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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 27520

Part of Clayton, NC
Pop. 48,014·Johnston County·63rd most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,839/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.0%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
-$126
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 27520 · $1,839
More expensive than 51% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,420
1 BR
$1,490
2 BR
$1,630
3 BR
$2,050
4 BR+
$2,730
Research median
$1,630/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
$22,068/yr
At $1,839/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyJohnston County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (3.0% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.0% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 27520 (Clayton, NC) is majority owner-occupied, 33.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
48,014
Median income
$86,322
Median age
37.6
Renters
25.7%
Age distribution
22.8%
23.7%
28.8%
12.5%
12.1%
Under 1822.8%
18–3423.7%
35–5428.8%
55–6412.5%
65+12.1%
Gender
50.9%
49.1%
Male50.9%
Female49.1%
Race & ethnicity
60.6%
21.4%
16.9%
White60.6%
Black21.4%
Hispanic16.9%
Asian0.8%
Education (25+)
26.6%
33.7%
33.4%
No HS diploma6.3%
HS diploma26.6%
Some college33.7%
Bachelor's+33.4%
Housing tenure
74.3%
25.7%
Owner74.3%
Renter25.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 27520 in Clayton, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,413 → $1,839
up 30.1%
Income
$76,104 → $86,322
up 13.4%
Population
45,166 → 48,014
up 6.3%
Renter share
24.5% → 25.7%
+1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
25.9% → 33.4%
+7.5 pts
Median age
39.9 → 37.6
-2.3 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 27520 in Clayton, NC stood at $1,413 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,839, reflecting a 30.1% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $76,104 to $86,322 across the same window, up 13.4% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 6.3% since 2021, moving from about 45,166 residents to roughly 48,014. College-educated residents now make up 33.4% of adults here, versus 25.9% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in ZIP 27520 in Clayton, NC look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 27520

About renting in ZIP 27520

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 27520 covers Clayton, NC. The median rent here is $1,839/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,490/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,630/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($86,322/yr), ZIP 27520 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 27520?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 27520 (Clayton, NC) is $1,839. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 27520 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 27520's median rent of $1,839/mo is $126 (6%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 27520 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 27520 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #63 out of 227 ZIPs tracked at $1,839/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 27520?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $74,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,839/mo in ZIP 27520. The local median household income is $86,322/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 27520?

Rent in ZIP 27520 has increased 3.0% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 27520 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 27520 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,839/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($86,322/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 27520 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 27520 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 25.7% of ZIP 27520 households are renters, while 74.3% are owner-occupied. ZIP 27520 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 27520 compare to the rest of Clayton?

ZIP 27520 is more affordable than Clayton overall. At $1,839/mo, it's $23 below the Clayton citywide median of $1,862/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 27520 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 27520 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,839/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 27520's median household income ($86,322/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 27520 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 27520 (Clayton, NC)

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