RentData

Average Rent in Harnett County, NC Rents falling 29.8% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in NC

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 136,503

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Harnett County, NC has rental prices ranging from $595/month to $1,368/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $599/month — 57% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,012/year, spending $599/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Harnett County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $790/month, Harnett County ranks #86 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Harnett County Rental Market

The Harnett County, NC area has a population of about 136,503 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Harnett County, NC have fallen by $336/month (29.8%) over the past year, from $1,126 to $790. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Harnett County, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,960. The local median household income of $69,012 exceeds that threshold by $45,052, making Harnett County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Harnett County, NC has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 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 FY2021
Studio
$595
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$599
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$790
29.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,125
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,368
Affordable
🔔
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Is Harnett 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
$31,600/year
Local median income: $69,012
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $790/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 Harnett County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Harnett County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$790/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: $790/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Harnett 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 Harnett County

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💵Rent Affordability in Harnett County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NC

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⚖️Compare Harnett County

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📋NC Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections