Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,659$19,908 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in New Hanover County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: New Hanover 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 | $1,144 | $13,728 | $45,760 | $22.00/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,513 | $18,156 | $60,520 | $29.10/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,659 | $19,908 | $66,360 | $31.90/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,178 | $26,136 | $87,120 | $41.88/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,319 | $27,828 | $92,760 | $44.60/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in New Hanover County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in New Hanover County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in New Hanover County, NC is $1,659 per month ($19,908 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in New Hanover County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,659/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $31.90 per hour ($66,360/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in New Hanover County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in New Hanover County, NC are: Studio: $1,144/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,513/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,659/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,178/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,319/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in New Hanover County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $75,166/year ($6,264/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 26.5% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in New Hanover County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,659/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,659 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $66,360 per year.