Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

McDowell County vs North Carolina

How do McDowell County and North Carolina rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$790
McDowell County (1BR)
$981
North Carolina (1BR)
−19%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
McDowell County
$790/mo 1BR
Population: 44,629
State
North Carolina
$981/mo 1BR

A 1-bedroom in McDowell County is 19% cheaper than North Carolina at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($790 vs $981). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms McDowell County North Carolina Difference
Studio $782 $932 −$150 (-16%)
1 Bedroom $790 $981 −$191 (-19%)
2 Bedroom $925 $1,161 −$236 (-20%)
3 Bedroom $1,180 $1,499 −$319 (-21%)
4 Bedroom $1,225 $1,780 −$555 (-31%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. McDowell County is 18% below the US average. North Carolina is 2% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).