Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,835$22,020 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Buncombe County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Buncombe County, NC
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,436 | $17,232 | $57,440 | $27.62/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,674 | $20,088 | $66,960 | $32.19/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,835 | $22,020 | $73,400 | $35.29/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,231 | $26,772 | $89,240 | $42.90/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,078 | $36,936 | $123,120 | $59.19/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Buncombe County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Buncombe County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Buncombe County, NC is $1,835 per month ($22,020 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Buncombe County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,835/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $35.29 per hour ($73,400/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Buncombe County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Buncombe County, NC are: Studio: $1,436/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,674/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,835/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,231/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,078/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Buncombe County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $74,436/year ($6,203/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 29.6% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Buncombe County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,835/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,835 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $73,400 per year.