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City Report · NC

Waxhaw

Pop. 22,275·2nd most expensive in North Carolina·Waxhaw rents are up 7.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,438/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.3%
Month-over-Month
+4.0%
vs US Median
+$473
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Waxhaw · $2,438
More expensive than 78% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
44/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% above what Waxhaw's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,438/mo
Expected by trend
$2,370/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Waxhaw's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,860
1 BR
$1,930
2 BR
$2,140
3 BR
$2,640
4 BR+
$3,350
Research median
$2,140/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
$29,256/yr
At $2,438/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.3% YoY, +4.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Waxhaw, NC is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 55% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,275
Median income
$131,894
Median age
36.2
Renters
17%
Age distribution
33.1%
16.2%
34.5%
Under 1833.1%
18–3416.2%
35–5434.5%
55–647.9%
65+8.4%
Gender
48%
52%
Male48%
Female52%
Race & ethnicity
70.7%
White70.7%
Black9.3%
Hispanic11.8%
Asian7.4%
Other0.8%
Education (25+)
14.8%
26.9%
55%
No HS diploma3.2%
HS diploma14.8%
Some college26.9%
Bachelor's+55%
Housing tenure
83%
17%
Owner83%
Renter17%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Waxhaw, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,806 → $2,438
up 35.0%
Income
$123,370 → $131,894
up 6.9%
Population
19,645 → 22,275
up 13.4%
Renter share
17.7% → 17%
-0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
56.4% → 55%
-1.4 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Waxhaw, NC has shifted from $1,806 to $2,438, up 35.0% since 2021. Household income in the area moved from $123,370 to $131,894 across the same window, up 6.9% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Waxhaw, NC adding about 2,630 residents over the five-year window, up 13.4% on net. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Waxhaw, NC look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Waxhaw

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

Can you afford rent in Waxhaw on your salary?

At $2,438/mo, how Waxhaw rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Waxhaw rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Waxhaw

About renting in Waxhaw, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Waxhaw is $2,438/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,860/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,140/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,930/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,640/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($131,894/yr), Waxhaw ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Waxhaw an affordable city for renters?

Waxhaw is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,438/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($131,894/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Waxhaw falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Waxhaw?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $98,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,438/mo in Waxhaw. The local median household income is $131,894/yr, meaning the typical Waxhaw household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Waxhaw?

Rent in Waxhaw has increased 7.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Waxhaw is one of the pricier cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #2 out of 126 tracked cities at $2,438/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Waxhaw?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Waxhaw ($2,438/mo): Lancaster ($1,318/mo), Matthews ($1,756/mo), Fort Mill ($1,803/mo).

What percentage of Waxhaw residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 17% of Waxhaw households are renters, while 83% are owner-occupied. Waxhaw leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Waxhaw rent compare to the national average?

Waxhaw's median rent of $2,438/mo is $473 (24%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #2 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,438/mo, rent takes ~22% of Waxhaw's median household income ($131,894/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Waxhaw 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Waxhaw affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Waxhaw, NC

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