RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · NC

Burlington

Pop. 59,610·115th most expensive in North Carolina·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,298/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.5%
Month-over-Month
-3.4%
vs US Median
-$667
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Burlington rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Burlington · $1,298
More affordable than 88% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
75/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Burlington's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,298/mo
Expected by trend
$1,479/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Burlington's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$855
1 BR
$1,075
2 BR
$1,190
3 BR
$1,500
4 BR+
$1,770
Research median
$1,190/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$15,576/yr
At $1,298/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.5% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.5% YoY, -3.4% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Burlington, NC is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
59,610
Median income
$56,880
Median age
40.1
Renters
46.2%
Age distribution
23.5%
20.6%
25.2%
12.7%
18%
Under 1823.5%
18–3420.6%
35–5425.2%
55–6412.7%
65+18%
Gender
47.5%
52.5%
Male47.5%
Female52.5%
Race & ethnicity
46.7%
29.6%
19.5%
White46.7%
Black29.6%
Hispanic19.5%
Asian2.9%
Other1.3%
Education (25+)
13.8%
26.2%
30.4%
29.6%
No HS diploma13.8%
HS diploma26.2%
Some college30.4%
Bachelor's+29.6%
Housing tenure
53.8%
46.2%
Owner53.8%
Renter46.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Burlington, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,100 → $1,298
up 18.0%
Income
$47,158 → $56,880
up 20.6%
Population
56,563 → 59,610
up 5.4%
Renter share
45.4% → 46.2%
+0.8 pts
Bachelor's+
27.2% → 29.6%
+2.4 pts
Median age
38.8 → 40.1
+1.3 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Burlington, NC has shifted from $1,100 to $1,298, up 18.0% since 2022. Census figures show median household income at $56,880 today, compared with $47,158 five years earlier. Census counts show Burlington, NC adding about 3,047 residents over the five-year window, up 5.4% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 27.2% to 29.6% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

Community

Discussions about Burlington

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Burlington rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Burlington on your salary?

At $1,298/mo, how Burlington rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Burlington rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Burlington. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Burlington

About renting in Burlington, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Burlington is $1,298/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $855/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,190/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,075/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,500/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($56,880/yr), Burlington ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Burlington an affordable city for renters?

Burlington is considered affordable for renters. At $1,298/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($56,880/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Burlington falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Burlington?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $52,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,298/mo in Burlington. The local median household income is $56,880/yr, meaning the typical Burlington household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Burlington?

Rent in Burlington has decreased 0.5% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Burlington neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Burlington are 27215 ($1,300/mo), and 27217 ($1,407/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Burlington is $1,298/mo.

How does Burlington rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Burlington is one of the more affordable cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #115 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,298/mo.

What percentage of Burlington residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.2% of Burlington households are renters, while 53.8% are owner-occupied. Burlington leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Burlington rent compare to the national average?

Burlington's median rent of $1,298/mo is $667 (34%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #115 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,298/mo, rent takes ~27% of Burlington's median household income ($56,880/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Burlington 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Burlington affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Burlington
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Burlington, NC

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Burlington.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.