Rent in Polk County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$983$11,796 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,012 (+3%)How much rent can you afford in Polk 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 Polk 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 | $824 | $9,888 | $32,960 | $15.85/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $829 | $9,948 | $33,160 | $15.94/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $983 | $11,796 | $39,320 | $18.90/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,351 | $16,212 | $54,040 | $25.98/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,649 | $19,788 | $65,960 | $31.71/hr |
Cost of living in Polk County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Polk County, NC
Rent in Polk County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Polk 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 3% from $983. A one-bedroom goes from $829 to $885, a studio from $824 to $757.
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 Polk County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $829 for a one-bedroom and $983 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $11,796 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 Polk County, NC?
To keep a $983 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $18.90 an hour, or $39,320 a year. A one-bedroom at $829 takes $15.94 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Polk County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $824, one bedroom $829, two $983, three $1,351 and four $1,649 a month.
Is rent affordable in Polk County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $67,758 a year ($5,647 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $983 takes 17.4% 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: ($983 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $39,320. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $18.90 an hour.