At $1,285/mo, rent takes about 38% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,285 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
30% of the median household income ($40,186) is $1,005 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 1-bedroom ($840); a 2-bedroom is $1,040.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Washington. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Washington, NC is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 24% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Washington, NC has changed in 5 years
Median household income rose from $38,843 to $40,186 between 2021 and 2024, a 3.5% shift. Renters now make up 53.6% of households, compared with 48.7% five years ago.
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Can you afford rent in Washington on your salary?
At $1,285/mo, how Washington rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Washington rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Washington. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Washington
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Washington is $1,285/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $840/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,040/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $840/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,420/mo.
At 38% of local median household income ($40,186/yr), Washington ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Washington?
Is rent going up or down in Washington?
How does Washington rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Washington?
At $1,285/mo, rent takes ~38% of Washington's median household income ($40,186/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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