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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28401

Pop. 22,007·New Hanover County·120th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,648/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.1%
Month-over-Month
-0.5%
vs US Median
-$317
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28401 · $1,648
More affordable than 63% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$980
1 BR
$1,300
2 BR
$1,430
3 BR
$1,880
4 BR+
$2,240
Research median
$1,430/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
$19,776/yr
At $1,648/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyNew Hanover County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 5.1% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.1% YoY, -0.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28401 (Wilmington, NC) is majority renter-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 33.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,007
Median income
$57,968
Median age
41.7
Renters
58.9%
Age distribution
14.8%
26.6%
24.6%
13.9%
20.1%
Under 1814.8%
18–3426.6%
35–5424.6%
55–6413.9%
65+20.1%
Gender
46.4%
53.6%
Male46.4%
Female53.6%
Race & ethnicity
53.6%
30.5%
White53.6%
Black30.5%
Hispanic9.4%
Asian0.5%
Other6.1%
Education (25+)
23.5%
32.3%
33.3%
No HS diploma11%
HS diploma23.5%
Some college32.3%
Bachelor's+33.3%
Housing tenure
41.1%
58.9%
Owner41.1%
Renter58.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28401 in Wilmington, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,279 → $1,648
up 28.9%
Income
$40,555 → $57,968
up 42.9%
Population
22,167 → 22,007
down 0.7%
Renter share
62.4% → 58.9%
-3.5 pts
Bachelor's+
29.1% → 33.3%
+4.2 pts
Median age
40 → 41.7
+1.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 28401 in Wilmington, NC has climbed from $1,279 to $1,648, a 28.9% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $40,555 in 2021 to $57,968 more recently. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. Renters now make up 58.9% of households, compared with 62.4% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 33.3% of adults here, versus 29.1% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 28401 in Wilmington, NC market of 2021.

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28401

About renting in ZIP 28401

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28401 covers Wilmington, NC. The median rent here is $1,648/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,300/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,430/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($57,968/yr), ZIP 28401 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28401?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28401 (Wilmington, NC) is $1,648. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28401 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28401's median rent of $1,648/mo is $317 (16%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28401 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28401 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #120 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,648/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28401?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $66,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,648/mo in ZIP 28401. The local median household income is $57,968/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28401?

Rent in ZIP 28401 has decreased 5.1% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 28401 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28401 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,648/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($57,968/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28401 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 28401 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 58.9% of ZIP 28401 households are renters, while 41.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 28401 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 28401 compare to the rest of Wilmington?

ZIP 28401 is more affordable than Wilmington overall. At $1,648/mo, it's $46 below the Wilmington citywide median of $1,694/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28401 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28401 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,648/mo, rent takes ~34% of ZIP 28401's median household income ($57,968/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28401 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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