Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Wilmington, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.6% of gross income.
Wilmington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Wilmington, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Wilmington
View full rent data for Wilmington, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Wilmington, NC?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,694 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in North Carolina earns about $57,143 a year, which makes that rent 35.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Wilmington?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in North Carolina (~$57,143/yr) supports up to $1,429 a month in rent. Wilmington's current median rent is $1,694/mo, which is $265/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Wilmington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina works roughly 61.7 hours a month to cover Wilmington's median rent of $1,694.
Where is rent cheaper than Wilmington for a licensed practical nurse?
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 licensed practical nurse salary.