Rent in McDowell County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$925$11,100 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,012 (+9.4%)How much rent can you afford in McDowell 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 McDowell 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 | $782 | $9,384 | $31,280 | $15.04/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $790 | $9,480 | $31,600 | $15.19/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $925 | $11,100 | $37,000 | $17.79/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,180 | $14,160 | $47,200 | $22.69/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,225 | $14,700 | $49,000 | $23.56/hr |
Cost of living in McDowell County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in McDowell County, NC
Rent in McDowell County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in McDowell County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,012 for a two-bedroom, up 9.4% from $925. A one-bedroom goes from $790 to $910, a studio from $782 to $864.
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 McDowell County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $790 for a one-bedroom and $925 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $11,100 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 McDowell County, NC?
To keep a $925 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $17.79 an hour, or $37,000 a year. A one-bedroom at $790 takes $15.19 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in McDowell County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $782, one bedroom $790, two $925, three $1,180 and four $1,225 a month.
Is rent affordable in McDowell County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $57,168 a year ($4,764 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $925 takes 19.4% 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: ($925 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $37,000. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $17.79 an hour.