Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,095$13,140 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Catawba County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Catawba 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 | $858 | $10,296 | $34,320 | $16.50/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $908 | $10,896 | $36,320 | $17.46/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,095 | $13,140 | $43,800 | $21.06/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,372 | $16,464 | $54,880 | $26.38/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,660 | $19,920 | $66,400 | $31.92/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Catawba County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Catawba County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Catawba County, NC is $1,095 per month ($13,140 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Catawba County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,095/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $21.06 per hour ($43,800/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Catawba County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Catawba County, NC are: Studio: $858/mo, 1-Bedroom: $908/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,095/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,372/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,660/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Catawba County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $67,864/year ($5,655/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Catawba County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,095/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,095 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $43,800 per year.