Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Rowan County vs Wake County

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

$958
Rowan County (1BR)
$1,596
Wake County (1BR)
−40%
1BR difference

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

County
Rowan County
$958/mo 1BR
Population: 147,067
County
Wake County
$1,596/mo 1BR
Population: 1,132,103

A 1-bedroom in Rowan County is 40% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($958 vs $1,596). 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 Rowan County Wake County Difference
Studio $952 $1,524 −$572 (-38%)
1 Bedroom $958 $1,596 −$638 (-40%)
2 Bedroom $1,196 $1,750 −$554 (-32%)
3 Bedroom $1,573 $2,196 −$623 (-28%)
4 Bedroom $2,006 $2,936 −$930 (-32%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Rowan County is 0% below the US average. Wake County is 66% above.

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