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

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,069; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 26% less than in North Carolina
Typical rent: $953; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 22% less than in North Carolina
Wage needed: $20.56; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $42,760 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

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 Wilson County: what sets it apart

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

Wilson County has the 7th lowest homeownership rate of the 100 counties in North Carolina (60%).

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 Wilson 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 Wilson County was $1,497 a month in September 2026: 1.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

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	$843	$16.21	$33,720
1 bedroom	$849	$16.33	$33,960
2 bedrooms	$1,069	$20.56	$42,760
3 bedrooms	$1,356	$26.08	$54,240
4 bedrooms	$1,658	$31.88	$66,320

HUD area: Wilson 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 Wilson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27873 to $1,210 in 27896. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,069).

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.

27813	Wilson County, NC	$810	$820	$1,030	$1,310	$1,600
27822	Rocky Mount, NC	$830	$830	$1,030	$1,400	$1,640
27822	Wilson County, NC	$830	$830	$1,030	$1,400	$1,640
27851	Goldsboro, NC	$850	$860	$1,120	$1,350	$1,820
27851	Wilson County, NC	$850	$860	$1,120	$1,350	$1,820
27873	Wilson County, NC	$800	$800	$1,010	$1,280	$1,570
27880	Rocky Mount, NC	$860	$870	$1,090	$1,400	$1,690
27880	Wilson County, NC	$860	$870	$1,090	$1,400	$1,690
27883	Goldsboro, NC	$900	$910	$1,120	$1,390	$1,820
27883	Greene County, NC	$900	$910	$1,120	$1,390	$1,820
27883	Wilson County, NC	$900	$910	$1,120	$1,390	$1,820
27893	Wilson County, NC	$870	$870	$1,100	$1,400	$1,710
27896	Rocky Mount, NC	$960	$970	$1,210	$1,540	$1,880
27896	Wilson County, NC	$960	$970	$1,210	$1,540	$1,880

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
27813 · Wilson County, NC $1,030$1,310
27822 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,030$1,400
27822 · Wilson County, NC $1,030$1,400
27851 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,350
27851 · Wilson County, NC $1,120$1,350
27873 · Wilson County, NC $1,010$1,280
27880 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,090$1,400
27880 · Wilson County, NC $1,090$1,400
27883 · Goldsboro, NC $1,120$1,390
27883 · Greene County, NC $1,120$1,390
27883 · Wilson County, NC $1,120$1,390
27893 · Wilson County, NC $1,100$1,400
27896 · Rocky Mount, NC $1,210$1,540
27896 · Wilson County, NC $1,210$1,540

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 Wilson 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.

13,212 households rent in Wilson County

Spend half or more of their income 24%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Wilson 47%
North Carolina 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Wilson County

HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilson 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): 24
HUD-assisted: 16
public housing: 3

2,049 homes in all; 1,944 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Whitfield Homes Public housing 722 Hooks St S, Wilson 27893 245 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilson · Average payment: $309 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (252) 291-2245
E. B. Jordan Homes Public housing 213 Broad St W, Wilson 27893 212 homes, 210 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilson · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (252) 291-2245
Forest Road Public housing 313A Hackney St E, Wilson 27893 160 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Wilson · Average payment: $393 a month · Average wait: 13 months · Homes at several sites · (252) 291-2245
Beacon Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 Lipscomb Rd E, Wilson 27893 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 46 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Crescent Gardens Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1602 Kincaid Ave N, Wilson 27893 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, families · (252) 291-8853
Abbington Crossing of Wilson Tax credit (LIHTC) 1519 Lipscomb Rd E, Wilson 27893 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 8 · For families
Forest Hills Manor HUD-assisted 2712 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson 27893 80 low-income homes · For families · (252) 291-5774
Clairmont Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3702 Ashbrook Dr NW, Wilson 27896 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For families
Ravenswood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3721 Ashbrook Dr NW, Wilson 27896 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2015 · For families
Ravenswood Reserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 3720 Ashbrook Dr NW, Wilson 27896 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 46 · For older adults
The Venue Residential Tax credit (LIHTC) 211 Kenan St W, Wilson 27893 57 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
Wesley Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1720 Lipscomb Rd E Ofc A, Wilson 27893 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For families
MHA Housing of Eastern NC HUD-assisted 505 Hemphill St, Stantonsburg 27883 50 homes, 48 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 782-1262
Kenly Court Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 6022 N Whitley Dr, Kenly 27542 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For families
Morgans Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3311 Boyette Dr SW, Wilson 27893 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
Somerset Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1714 Lipscomb Rd E, Wilson 27893 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1998 · For families
Summer Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1700 Block of Lipscomb Road, Wilson 27893 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2001 · For families
Sutton Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2303 Sutton Pl NW Ofc BLDG700, Wilson 27896 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Beacon Pointe Apartments HUD-assisted 1901F Lipscomb Rd E, Wilson 27893 104 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (252) 281-1380
Cottages at Glendale Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Pike St SW, Wilson 27893 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
St. James Plaza HUD-assisted 1745 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy E, Wilson 27893 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 243-9633
Gee Corbett Village HUD-assisted 1817 Butterfield Ln SE, Wilson 27893 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 243-4403
Springbrook Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2002 Crescent Dr W, Wilson 27893 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families
Glendale Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Pike St SW, Wilson 27893 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
Morgans Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3301 Boyette Dr SW, Wilson 27893 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2004 · For families
Varita Court Apartments HUD-assisted 205 Goldsboro St E, Wilson 27893 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (252) 291-9605
CAC of Wilson County #3 HUD-assisted 1611 Fikewood St E, Wilson 27893 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (252) 243-5543
Arc/HDS Wilson County Apartments HUD-assisted 702 Selma St SW, Wilson 27893 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (252) 237-3317
Cac of Wilson Co. HUD-assisted 811 Park Ave W, Wilson 27893 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 291-3243
Arc/HDS Wilson County Group Home #3 HUD-assisted 1502 Pineview Ave NW, Wilson 27896 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 291-2521
Arc/HDS Wilson County Group Home #4 HUD-assisted 3108 Tilghman Rd N, Wilson 27896 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 243-4291
Pender Crossing HUD-assisted 300 Pender St S, Wilson 27893 43 homes, 5 low-income · (984) 422-8319
Arc/HDS Wilson County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 308 Bragg St NE, Wilson 27893 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 243-3022
Arc/HDS Wilson County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 1300 Gold St N, Wilson 27893 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (252) 291-8603
CAC of Wilson CO., Phase II HUD-assisted 811 Park Ave W, Wilson 27893 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (252) 291-3243
Lane Woods: Lot #5 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1609 Pecan Ct N, Wilson 27893 4 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 1992
Barefoot Park Apts: Lot 24 Tax credit (LIHTC) 2136 Barefoot Park Ln SW, Wilson 27893 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
Pine Ridge: Lot 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 504 N Parker St, Elm City 27822 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990 · For families
Woodfield Subdivision: Lot 1, Section 4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1824 E Trail Dr SE, Wilson 27893 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1994
Woodfield Subdivision: Lot 2, Section 4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1826 E Trail Dr SE, Wilson 27893 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1994
Woodfield Subdivision: Lot 7, Section 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1820 E Trail Dr SE, Wilson 27893 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1992
Woodfield Subdivision: Lot 7, Section 4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1805 Ruffleleaf Cir SE, Wilson 27893 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1994

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 Wilson 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 Wilson 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: Wilson County, NC.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$17,650	$29,400	$47,050
2 people	$21,640	$33,600	$53,800
3 people	$27,320	$37,800	$60,500
4 people	$33,000	$42,000	$67,200
5 people	$38,680	$45,400	$72,600
6 people	$44,360	$48,750	$78,000
7 people	$50,040	$52,100	$83,350
8 people	$55,450	$55,450	$88,750

Area median income: $84,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wilson County, NC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $759 – $927
1 bedroom $764 – $934
2 bedrooms $962 – $1,176
3 bedrooms $1,220 – $1,492
4 bedrooms $1,492 – $1,824

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 Wilson Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 789 vouchers · 615 public housing units (252) 291-2245 Housing Authority of the City of Wilson: kvick@wilsonha.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 Wilson County

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

WC
Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc.

504 Green St E, Wilson
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
252-243-4855x214

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 Wilson 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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Wilson County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,069. 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

$2,138

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,069
Security deposit: $1,069
Total: $2,138

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 Wilson County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $843; 1 bedroom: $849; 2 bedrooms: $1,069; 3 bedrooms: $1,356; 4 bedrooms: $1,658. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,069) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.56 an hour full time, or $42,760 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wilson County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,000 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 Wilson 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 $962 and $1,176 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 27873 to $1,210 in 27896. 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 Wilson County?

HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilson 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 Wilson County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wilson County, 47% 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 Wilson County, North Carolina

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Wilson 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 Wilson County

The Section 8 voucher in Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wilson County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Wilson County?

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

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

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