RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28216

Pop. 57,507·Mecklenburg County·62nd most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,842/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.7%
Month-over-Month
-1.2%
vs US Median
-$123
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 28216 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28216 · $1,842
More expensive than 51% 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
$1,550
1 BR
$1,620
2 BR
$1,780
3 BR
$2,190
4 BR+
$2,780
Research median
$1,780/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
$22,104/yr
At $1,842/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyMecklenburg County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (4.7% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.7% YoY, -1.2% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28216 (Charlotte, NC) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 33.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
57,507
Median income
$65,795
Median age
34.7
Renters
49.1%
Age distribution
21.6%
28.9%
27.6%
Under 1821.6%
18–3428.9%
35–5427.6%
55–6411.2%
65+10.5%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
19.8%
58.6%
14.1%
White19.8%
Black58.6%
Hispanic14.1%
Asian5%
Other2.6%
Education (25+)
21%
33.8%
33.4%
No HS diploma11.8%
HS diploma21%
Some college33.8%
Bachelor's+33.4%
Housing tenure
50.9%
49.1%
Owner50.9%
Renter49.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28216 in Charlotte, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,365 → $1,842
up 34.9%
Income
$53,462 → $65,795
up 23.1%
Population
51,477 → 57,507
up 11.7%
Renter share
49% → 49.1%
+0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
36.6% → 33.4%
-3.2 pts
Median age
36.1 → 34.7
-1.4 yrs

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 28216 in Charlotte, NC paid around $1,365 a month. That figure now sits near $1,842, up 34.9% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 28216 in Charlotte, NC now reports about $65,795, up from $53,462 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 28216 in Charlotte, NC adding about 6,030 residents over the five-year window, up 11.7% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 36.6% to 33.4% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 28216 in Charlotte, NC reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 28216

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28216

About renting in ZIP 28216

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28216 covers Charlotte, NC. The median rent here is $1,842/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,620/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,780/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($65,795/yr), ZIP 28216 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28216?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28216 (Charlotte, NC) is $1,842. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28216 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28216's median rent of $1,842/mo is $123 (6%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28216 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28216 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #62 out of 227 ZIPs tracked at $1,842/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28216?

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 $1,842/mo in ZIP 28216. The local median household income is $65,795/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28216?

Rent in ZIP 28216 has increased 4.7% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28216 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28216 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,842/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($65,795/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28216 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 28216 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.1% of ZIP 28216 households are renters, while 50.9% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28216 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28216 compare to the rest of Charlotte?

ZIP 28216 is pricier than Charlotte as a whole. At $1,842/mo, it's $96 above the Charlotte citywide median of $1,746/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28216 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28216 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,842/mo, rent takes ~34% of ZIP 28216's median household income ($65,795/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28216 34%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 28216 (Charlotte, NC)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.