Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Onslow County, North Carolina
Onslow County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,319 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,265 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,319
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,265
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $25.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Onslow County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Jones County has the lowest typical rent ($747), 41% below the $1,265 in Onslow County.
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 Onslow 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 Onslow County was $1,577 a month in September 2026: 4.5% 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 | $1,067 | $20.52 | $42,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,073 | $20.63 | $42,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,319 | $25.37 | $52,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,826 | $35.12 | $73,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,205 | $42.40 | $88,200 |
HUD area: Jacksonville, NC MSA. 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 20 ZIP codes in Onslow County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 28574 to $1,870 in 28542. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,319).
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)
| 28445 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28445 | Pender County, NC | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,350 |
| 28454 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,840 | $2,550 | $3,080 |
| 28454 | Pender County, NC | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,840 | $2,550 | $3,080 |
| 28460 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,340 | $1,350 | $1,660 | $2,300 | $2,770 |
| 28539 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,270 | $1,760 | $2,120 |
| 28540 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 28542 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,510 | $1,520 | $1,870 | $2,590 | $3,130 |
| 28543 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,240 | $1,240 | $1,530 | $2,120 | $2,560 |
| 28544 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,290 | $1,790 | $2,160 |
| 28546 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,270 |
| 28547 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,580 | $2,190 | $2,640 |
| 28555 | Carteret County, NC | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,740 | $2,200 |
| 28555 | Jacksonville, NC | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,740 | $2,200 |
| 28555 | Jones County, NC | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,740 | $2,200 |
| 28574 | Duplin County, NC | $990 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 28574 | Jacksonville, NC | $990 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 28574 | Jones County, NC | $990 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 28582 | Carteret County, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,610 | $2,030 |
| 28582 | Jacksonville, NC | $950 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,610 | $2,030 |
- 28445 · Jacksonville, NC $1,400$1,950
- 28445 · Pender County, NC $1,400$1,950
- 28454 · Jacksonville, NC $1,840$2,550
- 28454 · Pender County, NC $1,840$2,550
- 28460 · Jacksonville, NC $1,660$2,300
- 28539 · Jacksonville, NC $1,270$1,760
- 28540 · Jacksonville, NC $1,250$1,730
- 28542 · Jacksonville, NC $1,870$2,590
- 28543 · Jacksonville, NC $1,530$2,120
- 28544 · Jacksonville, NC $1,290$1,790
- 28546 · Jacksonville, NC $1,360$1,880
- 28547 · Jacksonville, NC $1,580$2,190
- 28555 · Carteret County, NC $1,310$1,740
- 28555 · Jacksonville, NC $1,310$1,740
- 28555 · Jones County, NC $1,310$1,740
- 28574 · Duplin County, NC $1,220$1,690
- 28574 · Jacksonville, NC $1,220$1,690
- 28574 · Jones County, NC $1,220$1,690
- 28582 · Carteret County, NC $1,220$1,610
- 28582 · Jacksonville, NC $1,220$1,610
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 Onslow County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
27,294 households rent in Onslow County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Onslow 51%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Onslow County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Onslow 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)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 1
1,587 homes in all; 1,558 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sandy Run Apartments I and II HUD-assisted 116 Coleman Dr, Jacksonville 28546 152 homes, 127 low-income · For families · (910) 455-0548
- Plaza Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 133 134-141 Plaza Manor Court, Jacksonville 28540 120 low-income homes · For families · (910) 455-1852
- Meadow Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 138 Meadow Oaks Ct, Jacksonville 28546 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 353-1124
- Wellington Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 2075 Carolina Park Ave, Jacksonville 28546 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Aaronfield at Old Folkstone Tax credit (LIHTC) 905 Old Folkstone Rd, Sneads Ferry 28460 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Brandywood Acres HUD-assisted 281 Liberty Dr, Jacksonville 28546 80 low-income homes · For families · (910) 353-1850
- Meadow's Gate Tax credit (LIHTC) Western Boulevard, Jacksonville 28546 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Springfield Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 370 Blue Creek School Rd, Jacksonville 28540 80 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Huntington Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 Williamsburg Pkwy, Jacksonville 28546 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Magnolia & Mercer & Dudley Court Public housing 105 Jld Rd, Jacksonville 28540 71 homes, 69 low-income · Run by Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $380 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (919) 735-0435
- Glenstal Tax credit (LIHTC) 1012 Arlington Meadows Dr, Jacksonville 28546 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Windgate Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 3037 Foxhorn Rd, Jacksonville 28546 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 28 · For families
- Phoenix Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Phoenix Park Dr, Jacksonville 28546 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Phoenix Park II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Community Dr, Jacksonville 28546 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Swansboro Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 400 F Glancy Court, Swansboro 28584 48 low-income homes · For families · (910) 326-4959
- Emmerdale Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Emmerdale Way, Jacksonville 28546 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Holly Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 1 Circle Dr, Holly Ridge 28445 45 low-income homes · For families · (910) 329-6241
- Fox Hollow Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Progress Way, Jacksonville 28546 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Longbourne Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Alden Dr, Jacksonville 28546 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Tanner Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2312 Indian Dr, Jacksonville 28546 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Blue Springs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 460 McDaniel Dr, Jacksonville 28546 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Heatherton Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Heatherton Ln, Jacksonville 28546 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
- White Oak Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 41 Manor Ln, Swansboro 28584 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Baytree Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 S Onslow St, Richlands 28574 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Springwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 N Wilmington St, Richlands 28574 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Msaa Jacksonville Apartments HUD-assisted 1711 Hargett St, Jacksonville 28540 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 938-3632
- Arc/HDS Onslow County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 324 Pine Valley Rd, Jacksonville 28546 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 353-3493
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 Onslow 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 Onslow 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 | $17,950 | $29,900 | $47,850 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,200 | $54,650 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,450 | $61,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,700 | $68,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,150 | $73,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,550 | $79,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,400 | $90,200 |
Area median income: $85,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jacksonville, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $960 – $1,174
- 1 bedroom $966 – $1,180
- 2 bedrooms $1,187 – $1,451
- 3 bedrooms $1,643 – $2,009
- 4 bedrooms $1,985 – $2,426
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
- Eastern Carolina Human Services Agency, Inc. Section 8 vouchers · 875 vouchers (910) 347-2151 Eastern Carolina Human Services Agency, Inc.: tmurray@echsainc.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 Onslow County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Onslow County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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City of Jacksonville
815 New Bridge St, Jacksonville
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Onslow 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
$2,638
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,319
- Security deposit
- $1,319
- Total
- $2,638
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 Onslow County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,067; 1 bedroom: $1,073; 2 bedrooms: $1,319; 3 bedrooms: $1,826; 4 bedrooms: $2,205. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Onslow County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,319) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.37 an hour full time, or $52,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Onslow County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,700 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 Onslow 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 $1,187 and $1,451 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Onslow County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 28574 to $1,870 in 28542. 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 Onslow County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Onslow 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 Onslow County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Onslow County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).