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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28081

Pop. 29,075·Cabarrus County·113th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,675/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.7%
vs US Median
-$290
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28081 · $1,675
More affordable than 61% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,050
1 BR
$1,080
2 BR
$1,250
3 BR
$1,580
4 BR+
$2,010
Research median
$1,250/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
$20,100/yr
At $1,675/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyCabarrus County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.1% YoY, +0.7% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28081 (Kannapolis, NC) is majority owner-occupied, 26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
29,075
Median income
$71,665
Median age
39.7
Renters
26.5%
Age distribution
22.1%
21.6%
27.1%
13.4%
15.8%
Under 1822.1%
18–3421.6%
35–5427.1%
55–6413.4%
65+15.8%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
66.7%
16.5%
White66.7%
Black16.5%
Hispanic11.1%
Asian1.7%
Other3.9%
Education (25+)
28.4%
34.5%
26.2%
No HS diploma10.9%
HS diploma28.4%
Some college34.5%
Bachelor's+26.2%
Housing tenure
73.5%
26.5%
Owner73.5%
Renter26.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28081 in Kannapolis, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$57,867 → $71,665
up 23.8%
Population
28,874 → 29,075
up 0.7%
Renter share
33.8% → 26.5%
-7.3 pts
Bachelor's+
21.3% → 26.2%
+4.9 pts
Median age
36.7 → 39.7
+3.0 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $57,867 in 2021 to $71,665 more recently. Renters now make up 26.5% of households, compared with 33.8% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 26.2% of adults here, versus 21.3% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28081

About renting in ZIP 28081

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28081 covers Kannapolis, NC. The median rent here is $1,675/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,080/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,250/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($71,665/yr), ZIP 28081 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28081?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28081 (Kannapolis, NC) is $1,675. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28081 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28081's median rent of $1,675/mo is $290 (15%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28081 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28081 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #113 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,675/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28081?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,675/mo in ZIP 28081. The local median household income is $71,665/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28081?

Rent in ZIP 28081 has increased 8.1% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28081 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28081 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,675/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($71,665/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28081 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28081 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 26.5% of ZIP 28081 households are renters, while 73.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28081 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28081 compare to the rest of Kannapolis?

ZIP 28081 is pricier than Kannapolis as a whole. At $1,675/mo, it's $8 above the Kannapolis citywide median of $1,667/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28081 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28081 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,675/mo, rent takes ~28% of ZIP 28081's median household income ($71,665/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28081 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28081 (Kannapolis, NC)

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