Average Rent in Carteret County, NC↑ Rents rising 12.4% YoY

Carteret County, NC has rental prices ranging from $923/month to $2,002/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $929/month — 34% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,235/year, spending $929/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Carteret County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,219/month, Carteret County ranks #17 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 83% of all US cities in our data.

The Carteret County Rental Market

The Carteret County, NC area has a population of about 68,652 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Carteret County, NC have risen by $134/month (12.4%) over the past year, from $1,085 to $1,219. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Carteret County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,160. The local median household income of $70,235 exceeds that threshold by $33,075, making Carteret County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Carteret County, NC has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, 0.6 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Is Carteret County, NC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Carteret County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Carteret County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.