RentData

Average Rent in Martin County, NC Rents rising 8.6% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in NC

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 21,773

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Martin County, NC has rental prices ranging from $704/month to $1,233/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $709/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $46,793/year, spending $709/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Martin County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $930/month, Martin County ranks #84 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — more affordable than 61% of all US cities in our data.

The Martin County Rental Market

The Martin County, NC area has a population of about 21,773 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Martin County, NC have risen by $74/month (8.6%) over the past year, from $856 to $930. 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 Martin County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,360. The local median household income of $46,793 exceeds that threshold by $18,433, making Martin County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Martin County, NC has an unemployment rate of 4.3%, 0.4 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$704
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$709
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$930
8.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,212
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,233
Average
🔔
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Is Martin County, 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
$37,200/year
Local median income: $46,793
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $930/month and 20% down on a 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 Martin County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Martin County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$930/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $930/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Martin County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Martin County

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💵Rent Affordability in Martin County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NC

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⚖️Compare Martin County

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📋NC Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections