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City Report · NC

Wendell

Pop. 13,064·27th most expensive in North Carolina·Rental market data updated monthly for Wendell, NC
Median rent (all units)
$1,919/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.8%
Month-over-Month
-2.4%
vs US Median
-$46
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Wendell · $1,919
More expensive than 54% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
24% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,919/mo, rent takes about 24% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$77,000/yr
Local median income
$95,787/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Wendell's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,290
1 BR
$1,320
2 BR
$1,490
3 BR
$1,840
4 BR+
$2,450
Research median
$1,490/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
$23,028/yr
At $1,919/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 0.8% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.8% YoY, -2.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Wendell, NC is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 38.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,064
Median income
$95,787
Median age
38
Renters
21.8%
Age distribution
23.7%
20.7%
28.5%
15.6%
Under 1823.7%
18–3420.7%
35–5428.5%
55–6411.3%
65+15.6%
Gender
46.7%
53.3%
Male46.7%
Female53.3%
Race & ethnicity
54.6%
24.5%
24.4%
White54.6%
Black24.5%
Hispanic24.4%
Asian1%
Education (25+)
19.9%
33.6%
38.2%
No HS diploma8.2%
HS diploma19.9%
Some college33.6%
Bachelor's+38.2%
Housing tenure
78.2%
21.8%
Owner78.2%
Renter21.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Wendell, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$67,321 → $95,787
up 42.3%
Population
9,847 → 13,064
up 32.7%
Renter share
31.3% → 21.8%
-9.5 pts
Bachelor's+
31.5% → 38.2%
+6.7 pts
Median age
37.5 → 38
+0.5 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $95,787 today, compared with $67,321 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 9,847 to 13,064 between 2021 and 2024, a 32.7% change. About 21.8% of households rent today, against 31.3% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 31.5% to 38.2%.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Wendell on your salary?

At $1,919/mo, how Wendell rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Wendell rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Wendell

About renting in Wendell, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Wendell is $1,919/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,290/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,490/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,320/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,840/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($95,787/yr), Wendell ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Wendell an affordable city for renters?

Wendell is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,919/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($95,787/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Wendell falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Wendell?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $77,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,919/mo in Wendell. The local median household income is $95,787/yr, meaning the typical Wendell household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Wendell?

Rent in Wendell has decreased 0.8% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

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

Wendell is one of the pricier cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #27 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,919/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Wendell?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Wendell ($1,919/mo): Knightdale ($1,759/mo), Clayton ($1,862/mo), Garner ($1,898/mo).

What percentage of Wendell residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 21.8% of Wendell households are renters, while 78.2% are owner-occupied. Wendell leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Wendell rent compare to the national average?

Wendell's median rent of $1,919/mo is $46 (2%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #27 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,919/mo, rent takes ~24% of Wendell's median household income ($95,787/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Wendell 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Wendell affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Wendell, NC

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