Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,686$20,232 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Union County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Union 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 | $1,469 | $17,628 | $58,760 | $28.25/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,538 | $18,456 | $61,520 | $29.58/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,686 | $20,232 | $67,440 | $32.42/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,076 | $24,912 | $83,040 | $39.92/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,637 | $31,644 | $105,480 | $50.71/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Union County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Union County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Union County, NC is $1,686 per month ($20,232 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Union County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,686/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $32.42 per hour ($67,440/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Union County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Union County, NC are: Studio: $1,469/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,538/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,686/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,076/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,637/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Union County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $102,900/year ($8,575/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Union County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,686/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,686 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $67,440 per year.