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City Report · NC

Garner

Pop. 34,473·32nd most expensive in North Carolina·Garner rents are up 8.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,898/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.2%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
-$67
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Garner · $1,898
More expensive than 52% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Garner's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,898/mo
Expected by trend
$1,994/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Garner's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,470
1 BR
$1,530
2 BR
$1,690
3 BR
$2,100
4 BR+
$2,840
Research median
$1,690/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
$22,776/yr
At $1,898/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.2% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Garner, NC is majority owner-occupied, 46.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
34,473
Median income
$78,756
Median age
37.7
Renters
36.8%
Age distribution
19.6%
25.6%
27.2%
16.4%
Under 1819.6%
18–3425.6%
35–5427.2%
55–6411.3%
65+16.4%
Gender
49.7%
50.3%
Male49.7%
Female50.3%
Race & ethnicity
54.7%
25.2%
13.2%
White54.7%
Black25.2%
Hispanic13.2%
Asian3.4%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
20.5%
27.7%
46.5%
No HS diploma5.2%
HS diploma20.5%
Some college27.7%
Bachelor's+46.5%
Housing tenure
63.2%
36.8%
Owner63.2%
Renter36.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Garner, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,436 → $1,898
up 32.2%
Income
$70,007 → $78,756
up 12.5%
Population
30,859 → 34,473
up 11.7%
Renter share
34.8% → 36.8%
+2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
43.6% → 46.5%
+2.9 pts
Median age
36.8 → 37.7
+0.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Garner, NC has climbed from $1,436 to $1,898, a 32.2% change over five years. Median household income rose from $70,007 to $78,756 between 2021 and 2024, a 12.5% shift. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 11.7% since 2021, moving from about 30,859 residents to roughly 34,473. Renters now make up 36.8% of households, compared with 34.8% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 46.5% of adults here, versus 43.6% in 2021. Taken together, the five-year picture in Garner, NC reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Garner on your salary?

At $1,898/mo, how Garner rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Garner rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Garner

About renting in Garner, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Garner is $1,898/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,470/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,690/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,530/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,100/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($78,756/yr), Garner ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Garner an affordable city for renters?

Garner is considered affordable for renters. At $1,898/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($78,756/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Garner falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Garner?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $76,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,898/mo in Garner. The local median household income is $78,756/yr, meaning the typical Garner household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Garner?

Rent in Garner has increased 8.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Garner is one of the pricier cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #32 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,898/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Garner?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Garner ($1,898/mo): Raleigh ($1,579/mo), Knightdale ($1,759/mo), Clayton ($1,862/mo).

What percentage of Garner residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.8% of Garner households are renters, while 63.2% are owner-occupied. Garner leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Garner rent compare to the national average?

Garner's median rent of $1,898/mo is $67 (3%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #32 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,898/mo, rent takes ~29% of Garner's median household income ($78,756/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Garner 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Garner affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Garner, NC

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