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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in New Hanover County, North Carolina

New Hanover County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,705 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,417 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.79 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here
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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,705
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
18% more than in North Carolina
Typical rent
$1,417
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
15% more than in North Carolina
Wage needed
$32.79
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $68,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
55%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
12% more than in North Carolina

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in New Hanover County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. New Hanover County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,417, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Brunswick County ($1,351).

  2. At $1,417, New Hanover County ranks 6th among the 100 counties in North Carolina for the highest typical rent.

  3. New Hanover County has the 7th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 97 counties in North Carolina with this figure (55%).

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 New Hanover 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 New Hanover County was $1,719 a month in September 2026: 4.4% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $1,187 $22.83 $47,480
1 bedroom $1,566 $30.12 $62,640
2 bedrooms $1,705 $32.79 $68,200
3 bedrooms $2,238 $43.04 $89,520
4 bedrooms $2,241 $43.10 $89,640

HUD area: Wilmington, 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 New Hanover County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 28401 to $2,560 in 28480. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,705).

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)

  • 28401 · Pender County, NC $1,500$1,970
  • 28401 · Wilmington, NC $1,500$1,970
  • 28403 · Wilmington, NC $1,690$2,220
  • 28405 · Wilmington, NC $1,740$2,280
  • 28409 · Wilmington, NC $1,940$2,550
  • 28411 · Pender County, NC $2,100$2,770
  • 28411 · Wilmington, NC $2,100$2,770
  • 28412 · Wilmington, NC $1,780$2,340
  • 28428 · Wilmington, NC $1,840$2,420
  • 28429 · Wilmington, NC $1,500$1,970
  • 28449 · Wilmington, NC $1,750$2,300
  • 28480 · Wilmington, NC $2,560$3,360

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In New Hanover County, 55% 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.

55%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

40,473 households rent in New Hanover County

  • Spend half or more of their income 30%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
  • Spend less than 30% 45%

Compared with the state and the country

  • New Hanover 55%
  • North Carolina 49%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in New Hanover County

HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in New Hanover 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)
26
HUD-assisted
11
public housing
14

3,835 homes in all; 3,774 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Village at Greenfield Tax credit (LIHTC) 1519 Lake Branch Dr, Wilmington 28401 426 homes, 425 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 356 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2000 · For families
  • Hillcrest Public housing 905 S 13th St, Wilmington 28401 216 homes, 214 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $379 a month · Average wait: 54 months · (910) 341-7700
  • Market North Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 111 Darlington Ave, Wilmington 28403 204 homes, 202 low-income · For families · (910) 762-1272
  • Cypress Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 331 S Turners Run, Wilmington 28405 200 homes, 198 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 80 · For families
  • Solomon Towers Public housing 15 Castle St, Wilmington 28401 151 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $332 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (910) 341-7700
  • Houston Moore Terrace Public housing 1618 S 15th St, Wilmington 28401 150 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $297 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (910) 341-7700
  • UNIVERSITY PLACE (MacMillan Ave) HUD-assisted 932 Macmillan Ave N, Wilmington 28403 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 392-0190
  • Creekwood South Tax credit (LIHTC) 714 Emory St, Wilmington 28405 138 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 60 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Creekwood South LIHTC Public housing 705 Emory St, Wilmington 28405 138 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 35 months · (910) 341-7700
  • Tidewater Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Greendale Dr, Wilmington 28405 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
  • Robert S. Jervay Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1088 Thomas C Jervay Loop, Wilmington 28401 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, families
  • Spring Branch Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4615 Greentree Rd, Wilmington 28405 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For families
  • Robert R. Taylor Senior Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1308 N 5th Ave, Wilmington 28401 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 65 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
  • Tidewater Townhomes HUD-assisted 341 Greendale Dr, Wilmington 28405 104 homes, 90 low-income · For families · (910) 762-1404
  • Cape Fear Hotel Apartments HUD-assisted 121 Chestnut St, Wilmington 28401 91 homes, 89 low-income · For older adults · (910) 762-0487
  • Woodridge Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1536 Sandlapper Way, Wilmington 28412 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Rankin Terrace Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 415 N 12th St, Wilmington 28401 77 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2015 · For families
  • Glover Plaza HUD-assisted 1402A Little John Cir, Wilmington 28401 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 341-7720
  • Lake Ridge Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 4160 Lake Ave, Wilmington 28403 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
  • Bennett Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5745 Bennett Village Pl, Wilmington 28409 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2020 · For families
  • HOPE VI Phase II - Covil Public housing 1048 Thomas C Jervay Loop, Wilmington 28401 102 homes, 71 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $437 a month · Average wait: 95 months · Homes at several sites · (910) 341-7700
  • Creekwood South Public housing 508 N 30th St, Wilmington 28405 60 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $409 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (910) 341-7700
  • Lockwood Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2132 San Lucas Ct, Wilmington 28412 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2015 · For families
  • White Oak Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 7235 Darden Rd, Wilmington 28411 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
  • Vineyard Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 4917 Vineyard Ln, Wilmington 28403 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Gresham Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6612 Gordon Rd, Wilmington 28411 51 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
  • AHEPA 408 Apartments HUD-assisted 109 N Kerr Ave, Wilmington 28405 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 793-6555
  • Hooper School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Meares St, Wilmington 28401 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1998 · For families
  • New Brooklyn Homes at Robert R. Taylor Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1205 N 5th Ave, Wilmington 28401 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For families
  • New Brooklyn Homes at Taylor Estates Public housing 1318 Brooklyn Ln, Wilmington 28401 48 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $472 a month · (910) 341-7700
  • The Pointe at Taylor Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 516 Taylor St, Wilmington 28401 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Vesta Village Public housing 603 Bunting Dr, Wilmington 28403 43 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $530 a month · Homes at several sites · (910) 341-7700
  • Hillcrest Annex Public housing 2 Hillcrest Anx, Wilmington 28401 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · (910) 341-7700
  • Hadden Hall I HUD-assisted 3610 Caswell St, Wilmington 28403 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (910) 792-1210
  • Hadden Hall II HUD-assisted 3625 Caswell St, Wilmington 28403 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (910) 792-1210
  • J A Walker Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1020 Rankin St, Wilmington 28401 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1990 · For older adults
  • Willow Pond Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3508 3525 Frog Pond Place, Wilmington 28403 36 homes, 34 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Wellington Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2402 Flint Dr, Wilmington 28401 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Canebreak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4901 Amy Dr, Wilmington 28403 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
  • Eastbrook Apartments (RHF) Public housing 4105 Princess Place Dr, Wilmington 28405 32 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $450 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (910) 341-7700
  • Dawson Lofts Public housing 883 Virgie Rhodes Ln, Wilmington 28401 24 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Average payment: $371 a month · Average wait: 94 months · (910) 341-7700
  • Woodbridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 302 Grass Ln, Wilmington 28405 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1993 · For families · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · (910) 341-7700
  • Starway Village HUD-assisted 2346 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington 28401 18 low-income homes · (366) 544-2300
  • Hopewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1302 1318 Martin Street, Wilmington 28401 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1998 · For families
  • Driftwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3805 Princess Place Dr, Wilmington 28405 15 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For families
  • Scattered Sites Public housing 1037 S 8th St, Wilmington 28401 7 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · (910) 341-7700
  • As New Hanover Co. G.H. #1 HUD-assisted 1519 Robert E Lee Dr, Wilmington 28412 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 251-2555
  • As New Hanover Co. G.H. #2 HUD-assisted 1507 Robin Hood Rd, Wilmington 28401 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 251-2555
  • South Side 1 Public housing 718 S 9th St, Wilmington 28401 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington · Homes at several sites · (910) 341-7700

2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

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 New Hanover 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 New Hanover County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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. HUD

  2. 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). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. 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. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$22,950 $38,250 $61,150
$26,200 $43,700 $69,900
$29,500 $49,150 $78,650
$33,000 $54,600 $87,350
$38,680 $59,000 $94,350
$44,360 $63,350 $101,350
$50,040 $67,750 $108,350
$55,720 $72,100 $115,350

Area median income: $109,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wilmington, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,068 – $1,306
  • 1 bedroom $1,409 – $1,723
  • 2 bedrooms $1,535 – $1,876
  • 3 bedrooms $2,014 – $2,462
  • 4 bedrooms $2,017 – $2,465

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 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 rule

Compare 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 New Hanover County

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in New Hanover County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Cape Fear Regional CDC

    500 Compton St, Wilmington · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 4 more
    (910) 762-7555

  • City of Wilmington

    929 N Front St, Wilmington · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
    • and 5 more
    (910) 341-7836
See every agency in North Carolina Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in New Hanover 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

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,410

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,705
Security deposit
$1,705
Total
$3,410

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in New Hanover County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,187; 1 bedroom: $1,566; 2 bedrooms: $1,705; 3 bedrooms: $2,238; 4 bedrooms: $2,241. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in New Hanover County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,705) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.79 an hour full time, or $68,200 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in New Hanover County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,600 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 New Hanover 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 $1,535 and $1,876 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in New Hanover County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 28401 to $2,560 in 28480. 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 New Hanover County?

HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in New Hanover 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 New Hanover County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In New Hanover County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).