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City Report · NC

Denver

Pop. 2,497·51st most expensive in North Carolina·Denver rents are up 7.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,788/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.1%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
-$177
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Denver · $1,788
More affordable than 55% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Denver's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,788/mo
Expected by trend
$1,836/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Denver's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,130
1 BR
$1,170
2 BR
$1,310
3 BR
$1,800
4 BR+
$1,940
Research median
$1,310/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,456/yr
At $1,788/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.1% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Denver, NC is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 43.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
2,497
Median income
$65,721
Median age
38.9
Renters
44.8%
Age distribution
20.4%
26.8%
28%
13.2%
Under 1820.4%
18–3426.8%
35–5428%
55–6413.2%
65+11.7%
Gender
61%
39%
Male61%
Female39%
Race & ethnicity
87.1%
12.6%
White87.1%
Other12.6%
Education (25+)
38.9%
13%
43.6%
No HS diploma4.5%
HS diploma38.9%
Some college13%
Bachelor's+43.6%
Housing tenure
55.2%
44.8%
Owner55.2%
Renter44.8%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Denver, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,526 → $1,788
up 17.2%
Income
$55,426 → $65,721
up 18.6%
Population
2,827 → 2,497
down 11.7%
Renter share
34.8% → 44.8%
+10.0 pts
Bachelor's+
28.4% → 43.6%
+15.2 pts
Median age
43.4 → 38.9
-4.5 yrs

The median rent in Denver, NC stood at $1,526 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,788, reflecting a 17.2% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $55,426 in 2021 to $65,721 more recently. The population has contracted by 11.7% since 2021, moving from about 2,827 residents to roughly 2,497. Renters now make up 44.8% of households, compared with 34.8% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 43.6% of adults here, versus 28.4% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Denver, NC market of 2022.

Community

Discussions about Denver

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

Can you afford rent in Denver on your salary?

At $1,788/mo, how Denver rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Denver rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Denver

About renting in Denver, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Denver is $1,788/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,130/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,310/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,170/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,800/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($65,721/yr), Denver ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver an affordable city for renters?

Denver is considered moderate for renters. At $1,788/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($65,721/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Denver slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Denver?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $72,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,788/mo in Denver. The local median household income is $65,721/yr, meaning the typical Denver household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Denver?

Rent in Denver has increased 7.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Denver is middle-of-the-pack for North Carolina for rent, ranking #51 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,788/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Denver?

Cornelius is nearby and more affordable at $1,778/mo, which is $10 less than Denver.

What percentage of Denver residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.8% of Denver households are renters, while 55.2% are owner-occupied. Denver leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Denver rent compare to the national average?

Denver's median rent of $1,788/mo is $177 (9%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #51 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,788/mo, rent takes ~33% of Denver's median household income ($65,721/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Denver 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Denver affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Denver
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Denver, NC

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