RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28203

Pop. 18,823·Mecklenburg County·19th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$2,056/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.5%
Month-over-Month
+3.9%
vs US Median
+$91
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 28203 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28203 · $2,056
More expensive than 63% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,649
1 BR
$1,731
2 BR
$1,896
3 BR
$2,338
4 BR+
$2,968
Research median
$1,896/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,672/yr
At $2,056/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyMecklenburg County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.5% YoY, +3.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28203 (Charlotte, NC) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 81.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,823
Median income
$104,696
Median age
28.7
Renters
70.6%
Age distribution
55.5%
21.6%
Under 1810.2%
18–3455.5%
35–5421.6%
55–645.7%
65+7%
Gender
46.3%
53.7%
Male46.3%
Female53.7%
Race & ethnicity
79.2%
White79.2%
Black10.1%
Hispanic4.4%
Asian4.3%
Other2%
Education (25+)
81.1%
No HS diploma2.7%
HS diploma4.9%
Some college11.3%
Bachelor's+81.1%
Housing tenure
29.4%
70.6%
Owner29.4%
Renter70.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28203 in Charlotte, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,561 → $2,056
up 31.7%
Income
$91,567 → $104,696
up 14.3%
Population
17,358 → 18,823
up 8.4%
Renter share
69.6% → 70.6%
+1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
77.5% → 81.1%
+3.6 pts
Median age
29.6 → 28.7
-0.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 28203 in Charlotte, NC has increased from $1,561 to $2,056, a 31.7% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 28203 in Charlotte, NC now reports about $104,696, up from $91,567 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 8.4% since 2021, moving from about 17,358 residents to roughly 18,823. College-educated residents now make up 81.1% of adults here, versus 77.5% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 28203 in Charlotte, NC reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 28203

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28203

About renting in ZIP 28203

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28203 covers Charlotte, NC. The median rent here is $2,056/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,731/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,896/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($104,696/yr), ZIP 28203 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28203?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28203 (Charlotte, NC) is $2,056. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28203 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28203's median rent of $2,056/mo is $91 (5%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28203 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28203 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #19 out of 227 ZIPs tracked at $2,056/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28203?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $82,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,056/mo in ZIP 28203. The local median household income is $104,696/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28203?

Rent in ZIP 28203 has increased 5.5% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28203 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28203 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,056/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($104,696/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28203 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28203 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 70.6% of ZIP 28203 households are renters, while 29.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 28203 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 28203 compare to the rest of Charlotte?

ZIP 28203 is pricier than Charlotte as a whole. At $2,056/mo, it's $310 above the Charlotte citywide median of $1,746/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28203 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28203 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,056/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 28203's median household income ($104,696/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28203 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28203 (Charlotte, NC)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.