North Carolina · HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents · Updated

Rent in Wilkes County, NC

HUD puts rent for a two-bedroom in Wilkes County, NC at $925 a month for 2026, and a one-bedroom at $793. Keeping the two-bedroom under 30% of income takes $17.79 an hour full time, or $37,000 a year. The typical household there would spend 21.5% of its income on it. HUD's 2027 figure, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,012 (up 9.4%).

Rent in Wilkes 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%)
Studio$782$15/hr needed
1 bedroom$793$15/hr needed
Wage a 2-bedroom takes$17.79an hour, 40 hours a week
3 bedrooms$1,233$24/hr needed

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$925Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,293At 30% of $51,721
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
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Rent in Wilkes 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 Wilkes County, NC, fiscal 2026, and the income each needs
SizeA monthA yearIncome neededHourly wage needed
Studio$782$9,384$31,280$15.04/hr
1 bedroom$793$9,516$31,720$15.25/hr
2 bedroomsMost searched$925$11,100$37,000$17.79/hr
3 bedrooms$1,233$14,796$49,320$23.71/hr
4 bedrooms$1,538$18,456$61,520$29.58/hr

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

Rent in Wilkes County, NC: common questions

How much is rent going up in Wilkes 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 $793 to $875, 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 Wilkes County, NC?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $793 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 Wilkes 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 $793 takes $15.25 an hour.

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

At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $782, one bedroom $793, two $925, three $1,233 and four $1,538 a month.

Is rent affordable in Wilkes County, NC?

For the typical household, earning $51,721 a year ($4,310 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $925 takes 21.5% 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.