Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wayne County, North Carolina
Wayne County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,261 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $965 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,261
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in North Carolina
- Typical rent
- $965
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in North Carolina
- Wage needed
- $24.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County was $1,519 a month in September 2026: 3.1% 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 | $958 | $18.42 | $38,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $964 | $18.54 | $38,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,261 | $24.25 | $50,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,516 | $29.15 | $60,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,001 | $38.48 | $80,040 |
HUD area: Goldsboro, 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 14 ZIP codes in Wayne County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 27830 to $1,460 in 27534. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,261).
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)
| 27530 | Goldsboro, NC | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,820 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27531 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,600 | $2,120 |
| 27533 | Goldsboro, NC | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,820 |
| 27534 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,460 | $1,750 | $2,320 |
| 27534 | Greene County, NC | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,460 | $1,750 | $2,320 |
| 27830 | Goldsboro, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
| 27830 | Wilson County, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
| 27863 | Goldsboro, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27863 | Greene County, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 27863 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 28333 | Goldsboro, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,820 |
| 28578 | Duplin County, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,820 |
| 28578 | Goldsboro, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,820 |
| 28578 | Lenoir County, NC | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,820 |
- 27530 · Goldsboro, NC $1,150$1,380
- 27531 · Goldsboro, NC $1,330$1,600
- 27533 · Goldsboro, NC $1,150$1,380
- 27534 · Goldsboro, NC $1,460$1,750
- 27534 · Greene County, NC $1,460$1,750
- 27830 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,350
- 27830 · Wilson County, NC $1,120$1,350
- 27863 · Goldsboro, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27863 · Greene County, NC $1,220$1,500
- 27863 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,220$1,500
- 28333 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,350
- 28578 · Duplin County, NC $1,120$1,360
- 28578 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,360
- 28578 · Lenoir County, NC $1,120$1,360
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 Wayne 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.
18,312 households rent in Wayne County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wayne 47%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wayne County
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Wayne 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)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 12
- public housing
- 7
2,988 homes in all; 2,917 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lincoln Apartments Public housing 509 E Chestnut St, Goldsboro 27530 344 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro · Average payment: $312 a month · Average wait: 69 months · (919) 735-4226
- Fairview Apartments Public housing 1717A Maple St, Goldsboro 27530 305 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro · Average payment: $323 a month · (919) 735-4226
- West Haven Apartments Public housing 307 N Alabama Ave, Goldsboro 27530 272 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro · Average payment: $299 a month · (919) 735-4226
- Woodcrest-Elmwood-Little Washington Public housing 717 Bain St, Goldsboro 27530 266 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro · Average payment: $377 a month · (919) 735-4226
- Grand at Day Point (The) HUD-assisted 2300 Day Cir, Goldsboro 27530 160 low-income homes · For families · (919) 736-3655
- Kirkwood Apts HUD-assisted 2710 Langston Dr, Goldsboro 27534 140 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 778-1447
- Brookside Manor Public housing 234 Johnson Ln, Goldsboro 27530 90 low-income homes · Run by Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $360 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (919) 735-0435
- Winfrey Court II Public housing 331 W Seymour Dr, Goldsboro 27530 90 low-income homes · Run by Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $349 a month · Average wait: 62 months · (919) 735-0435
- Alpha Arms Apartments HUD-assisted 201 Alpha Ct, Goldsboro 27530 104 homes, 88 low-income · For families · (919) 735-1222
- Lochstone Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 W Lockhaven Dr, Goldsboro 27534 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Waynesborough House HUD-assisted 104 S Center St, Goldsboro 27530 85 homes, 80 low-income · For older adults · (919) 734-1111
- Adair Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Keller Way Dr, Goldsboro 27530 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Villas at Adair Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Adair Dr, Goldsboro 27530 72 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
- Brookwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Young Dr, Mount Olive 28365 65 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Myrtle Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 N Hereford Dr, Dudley 28333 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Oxford Plantation Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Oxford Blvd, Goldsboro 27534 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For families
- The Highlands Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Lockhaven Ct, Goldsboro 27534 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Jefferson Court Apartments HUD-assisted 1100 N Jefferson Ave, Goldsboro 27534 60 homes, 55 low-income · For families · (919) 735-7505
- Ashebrooke Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 Randall Ln, Goldsboro 27534 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Walnut Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 508 E Walnut St, Goldsboro 27530 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1992 · For older adults, families
- Mount Olive Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted 100 Johnson Pl, Mount Olive 28365 52 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 658-6682
- Adair Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Adair Dr, Goldsboro 27530 48 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For older adults
- Laurel Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 660 E New Hope Rd, Goldsboro 27534 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Poplar Street Apartments HUD-assisted 1405 Poplar St, Goldsboro 27530 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 735-7379
- NBA Greenleaf Grace Village HUD-assisted 2100 Block of North Williams Street, Goldsboro 27530 41 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 581-0203
- Randall Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 Randall Ln, Goldsboro 27534 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Torhunta Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Friendship Dr, Fremont 27830 40 low-income homes · For families · (919) 734-1127
- Huntington Senior Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Tampa St, Goldsboro 27534 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Laurel Pointe II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 660 E New Hope Rd, Goldsboro 27534 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Northpoint Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Northpointe Dr, Mount Olive 28365 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Project Unnamed Public housing 100 McDonald Dr, Mount Olive 28365 20 low-income homes · Run by Mount Olive Housing Authority · (919) 299-4046
- Arc/HDS Wayne County Group Home HUD-assisted 600 W John St, Mount Olive 28365 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 658-8815
- CHC of Wayne Co. HUD-assisted 404 S Claiborne St, Goldsboro 27530 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 981-0740
- Abbott Crossing HUD-assisted 2721 Graves Dr, Goldsboro 27534 48 homes, 5 low-income · (336) 544-2300
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 Wayne County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Wayne 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: $70,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Goldsboro, NC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $862 – $1,054
- 1 bedroom $868 – $1,060
- 2 bedrooms $1,135 – $1,387
- 3 bedrooms $1,364 – $1,668
- 4 bedrooms $1,801 – $2,201
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 City of Goldsboro Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 303 vouchers · 1,187 public housing units (919) 735-4226 Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro: mwiggins@hacg.org
- Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority Public housing · 731 public housing units (919) 735-0435 Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority: dparsons@ecrha.org
- Mount Olive Housing Authority Public housing · 20 public housing units (919) 299-4046 Mount Olive Housing Authority: moha0829@yahoo.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 Wayne County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc.
504 Green St E, Wilson · 26 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
Housing Authority of the City of Rocky Mount, NC
901 Authority Dr, Rocky Mount · 44 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Cccs, A Division of Triangle Family Services, Inc.
3937 Western Blvd, Raleigh · 49 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Cambodian, Cantonese, and 17 more languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wayne 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
$2,522
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,261
- Security deposit
- $1,261
- Total
- $2,522
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 Wayne County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $958; 1 bedroom: $964; 2 bedrooms: $1,261; 3 bedrooms: $1,516; 4 bedrooms: $2,001. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wayne County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,261) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.25 an hour full time, or $50,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wayne 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 Wayne 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 $1,135 and $1,387 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wayne County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 27830 to $1,460 in 27534. 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 Wayne County?
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Wayne 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 Wayne County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wayne County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).