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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28501

Part of Kinston, NC
Pop. 17,642·Lenoir County·226th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$911/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-15.3%
vs US Median
-$1,054
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28501 · $911
More affordable than 99% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$900
1 BR
$910
2 BR
$1,190
3 BR
$1,600
4 BR+
$1,990
Research median
$1,190/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
$10,932/yr
At $911/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyLenoir County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -15.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28501 (Kinston, NC) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,642
Median income
$35,118
Median age
42.7
Renters
51.6%
Age distribution
23.6%
19.5%
22.1%
13.4%
21.4%
Under 1823.6%
18–3419.5%
35–5422.1%
55–6413.4%
65+21.4%
Gender
45.4%
54.6%
Male45.4%
Female54.6%
Race & ethnicity
25%
64.6%
White25%
Black64.6%
Hispanic4.7%
Asian0.5%
Other5.2%
Education (25+)
17.8%
35.7%
33.1%
13.3%
No HS diploma17.8%
HS diploma35.7%
Some college33.1%
Bachelor's+13.3%
Housing tenure
48.4%
51.6%
Owner48.4%
Renter51.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28501 in Kinston, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$30,855 → $35,118
up 13.8%
Population
18,365 → 17,642
down 3.9%
Renter share
54.9% → 51.6%
-3.3 pts
Bachelor's+
11.7% → 13.3%
+1.6 pts
Median age
40.7 → 42.7
+2.0 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $35,118 today, compared with $30,855 five years earlier. The population has contracted by 3.9% since 2021, moving from about 18,365 residents to roughly 17,642. Renters now make up 51.6% of households, compared with 54.9% five years ago.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28501

About renting in ZIP 28501

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28501 covers Kinston, NC. The median rent here is $911/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $910/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,190/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($35,118/yr), ZIP 28501 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 28501?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28501 (Kinston, NC) is $911. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28501 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28501's median rent of $911/mo is $1,054 (54%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28501 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28501 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #226 out of 227 ZIPs at $911/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28501?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $36,000/year (~$17/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $911/mo in ZIP 28501. The local median household income is $35,118/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28501?

Rent in ZIP 28501 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 28501 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28501 is considered moderate for renters. At $911/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($35,118/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28501 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 28501 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.6% of ZIP 28501 households are renters, while 48.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 28501 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 28501 compare to the rest of Kinston?

ZIP 28501 is more affordable than Kinston overall. At $911/mo, it's $165 below the Kinston citywide median of $1,076/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28501 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28501 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $911/mo, rent takes ~31% of ZIP 28501's median household income ($35,118/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28501 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28501 (Kinston, NC)

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