RentData

Average Rent in Pender County, NC Rents falling 2.7% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 63,475

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

Market Overview

Pender County, NC has rental prices ranging from $740/month to $1,812/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $974/month — 30% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $76,838/year, spending $974/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Pender County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,079/month, Pender County ranks #34 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 73% of all US cities in our data.

The Pender County Rental Market

The Pender County, NC area has a population of about 63,475 and 18% 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 Pender County, NC have fallen by $30/month (2.7%) over the past year, from $1,109 to $1,079. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Pender County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,960. The local median household income of $76,838 exceeds that threshold by $37,878, making Pender County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Pender County, NC has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$740
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$974
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,079
2.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,512
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,812
Affordable
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Is Pender 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
$43,160/year
Local median income: $76,838
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,079/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 Pender County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Pender County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,079/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,079/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Pender 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 Pender County

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💵Rent Affordability in Pender County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋NC Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections