RentData

Average Rent in Jacksonville, NC Rents falling 10.0% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 208,537

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Jacksonville, NC has rental prices ranging from $879/month to $1,946/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $927/month — 34% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,568/year, spending $927/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Jacksonville Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,147/month, Jacksonville ranks #28 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 78% of all US cities in our data.

The Jacksonville Rental Market

The Jacksonville, NC area has a population of about 208,537 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Jacksonville, NC have fallen by $127/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $1,274 to $1,147. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Jacksonville, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,080. The local median household income of $64,568 exceeds that threshold by $27,488, making Jacksonville relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Jacksonville, NC is $264,166, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 19 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$879
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$927
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,147
10.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,616
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,946
Average
🔔
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Median Home Value
$264,166
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,406/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Jacksonville, NC Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$45,880/year
Local median income: $64,568
To buy a median home
$56,240/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,147/month and 20% down on a $264,166 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NClargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Anson County$834$927$1,216$1,465
Charlotte$1,586$1,647$1,824$2,250
Camden County$982$990$1,129$1,582
Virginia Beach$1,475$1,483$1,696$2,361
Raleigh$1,533$1,592$1,763$2,192
Greensboro$999$1,039$1,150$1,463

Rent or Buy in Jacksonville?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Jacksonville data

$
Home Value
$264,166
2BR Rent
$1,147/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,406/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,945/movs rent: $1,147/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $264,166 home at 7% rate

20% — $52,833
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,406
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$211,333
Total Paid
$506,161
Total Interest
$294,828
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Jacksonville

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Jacksonville

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Jacksonville

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NC

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📋NC Tenant Rights

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