Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Wilmington, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.4% of gross income.
Wilmington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Wilmington, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Wilmington
View full rent data for Wilmington, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Wilmington, NC?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,694 a month. A typical firefighter in North Carolina earns about $59,041 a year, which makes that rent 34.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Wilmington?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in North Carolina (~$59,041/yr) supports up to $1,476 a month in rent. Wilmington's current median rent is $1,694/mo, which is $218/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Wilmington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in North Carolina works roughly 59.7 hours a month to cover Wilmington's median rent of $1,694.
Where is rent cheaper than Wilmington for a firefighter?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Leland ($1,693/mo), Holly Ridge ($1,693/mo), Weaverville ($1,692/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.