Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Montgomery County, North Carolina
Montgomery 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 $766 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
- $766
- 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
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 23% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Montgomery County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Montgomery County has the 3rd smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure (38%).
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15% of households in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 | $825 | $15.87 | $33,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $830 | $15.96 | $33,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,325 | $25.48 | $53,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,675 | $32.21 | $67,000 |
HUD area: Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27247 to $1,230 in 27356. 8 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)
| 27209 | Montgomery County, NC | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27209 | Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 27229 | Montgomery County, NC | $990 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,580 | $2,000 |
| 27229 | Richmond County, NC | $990 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,580 | $2,000 |
| 27247 | Montgomery County, NC | $850 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,650 |
| 27306 | Montgomery County, NC | $840 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,700 |
| 27306 | Richmond County, NC | $840 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,700 |
| 27356 | Montgomery County, NC | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 27356 | Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 27371 | Greensboro-High Point, NC | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,670 |
| 27371 | Montgomery County, NC | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,670 |
- 27209 · Montgomery County, NC $1,230$1,710
- 27209 · Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC $1,230$1,710
- 27229 · Montgomery County, NC $1,210$1,580
- 27229 · Richmond County, NC $1,210$1,580
- 27247 · Montgomery County, NC $1,010$1,330
- 27306 · Montgomery County, NC $1,030$1,350
- 27306 · Richmond County, NC $1,030$1,350
- 27356 · Montgomery County, NC $1,230$1,710
- 27356 · Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC $1,230$1,710
- 27371 · Greensboro-High Point, NC $1,010$1,320
- 27371 · Montgomery County, NC $1,010$1,320
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 Montgomery County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,662 households rent in Montgomery County
- Spend half or more of their income 15%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Montgomery 38%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Montgomery County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Montgomery 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)
- 2
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 3
302 homes in all; 300 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Project Unnamed Public housing 808 Hr Holt Cir, Troy 27371 82 low-income homes · Run by Troy Housing Authority · Average payment: $351 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (910) 576-0611
- Emerald Forest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Forest Dr, Biscoe 27209 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Rocky Knoll Apartments HUD-assisted 600 Wallace Ave, Troy 27371 44 low-income homes · For families · (910) 572-3077
- Wesleyan Homes of Troy HUD-assisted 920 Lindsey Dr, Troy 27371 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 572-2421
- Project Unnamed Public housing Mount Gilead 27306 30 low-income homes · Run by Mount Gilead Housing Authority · Average payment: $327 a month · Average wait: 17 months · Homes at several sites · (910) 576-0611
- Project Unnamed Public housing 153 Second St, Star 27356 26 low-income homes · Run by Star Housing Authority · Average payment: $361 a month · Homes at several sites · (910) 576-0611
- Westview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 427 W Allenton St, Mount Gilead 27306 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Arc/HDS Montgomery County Group Home HUD-assisted 321 Taft St, Troy 27371 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 576-0640
- CHC of Montgomery Co. HUD-assisted 110 E Blake St, Candor 27229 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 974-9668
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 Montgomery County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Montgomery 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 | $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: Montgomery County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $743 – $908
- 1 bedroom $747 – $913
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,193 – $1,458
- 4 bedrooms $1,508 – $1,843
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
- Troy Housing Authority Public housing · 82 public housing units (910) 576-0611 Troy Housing Authority: tmshousing@embarqmail.com
- Mount Gilead Housing Authority Public housing · 30 public housing units (910) 576-0611 Mount Gilead Housing Authority: tmshousing@embarqmail.com
- Star Housing Authority Public housing · 26 public housing units (910) 576-0611 Star Housing Authority: tmshousing@embarqmail.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 Montgomery County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Montgomery County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Sandhills Community Action Program, Inc.
217 S Main St Ste B, Troy
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $825; 1 bedroom: $830; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,325; 4 bedrooms: $1,675. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27247 to $1,230 in 27356. 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 Montgomery County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Montgomery County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).