Average Rent in Craven County, NC↑ Rents rising 7.1% YoY🔺 10th priciest in NC
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 101,074
Market Overview
Craven County, NC has rental prices ranging from $996/month to $2,208/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,002/month — 28% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,635/year, spending $1,002/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Craven County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,315/month, Craven County ranks #10 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 87% of all US cities in our data.
The Craven County Rental Market
The Craven County, NC area has a population of about 101,074 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 Craven County, NC have risen by $87/month (7.1%) over the past year, from $1,228 to $1,315. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Craven County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,080. The local median household income of $64,635 exceeds that threshold by $24,555, making Craven County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Craven County, NC has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.0 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 Craven County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are James City ($275,996 median home value), Brices Creek ($409,965 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 Craven 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 Craven County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Craven County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Craven County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Craven CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NCSee how Craven County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Craven CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NC Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections