Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wilkes County, North Carolina
Wilkes 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 $723 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
- $723
- 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
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% less than in North Carolina
Only here
Renting in Wilkes County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Wilkes County has the 5th lowest typical rent of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($723).
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 Wilkes 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 Wilkes County was $1,412 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 | $864 | $16.62 | $34,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $875 | $16.83 | $35,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,357 | $26.10 | $54,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,554 | $29.88 | $62,160 |
HUD area: Wilkes 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 15 ZIP codes in Wilkes County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28651 to $1,260 in 28654. 12 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)
| 28606 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $900 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,620 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28606 | Wilkes County, NC | $900 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,620 |
| 28624 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $870 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,390 | $1,660 |
| 28624 | Wilkes County, NC | $870 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,390 | $1,660 |
| 28635 | Wilkes County, NC | $880 | $890 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
| 28649 | Wilkes County, NC | $870 | $880 | $1,020 | $1,370 | $1,560 |
| 28651 | Wilkes County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,550 |
| 28654 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,260 | $1,670 | $1,930 |
| 28654 | Wilkes County, NC | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,260 | $1,670 | $1,930 |
| 28659 | Wilkes County, NC | $900 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,410 | $1,610 |
| 28665 | Wilkes County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,550 |
| 28669 | Wilkes County, NC | $870 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,370 | $1,570 |
| 28670 | Wilkes County, NC | $860 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,550 |
| 28685 | Wilkes County, NC | $880 | $890 | $1,030 | $1,380 | $1,580 |
| 28697 | Wilkes County, NC | $870 | $880 | $1,020 | $1,370 | $1,570 |
- 28606 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,070$1,360
- 28606 · Wilkes County, NC $1,070$1,360
- 28624 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,070$1,390
- 28624 · Wilkes County, NC $1,070$1,390
- 28635 · Wilkes County, NC $1,040$1,370
- 28649 · Wilkes County, NC $1,020$1,370
- 28651 · Wilkes County, NC $1,010$1,360
- 28654 · Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $1,260$1,670
- 28654 · Wilkes County, NC $1,260$1,670
- 28659 · Wilkes County, NC $1,050$1,410
- 28665 · Wilkes County, NC $1,010$1,360
- 28669 · Wilkes County, NC $1,030$1,370
- 28670 · Wilkes County, NC $1,010$1,360
- 28685 · Wilkes County, NC $1,030$1,380
- 28697 · Wilkes County, NC $1,020$1,370
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 Wilkes 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.
7,179 households rent in Wilkes County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wilkes 43%
- North Carolina 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wilkes County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilkes 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
659 homes in all; 656 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Skyview Village and Valley Glade Public housing 401 Hickory St, N Wilkesboro 28659 192 low-income homes · Run by North Wilkesboro Housing Authority · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (336) 667-3203
- Wilkes Towers HUD-assisted 830 Main St Ofc 200, North Wilkesboro 28659 72 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 838-8552
- Covington Way Tax credit (LIHTC) 1006 Gateway Ave, Wilkesboro 28697 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Grandview Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Keener Dr, North Wilkesboro 28659 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Mountain View Tax credit (LIHTC) 189 Addington Court, Wilkesboro 28697 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Sparta Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Felts St, N Wilkesboro 28659 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Historic Wilkesboro School Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 W South St, Wilkesboro 28697 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Walden Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 126 Walden Ridge Drive, Wilkesboro 28697 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Finley Village Apts HUD-assisted 309 Finley Ave, North Wilkesboro 28659 29 homes, 28 low-income · For older adults · (336) 667-1894
- Mountain View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Gentry St, North Wilkesboro 28659 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- CAC of Wilkes Co. HUD-assisted 350 New River Center RD, North Wilkesboro 28659 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (336) 838-0511
- Woodlawn Apts. HUD-assisted 111 Reynolds Rd, N Wilkesboro 28659 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (336) 667-8744
- Arc/HDS Wilkes County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 179 Holly Brook St, North Wilkesboro 28659 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 670-9352
- Arc/HDS Wilkes County Group Home HUD-assisted 1224 Swaim St, North Wilkesboro 28659 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (336) 838-3789
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 Wilkes 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 Wilkes 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: $67,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wilkes County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $778 – $950
- 1 bedroom $788 – $963
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,221 – $1,493
- 4 bedrooms $1,399 – $1,709
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
- North Wilkesboro Housing Authority Public housing · 192 public housing units (336) 667-3203 North Wilkesboro Housing Authority: mary@nwhousingauthority.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 Wilkes County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory · 35 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
-
Credit.org - North Carolina Branch
615 Saint George Square Ct, Winston Salem · 47 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
-
Community Foundations
919 N Main Street, Suite 143A, Mooresville · 48 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wilkes 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 Wilkes County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $864; 1 bedroom: $875; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,357; 4 bedrooms: $1,554. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wilkes 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 Wilkes 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 Wilkes 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 Wilkes County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 28651 to $1,260 in 28654. 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 Wilkes County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilkes 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 Wilkes County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wilkes County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).