Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,039$12,468 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Clay County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Clay 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 | $878 | $10,536 | $35,120 | $16.88/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $948 | $11,376 | $37,920 | $18.23/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,039 | $12,468 | $41,560 | $19.98/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,429 | $17,148 | $57,160 | $27.48/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,561 | $18,732 | $62,440 | $30.02/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Clay County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Clay County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Clay County, NC is $1,039 per month ($12,468 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Clay County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,039/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $19.98 per hour ($41,560/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Clay County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Clay County, NC are: Studio: $878/mo, 1-Bedroom: $948/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,039/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,429/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,561/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Clay County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $56,971/year ($4,748/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 21.9% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Clay County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,039/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,039 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $41,560 per year.