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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28226

Pop. 39,381·Mecklenburg County·97th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,708/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.3%
Month-over-Month
-6.6%
vs US Median
-$257
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28226 · $1,708
More affordable than 58% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,500
1 BR
$1,570
2 BR
$1,720
3 BR
$2,120
4 BR+
$2,690
Research median
$1,720/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
$20,496/yr
At $1,708/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyMecklenburg County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 10.3% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.3% YoY, -6.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28226 (Charlotte, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 65.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
39,381
Median income
$118,606
Median age
40.6
Renters
32.4%
Age distribution
24.1%
17%
29.6%
17.8%
Under 1824.1%
18–3417%
35–5429.6%
55–6411.4%
65+17.8%
Gender
48%
52%
Male48%
Female52%
Race & ethnicity
71.2%
13.7%
White71.2%
Black8.1%
Hispanic13.7%
Asian3.5%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
19.9%
65.1%
No HS diploma4.4%
HS diploma10.5%
Some college19.9%
Bachelor's+65.1%
Housing tenure
67.6%
32.4%
Owner67.6%
Renter32.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28226 in Charlotte, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,221 → $1,708
up 39.9%
Income
$107,603 → $118,606
up 10.2%
Population
38,347 → 39,381
up 2.7%
Renter share
29.7% → 32.4%
+2.7 pts
Bachelor's+
62.4% → 65.1%
+2.7 pts
Median age
41.9 → 40.6
-1.3 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 28226 in Charlotte, NC stood at $1,221 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,708, reflecting a 39.9% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 28226 in Charlotte, NC now reports about $118,606, up from $107,603 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 2.7% since 2021, moving from about 38,347 residents to roughly 39,381. Renters now make up 32.4% of households, compared with 29.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 65.1% of adults here, versus 62.4% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 28226 in Charlotte, NC reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 28226

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28226 covers Charlotte, NC. The median rent here is $1,708/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,570/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,720/mo.

At 17% of local median household income ($118,606/yr), ZIP 28226 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28226?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28226 (Charlotte, NC) is $1,708. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28226 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28226's median rent of $1,708/mo is $257 (13%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28226 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28226 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #97 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,708/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28226?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $68,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,708/mo in ZIP 28226. The local median household income is $118,606/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28226?

Rent in ZIP 28226 has increased 10.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28226 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28226 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,708/mo, rent takes approximately 17% of the local median household income ($118,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28226 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28226 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.4% of ZIP 28226 households are renters, while 67.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28226 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28226 compare to the rest of Charlotte?

ZIP 28226 is more affordable than Charlotte overall. At $1,708/mo, it's $38 below the Charlotte citywide median of $1,746/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28226 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28226 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
17%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,708/mo, rent takes ~17% of ZIP 28226's median household income ($118,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28226 17%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28226 (Charlotte, NC)

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