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City Report · NC

Raeford

Pop. 4,552·64th most expensive in North Carolina·Raeford rents are up 8.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,745/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.0%
Month-over-Month
-1.2%
vs US Median
-$220
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Raeford · $1,745
More affordable than 58% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
49/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Raeford's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,745/mo
Expected by trend
$1,737/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Raeford's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$810
1 BR
$820
2 BR
$1,070
3 BR
$1,500
4 BR+
$1,800
Research median
$1,070/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
$20,940/yr
At $1,745/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (8.0% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.0% YoY, -1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Raeford, NC is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
4,552
Median income
$46,494
Median age
37
Renters
42.9%
Age distribution
24.7%
21.4%
22.2%
21.3%
Under 1824.7%
18–3421.4%
35–5422.2%
55–6410.4%
65+21.3%
Gender
47%
53%
Male47%
Female53%
Race & ethnicity
42%
39.4%
White42%
Black39.4%
Hispanic6.2%
Asian0.9%
Other11.4%
Education (25+)
13.2%
29.4%
33.8%
23.6%
No HS diploma13.2%
HS diploma29.4%
Some college33.8%
Bachelor's+23.6%
Housing tenure
57.1%
42.9%
Owner57.1%
Renter42.9%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Raeford, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,421 → $1,745
up 22.8%
Income
$35,042 → $46,494
up 32.7%
Population
4,743 → 4,552
down 4.0%
Renter share
42.8% → 42.9%
+0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
20.3% → 23.6%
+3.3 pts
Median age
38.7 → 37
-1.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Raeford, NC paid around $1,421 a month. That figure now sits near $1,745, up 22.8% from the 2022 baseline. Household income in the area moved from $35,042 to $46,494 across the same window, up 32.7% versus 2021. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show Raeford, NC losing about 191 residents over the five-year window, down 4.0% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 20.3% to 23.6% across the same window. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Raeford, NC look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Raeford on your salary?

At $1,745/mo, how Raeford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Raeford rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Raeford

About renting in Raeford, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Raeford is $1,745/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $810/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,070/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $820/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,500/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($46,494/yr), Raeford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Raeford an affordable city for renters?

Raeford is considered stretched for renters. At $1,745/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($46,494/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Raeford significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Raeford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $70,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,745/mo in Raeford. The local median household income is $46,494/yr, meaning the typical Raeford household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Raeford?

Rent in Raeford has increased 8.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Raeford is middle-of-the-pack for North Carolina for rent, ranking #64 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,745/mo.

What percentage of Raeford residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.9% of Raeford households are renters, while 57.1% are owner-occupied. Raeford leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Raeford rent compare to the national average?

Raeford's median rent of $1,745/mo is $220 (11%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #64 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $1,745/mo, rent takes ~45% of Raeford's median household income ($46,494/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Raeford 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Raeford affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Raeford, NC

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