Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rutherford County, North Carolina
Rutherford 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 $783 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
- $783
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 36% 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
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Rutherford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Rutherford County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $783, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is McDowell County ($806).
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15% of households in Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County was $1,227 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 | $861 | $16.56 | $34,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $866 | $16.65 | $34,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,354 | $26.04 | $54,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,374 | $26.42 | $54,960 |
HUD area: Rutherford 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 16 ZIP codes in Rutherford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28019 to $1,660 in 28746. 9 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)
| 28018 | Rutherford County, NC | $950 | $960 | $1,120 | $1,500 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28019 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,370 |
| 28024 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,390 |
| 28040 | Cleveland County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,370 |
| 28040 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,370 |
| 28043 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,370 |
| 28074 | Rutherford County, NC | $900 | $910 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,440 |
| 28076 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,390 |
| 28139 | Polk County, NC | $950 | $960 | $1,120 | $1,500 | $1,530 |
| 28139 | Rutherford County, NC | $950 | $960 | $1,120 | $1,500 | $1,530 |
| 28160 | Rutherford County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,370 |
| 28167 | McDowell County, NC | $950 | $980 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $1,510 |
| 28167 | Rutherford County, NC | $950 | $980 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $1,510 |
| 28720 | Rutherford County, NC | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,520 | $2,030 | $2,060 |
| 28746 | Asheville, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
| 28746 | Rutherford County, NC | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,660 | $2,010 | $2,780 |
- 28018 · Rutherford County, NC $1,120$1,500
- 28019 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,350
- 28024 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,370
- 28040 · Cleveland County, NC $1,010$1,350
- 28040 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,350
- 28043 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,350
- 28074 · Rutherford County, NC $1,060$1,410
- 28076 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,370
- 28139 · Polk County, NC $1,120$1,500
- 28139 · Rutherford County, NC $1,120$1,500
- 28160 · Rutherford County, NC $1,010$1,350
- 28167 · McDowell County, NC $1,120$1,470
- 28167 · Rutherford County, NC $1,120$1,470
- 28720 · Rutherford County, NC $1,520$2,030
- 28746 · Asheville, NC $1,660$2,010
- 28746 · Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,958 households rent in Rutherford County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rutherford 47%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rutherford County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Rutherford 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
815 homes in all; 810 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Amity Apartments Public housing 181 Amity Dr, Forest City 28043 151 homes, 149 low-income · Run by Forest City Housing Authority · Average payment: $261 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (828) 245-1390
- Rutherford Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 775 S Church St, Forest City 28043 116 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 70 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Sterling Oaks Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 Armstrong Dr, Spindale 28160 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
- East Winds HUD-assisted 420 N. Boundary E. S. ST., Salisbury 28114 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 633-6124
- Timber Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 190 Heartwood Ln, Spindale 28160 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Creekside Crossing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 358 West St, Spindale 28160 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- The Highlands Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 171 Butler Rd, Forest City 28043 44 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Harmony Hills HUD-assisted 375 Harmon St, Forest City 28043 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 248-1410
- Richmond Hill HUD-assisted 157 Butler St, Rutherfordton 28139 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 287-2578
- Cottages at Crestview (The) HUD-assisted 182 Cottage Ln, Rutherfordton 28139 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (828) 286-8188
- Lake Vista Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 324 Vista Apartments Dr, Lake Lure 28746 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Cherry Knoll Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 107 Cherry Knoll Dr, Rutherfordton 28139 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Oakwood Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1216 N Washington Street, Rutherfordton 28139 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Oak Villa Apartments HUD-assisted 242 E Spruce St, Forest City 28043 25 low-income homes · For families · (828) 245-1390
- Heritage Village HUD-assisted 100 Heritage Dr, Forest City 28043 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 755-9155
- Rosedale Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 Holly Ln, Forest City 28043 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- CAC of Rutherford County #2 HUD-assisted 903 Morgan St, Spindale 28160 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- ARC/HDS Rutherford County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 132 Bellvue St, Forest City 28043 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 245-2417
- ARC/HDS Rutherford County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 701 W Main Dr, Forest City 28043 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (828) 245-9280
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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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: $77,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rutherford County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $775 – $947
- 1 bedroom $779 – $953
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,219 – $1,489
- 4 bedrooms $1,237 – $1,511
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
- Isothermal Planning & Development Commission Section 8 vouchers · 1,433 vouchers (828) 351-2373 Isothermal Planning & Development Commission: dstansbury@frcnc.gov
- Forest City Housing Authority Public housing · 149 public housing units (828) 245-1390 Forest City Housing Authority: mdriver@forestcityhousingauthority.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 Rutherford County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Cleveland County Community Development Corporation
823 W Warren St, Shelby · 22 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Wnc, Inc. - DBA - Ontrack Financial Education & Counseling
50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville · 38 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
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $861; 1 bedroom: $866; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,354; 4 bedrooms: $1,374. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28019 to $1,660 in 28746. 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 Rutherford County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rutherford County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).