Renting in Richmond County, North Carolina: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,012; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 30% less than in North Carolina
Typical rent: $724; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 41% 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: 51%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 5% more than in North Carolina

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

Only here

Renting in Richmond County: what sets it apart

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

Richmond County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $724, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Montgomery County ($766).
Richmond County has the 5th lowest typical household income of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($44,883).
Richmond County has the 6th lowest typical rent of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($724).

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 Richmond 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)

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).

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	$757	$14.56	$30,280
1 bedroom	$786	$15.12	$31,440
2 bedrooms	$1,012	$19.46	$40,480
3 bedrooms	$1,352	$26.00	$54,080
4 bedrooms	$1,531	$29.44	$61,240

HUD area: Richmond 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 9 ZIP codes in Richmond County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28338 to $1,230 in 28347. 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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

28330	Richmond County, NC	$790	$820	$1,050	$1,400	$1,590
28338	Montgomery County, NC	$760	$790	$1,010	$1,350	$1,530
28338	Richmond County, NC	$760	$790	$1,010	$1,350	$1,530
28345	Richmond County, NC	$760	$790	$1,010	$1,350	$1,530
28345	Scotland County, NC	$760	$790	$1,010	$1,350	$1,530
28347	Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC	$1,050	$1,120	$1,230	$1,710	$2,060
28347	Richmond County, NC	$1,050	$1,120	$1,230	$1,710	$2,060
28367	Richmond County, NC	$920	$930	$1,150	$1,510	$1,860
28379	Richmond County, NC	$790	$820	$1,050	$1,400	$1,590

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
28330 · Richmond County, NC $1,050$1,400
28338 · Montgomery County, NC $1,010$1,350
28338 · Richmond County, NC $1,010$1,350
28345 · Richmond County, NC $1,010$1,350
28345 · Scotland County, NC $1,010$1,350
28347 · Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC $1,230$1,710
28347 · Richmond County, NC $1,230$1,710
28367 · Richmond County, NC $1,150$1,510
28379 · Richmond County, NC $1,050$1,400

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 Richmond 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.

5,798 households rent in Richmond County

Spend half or more of their income 34%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
Spend less than 30% 49%

Compared with the state and the country

Richmond 51%
North Carolina 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Richmond County

HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Richmond 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): 11
HUD-assisted: 13
public housing: 2

1,272 homes in all; 1,267 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Hubbard/Nelson/Lile Homes Public housing 144 Thomas St, Hamlet 28345 230 low-income homes · Run by Hamlet Housing Authority · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (910) 582-3279
Harrington Place Public housing 600 Gore Dr, Rockingham 28379 226 homes, 225 low-income · Run by Rockingham Housing Authority · Average payment: $309 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (910) 997-3316
Pine Ridge Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Pineridge Dr, Rockingham 28379 70 homes, 69 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2015 · For families
Cameron Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Lady Mary Ln, Rockingham 28379 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
Ellerbe Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 202 2nd St, Ellerbe 28338 50 low-income homes · For families · (910) 652-5813
Crown Pointe aka Long Drive I Apts. HUD-assisted 1253 Cauthen Dr, Rockingham 28379 50 homes, 49 low-income · For families · (910) 895-2959
Greenridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Green Ridge Dr, Rockingham 28379 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Quail Hollow Apartments HUD-assisted 601 Quail Hollow Dr, Hamlet 28345 48 low-income homes · For families · (910) 582-6250
Tall Pines Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Ridge Dr, Hamlet 28345 48 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 32 · For families
Village Green Apartments HUD-assisted 1100 Beaverwood Ct, Rockingham 28379 48 low-income homes · For families · (910) 895-3256
Lenox Station Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 S Caroline St, Rockingham 28379 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
Gardenwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1234 Cauthen Dr, Rockingham 28379 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2011 · For families · (910) 895-2959
Holiday Village Apartments HUD-assisted 5A Shannon Dr, Rockingham 28379 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 997-7115
Richmond Village Apartments HUD-assisted 324 Green St, Hamlet 28345 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 582-4655
Fountain Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 192 Clemmer Rd, Rockingham 28379 39 low-income homes · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2015 · For families
Magnolia Apts. (Phase I) HUD-assisted 125 Mallard Ln, Rockingham 28379 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (910) 895-9199
Falling Creek Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 157 Lady Mary Ln, Rockingham 28379 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 1995 · For families
Sierra Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 935 E US Highway 74, Hamlet 28345 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Timber Ridge (rockingham) Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Steele St, Rockingham 28379 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1989 · For families
Piney Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 Piney Pointe Dr, Hamlet 28345 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2000 · For families
CAC of Richmond Co. HUD-assisted 968 Wiregrass Rd, Hamlet 28345 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (910) 582-9913
CAC of Richmond County #2 HUD-assisted 270 McArthur Dr, Rockingham 28379 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (910) 895-7566
Arc/HDS Richmond County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 190 E Church St, Ellerbe 28338 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 652-3277
Arc/HDS Sandhills Icf/MR Group Home HUD-assisted 142 Mallard Ln, Rockingham 28379 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (910) 895-3428
Arc/HDS Richmond County Apartments (quadruplex) HUD-assisted 534 Steele St, Rockingham 28379 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (910) 895-8466

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Richmond County, NC.
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: $62,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Richmond County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $681 – $833
1 bedroom $707 – $865
2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
3 bedrooms $1,217 – $1,487
4 bedrooms $1,378 – $1,684

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

Rockingham Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 69 vouchers · 225 public housing units (910) 997-3316 Rockingham Housing Authority: cbelton@rhanc.com
Hamlet Housing Authority Public housing · 230 public housing units (910) 582-3279 Hamlet Housing Authority: gary@hamlethousingauthority.org

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 Richmond County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Richmond County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

SC
Sandhills Community Action Program, Inc.

602 Rockingham Rd, Rockingham
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
(910) 410-0207

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 Richmond 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

State

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

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Richmond County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,012. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

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

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 deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How 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 Richmond County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $757; 1 bedroom: $786; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,352; 4 bedrooms: $1,531. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28338 to $1,230 in 28347. 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 Richmond County?

HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Richmond 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 Richmond County?

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

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Richmond County, North Carolina

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Richmond County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Richmond County

The Section 8 voucher in Richmond County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina

Where to get help with rent in Richmond County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Richmond County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Richmond County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Richmond County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Richmond County?

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

How many low-income apartments are there in Richmond County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Richmond County?