Cost of Renting in Wake Forest, North Carolina
Rental market data powered by HUD Fair Market Rents and Census ACS.
Rent Overview
Median Monthly Rent
$1,354
Median Household Income
$115,159
Population
48,047
Affordability
Wake Forest: 24.8% rent burden, below the 30% affordability threshold.
Rent Burden
24.8%
% of household income spent on rent
Vacancy Rate
5.3%
Renter-Occupied
26.5%
% of housing units
How Wake Forest Compares
Wake Forest vs North Carolina avg vs National avg
Median Rent
$1,354
Median Income
$115,159
Rent Burden
24.8%
Renting in Wake Forest
The median rent in Wake Forest, North Carolina is typically $1,354 per month, while the median household income is approximately $115,159. This means the typical renter spends approximately 24.8% of their income on rent. (Source: Census ACS)
Housing experts generally consider rent affordable when it accounts for no more than 30% of gross income. At 24.8% rent burden, Wake Forest is generally considered very affordable. Renters earning less than the median income may face higher housing cost pressure. (Source: HUD affordability guidelines)
Wake Forest has a population of approximately 48,047 with a rental vacancy rate of 5.3%, suggesting a moderate rental market. (Source: Census ACS)
HUD Fair Market Rents
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for the area. Used to set Section 8 voucher amounts.
| Bedrooms | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | N/A |
| 1 Bedroom | N/A |
| 2 Bedroom | N/A |
| 3 Bedroom | N/A |
| 4 Bedroom | N/A |
Rent by Bedroom
Detailed bedroom-level rent data for Wake Forest is not available in the current HUD release.
Can You Afford Wake Forest?
of income
Generally Affordable
The median rent in Wake Forest is typically $1,354/month. The typical household earns $115,159/year, spending approximately 14.1% of income on rent.
Based on the 30% rule, you would generally need at least $54,160/year to afford the median rent without being cost-burdened.
Based on the median rent of $1,354, you would typically need an annual gross income of at least $54,160 to keep rent at or below 30% of your income. (Source: Census ACS)
How Wake Forest Compares
Rent in Wake Forest is 40% higher than the North Carolina average of approximately $965. (Source: Census ACS) Compared to the national average, rent in Wake Forest is 1% lower than the national median of approximately $1,365. Keep in mind that income levels also vary by location, so raw rent comparisons may not fully reflect relative affordability. (Source: Census ACS)
Other Cities in North Carolina
Cost of Living Context
Rent is typically the largest single expense for most households, generally accounting for 30-40% of total living expenses. Other significant costs include transportation, food, healthcare, and taxes, which vary considerably by location. A city with lower rent but higher transportation costs may not be more affordable overall. Consider using our cost of living calculator to compare total expenses between cities.
What This Data Does Not Cover
This data reflects area-wide statistics and may not represent specific neighborhoods, buildings, or lease terms. Median rent captures the midpoint of the market: approximately half of rentals are above this price and half below. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually and represent the 40th percentile of rents in the area, so they may lag current market conditions in rapidly changing markets. Actual rents vary significantly by neighborhood, building age, amenities, and lease terms. We present this data for informational purposes to help with research, not as a guarantee of what you will pay.
Data Sources
**Data Sources:** - U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.