Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Surry County, North Carolina
Surry 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 $761 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
- $761
- 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
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in North Carolina
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 Surry 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 Surry County was $1,222 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 | $769 | $14.79 | $30,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $774 | $14.88 | $30,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,206 | $23.19 | $48,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,370 | $26.35 | $54,800 |
HUD area: Surry 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 14 ZIP codes in Surry County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27017 to $1,080 in 27041. 6 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)
| 27007 | Surry County, NC | $800 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,440 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27017 | Surry County, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,370 |
| 27024 | Surry County, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,370 |
| 27030 | Surry County, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,370 |
| 27030 | Winston-Salem, NC | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,370 |
| 27041 | Surry County, NC | $830 | $860 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,520 |
| 27041 | Winston-Salem, NC | $830 | $860 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,520 |
| 27047 | Surry County, NC | $810 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 28621 | Surry County, NC | $830 | $840 | $1,060 | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| 28621 | Wilkes County, NC | $830 | $840 | $1,060 | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| 28676 | Surry County, NC | $800 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,430 |
| 28676 | Wilkes County, NC | $800 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,430 |
| 28683 | Surry County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,450 |
| 28683 | Wilkes County, NC | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,450 |
- 27007 · Surry County, NC $1,060$1,260
- 27017 · Surry County, NC $1,010$1,210
- 27024 · Surry County, NC $1,010$1,210
- 27030 · Surry County, NC $1,010$1,210
- 27030 · Winston-Salem, NC $1,010$1,210
- 27041 · Surry County, NC $1,080$1,310
- 27041 · Winston-Salem, NC $1,080$1,310
- 27047 · Surry County, NC $1,040$1,290
- 28621 · Surry County, NC $1,060$1,300
- 28621 · Wilkes County, NC $1,060$1,300
- 28676 · Surry County, NC $1,010$1,250
- 28676 · Wilkes County, NC $1,010$1,250
- 28683 · Surry County, NC $1,010$1,270
- 28683 · Wilkes County, NC $1,010$1,270
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 Surry County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,939 households rent in Surry County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Surry 43%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Surry County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Surry 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
- 12
- public housing
- 1
1,036 homes in all; 1,022 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Meadowview II/Marshall Park/Graniteview Public housing 407 Price St, Mount Airy 27030 300 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Mount Airy · Average payment: $416 a month · Average wait: 8 months · Homes at several sites · (336) 786-8321
- Elkin Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Pgw Dr, Elkin 28621 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2021 · For families
- Jasper Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Jasper Pointe Cir, Mount Airy 27030 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Whistler's Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 129 Whistlers Cove Ct, Mt Airy 27030 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Cooper Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 269 Pgw Dr, Elkin 28621 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Edgewood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 Edgewood Dr, Mount Airy 27030 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Woodland Bluff Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 Woodland Dr, Elkin 28621 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Surry Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Surry Manor Ln, Dobson 27017 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 386-8349
- South Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1348 Carolina Ct, Mount Airy 27030 40 low-income homes · For families · (336) 789-4166
- Maple Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Johnson Ridge Rd, Elkin 28621 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Garden Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Garden Ter, Mount Airy 27030 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Globe Tobacco Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 838 S Main St, Mt Airy 27030 43 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Shamrock Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Hamby Rd, Dobson 27017 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Chatham Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 230 Hawthorne Rd, Elkin 28621 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Camden Apartments HUD-assisted 504 Merritt St, Mount Airy 27030 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 789-6714
- Mountain Place HUD-assisted 501 Mountain Pl, Mount Airy 27030 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 719-2226
- Village Green Apartments HUD-assisted 830 Willow St, Mount Airy 27030 24 low-income homes · For families · (336) 789-6714
- Maple Court Apartments HUD-assisted 330 Pippen St, Mount Airy 27030 12 low-income homes · For families · (336) 986-8188
- Cac of Surry Co. HUD-assisted 213 Broad St, Mount Airy 27030 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (336) 786-9586
- ARC/HDS Surry County Group Home #3 HUD-assisted 145 N Gilmer St, Mount Airy 27030 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 789-9020
- ARC/HDS Surry County Group Home #4 HUD-assisted 134 Sydnor St, Mount Airy 27030 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 789-3451
- ARC/HDS Surry County Group Home #5 HUD-assisted 1305 Park Dr, Mount Airy 27030 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 789-6697
- Arc/HDS Surry County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 910 Spring St, Mount Airy 27030 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 786-2094
- Arc/HDS Surry County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 534 Elk Spur St, Elkin 28621 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 835-3049
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 Surry 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 Surry 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)
| 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: $72,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Surry County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $692 – $846
- 1 bedroom $697 – $851
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,085 – $1,327
- 4 bedrooms $1,233 – $1,507
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 Authority of the Town of Mount Airy Public housing · 300 public housing units (336) 786-8321 Housing Authority of the Town of Mount Airy: beth@maha-nc.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 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 Surry County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
7820 North Point Boulevard, Suite 100, Winston Salem · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont - Winston-Salem Office
7820 North Point Blvd, Suite #100, Winston Salem · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Credit.org - North Carolina Branch
615 Saint George Square Ct, Winston Salem · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Surry 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 Surry County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $769; 1 bedroom: $774; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,206; 4 bedrooms: $1,370. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Surry 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 Surry 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 Surry 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 Surry County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27017 to $1,080 in 27041. 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 Surry County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Surry 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 Surry County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Surry County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).