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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 27603

Part of Raleigh, NC
Pop. 53,972·Wake County·92nd most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,725/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.4%
Month-over-Month
+1.2%
vs US Median
-$240
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 27603 · $1,725
More affordable than 57% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,450
1 BR
$1,520
2 BR
$1,670
3 BR
$2,100
4 BR+
$2,800
Research median
$1,670/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
$20,700/yr
At $1,725/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyWake County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (1.4% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.4% YoY, +1.2% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 27603 (Raleigh, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 50.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
53,972
Median income
$90,484
Median age
35.6
Renters
38.6%
Age distribution
19.2%
29.6%
26.7%
13.1%
Under 1819.2%
18–3429.6%
35–5426.7%
55–6411.4%
65+13.1%
Gender
50.7%
49.3%
Male50.7%
Female49.3%
Race & ethnicity
62.3%
18%
14.8%
White62.3%
Black18%
Hispanic14.8%
Asian2.3%
Other2.7%
Education (25+)
18%
24.7%
50.7%
No HS diploma6.6%
HS diploma18%
Some college24.7%
Bachelor's+50.7%
Housing tenure
61.4%
38.6%
Owner61.4%
Renter38.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 27603 in Raleigh, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,327 → $1,725
up 30.0%
Income
$74,737 → $90,484
up 21.1%
Population
54,079 → 53,972
down 0.2%
Renter share
40.5% → 38.6%
-1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
45.3% → 50.7%
+5.4 pts
Median age
34.1 → 35.6
+1.5 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 27603 in Raleigh, NC stood at $1,327 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,725, reflecting a 30.0% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 27603 in Raleigh, NC now reports about $90,484, up from $74,737 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 38.6% of households, compared with 40.5% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 50.7% of adults here, versus 45.3% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 27603 in Raleigh, NC reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 27603

About renting in ZIP 27603

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 27603 covers Raleigh, NC. The median rent here is $1,725/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,520/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,670/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($90,484/yr), ZIP 27603 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 27603?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 27603 (Raleigh, NC) is $1,725. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 27603 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 27603's median rent of $1,725/mo is $240 (12%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 27603 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 27603 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #92 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,725/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 27603?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $69,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,725/mo in ZIP 27603. The local median household income is $90,484/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 27603?

Rent in ZIP 27603 has increased 1.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 27603 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 27603 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,725/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($90,484/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 27603 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 27603 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.6% of ZIP 27603 households are renters, while 61.4% are owner-occupied. ZIP 27603 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 27603 compare to the rest of Raleigh?

ZIP 27603 is pricier than Raleigh as a whole. At $1,725/mo, it's $146 above the Raleigh citywide median of $1,579/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 27603 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 27603 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,725/mo, rent takes ~23% of ZIP 27603's median household income ($90,484/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 27603 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 27603 (Raleigh, NC)

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