North Carolina · HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents · Updated

Rent in Madison County, NC

HUD puts rent for a two-bedroom in Madison County, NC at $1,835 a month for 2026, and a one-bedroom at $1,674. Keeping the two-bedroom under 30% of income takes $35.29 an hour full time, or $73,400 a year. The typical household there would spend 37.6% of its income on it. HUD's 2027 figure, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,866 (up 1.7%).

Rent in Madison County, NC at a glance

2-bedroom rent (HUD)

$1,835$22,020 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,866 (+1.7%)
Studio$1,436$28/hr needed
1 bedroom$1,674$32/hr needed
Wage a 2-bedroom takes$35.29an hour, 40 hours a week
3 bedrooms$2,231$43/hr needed

How much rent can you afford in Madison County, NC?

HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,835Monthly market rent
Share of gross income37.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$73,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,463At 30% of $58,531
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
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Rent in Madison 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.

HUD Fair Market Rent in Madison County, NC, fiscal 2026, and the income each needs
SizeA monthA yearIncome neededHourly wage needed
Studio$1,436$17,232$57,440$27.62/hr
1 bedroom$1,674$20,088$66,960$32.19/hr
2 bedroomsMost searched$1,835$22,020$73,400$35.29/hr
3 bedrooms$2,231$26,772$89,240$42.90/hr
4 bedrooms$3,078$36,936$123,120$59.19/hr

Cost of living in Madison County, NC: income, prices and a budget →

Rent in Madison County, NC: common questions

How much is rent going up in Madison County, NC in 2027?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,866 for a two-bedroom, up 1.7% from $1,835. A one-bedroom goes from $1,674 to $1,714, a studio from $1,436 to $1,482.

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 Madison County, NC?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,674 for a one-bedroom and $1,835 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $22,020 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 Madison County, NC?

To keep a $1,835 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $35.29 an hour, or $73,400 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,674 takes $32.19 an hour.

How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Madison County, NC?

At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,436, one bedroom $1,674, two $1,835, three $2,231 and four $3,078 a month.

Is rent affordable in Madison County, NC?

For the typical household, earning $58,531 a year ($4,878 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,835 takes 37.6% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is over 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: ($1,835 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $73,400. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $35.29 an hour.