Rent in Clay County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,039$12,468 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,087 (+4.6%)How much rent can you afford in Clay County, NC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Clay County, NC by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $878 | $10,536 | $35,120 | $16.88/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $948 | $11,376 | $37,920 | $18.23/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,039 | $12,468 | $41,560 | $19.98/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,429 | $17,148 | $57,160 | $27.48/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,561 | $18,732 | $62,440 | $30.02/hr |
Cost of living in Clay County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Clay County, NC
Rent in Clay County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Clay County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,087 for a two-bedroom, up 4.6% from $1,039. A one-bedroom goes from $948 to $999, a studio from $878 to $928.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Clay County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $948 for a one-bedroom and $1,039 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $12,468 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Clay County, NC?
To keep a $1,039 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $19.98 an hour, or $41,560 a year. A one-bedroom at $948 takes $18.23 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Clay County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $878, one bedroom $948, two $1,039, three $1,429 and four $1,561 a month.
Is rent affordable in Clay County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $56,971 a year ($4,748 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,039 takes 21.9% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,039 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $41,560. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $19.98 an hour.