Average Rent in Pender County, NC↓ Rents falling 2.7% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 63,475
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in NClargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.
Living in Pender County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Pender CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NCSee how Pender County ranks statewide
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