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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28428

Pop. 7,136·New Hanover County·1st most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$2,691/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-0.6%
vs US Median
+$726
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28428 · $2,691
More expensive than 84% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,230
1 BR
$1,630
2 BR
$1,790
3 BR
$2,350
4 BR+
$2,500
Research median
$1,790/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
$32,292/yr
At $2,691/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyNew Hanover County
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -0.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28428 (Carolina Beach, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 50.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
7,136
Median income
$93,241
Median age
53.2
Renters
16.1%
Age distribution
13.8%
32.4%
22.9%
19.8%
Under 1813.8%
18–3411.1%
35–5432.4%
55–6422.9%
65+19.8%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
91.6%
White91.6%
Hispanic6.1%
Asian1.1%
Other1.2%
Education (25+)
21.8%
26.9%
50.3%
No HS diploma1%
HS diploma21.8%
Some college26.9%
Bachelor's+50.3%
Housing tenure
83.9%
16.1%
Owner83.9%
Renter16.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28428 in Carolina Beach, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$78,173 → $93,241
up 19.3%
Population
6,754 → 7,136
up 5.7%
Renter share
31.1% → 16.1%
-15.0 pts
Bachelor's+
42.1% → 50.3%
+8.2 pts
Median age
50.8 → 53.2
+2.4 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 28428 in Carolina Beach, NC now reports about $93,241, up from $78,173 in 2021. Census counts show ZIP 28428 in Carolina Beach, NC adding about 382 residents over the five-year window, up 5.7% on net. The renter share has eased from 31.1% to 16.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 42.1% to 50.3% across the same window.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 28428

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28428 covers Carolina Beach, NC. The median rent here is $2,691/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,630/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,790/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($93,241/yr), ZIP 28428 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28428?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28428 (Carolina Beach, NC) is $2,691. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28428 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28428's median rent of $2,691/mo is $726 (37%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28428 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28428 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #1 out of 227 ZIPs tracked at $2,691/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28428?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $108,000/year (~$52/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,691/mo in ZIP 28428. The local median household income is $93,241/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28428?

Rent in ZIP 28428 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 28428 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28428 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,691/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($93,241/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28428 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 28428 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 16.1% of ZIP 28428 households are renters, while 83.9% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28428 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28428 compare to the rest of Carolina Beach?

ZIP 28428 sits right at the Carolina Beach citywide median of $2,691/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28428 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28428 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $2,691/mo, rent takes ~35% of ZIP 28428's median household income ($93,241/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28428 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28428 (Carolina Beach, NC)

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