, Marion 28752 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Spaulding Woods Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 838 Spaulding Rd, Marion 28752 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Winningham Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 California Ave, Marion 28752 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Spaulding Woods II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 834 Spaulding Rd, Marion 28752 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- California Arms Apartments HUD-assisted 301 California Ave, Marion 28752 30 low-income homes · For families · (828) 652-8225
- Arc/HDS Mcdowell Co Apts HUD-assisted 40 Fourth C St, Marion 28752 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (828) 652-9132
- Arc/HDS Mcdowell Co Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 505 E Payne Rd, Marion 28752 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 738-3098
- Givens Clinchfield Mill HUD-assisted 56 Branch St, Marion 28752
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 McDowell County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in McDowell County; the state's agencies can help you. 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
-
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: $75,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: McDowell County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $778 – $950
- 1 bedroom $819 – $1,001
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,160 – $1,418
- 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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in McDowell County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 McDowell County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Wnc, Inc. - DBA - Ontrack Financial Education & Counseling
50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
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Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory · 38 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
-
Cleveland County Community Development Corporation
823 W Warren St, Shelby · 39 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 McDowell 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 McDowell County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $864; 1 bedroom: $910; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,289; 4 bedrooms: $1,330. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in McDowell 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 McDowell 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 McDowell 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 McDowell County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28749 to $1,660 in 28762. 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 McDowell County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in McDowell County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 McDowell County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In McDowell County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).