Average Rent in Beaufort County, NC↑ Rents rising 8.6% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in NC
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 44,597
Market Overview
Beaufort County, NC has rental prices ranging from $759/month to $1,562/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $763/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $57,997/year, spending $763/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Beaufort County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $930/month, Beaufort 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 Beaufort County Rental Market
The Beaufort County, NC area has a population of about 44,597 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Beaufort 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 Beaufort County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,520. The local median household income of $57,997 exceeds that threshold by $27,477, making Beaufort County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Beaufort County, NC has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.2 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.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Beaufort County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are River Road ($290,237 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Beaufort 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 Beaufort County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Beaufort County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Beaufort County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Beaufort CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NCSee how Beaufort County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Beaufort CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NC Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections