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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28540

Pop. 49,141·Onslow County·177th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,438/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.4%
Month-over-Month
+6.5%
vs US Median
-$527
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28540 · $1,438
More affordable than 78% 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
$1,140
3 BR
$1,590
4 BR+
$1,910
Research median
$1,140/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
$17,256/yr
At $1,438/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyOnslow County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.4% YoY, +6.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28540 (Jacksonville, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
49,141
Median income
$65,625
Median age
30.2
Renters
38.2%
Age distribution
27.2%
29.7%
22.5%
Under 1827.2%
18–3429.7%
35–5422.5%
55–649.1%
65+11.5%
Gender
52.3%
47.7%
Male52.3%
Female47.7%
Race & ethnicity
66.2%
14.7%
13.4%
White66.2%
Black14.7%
Hispanic13.4%
Asian1.6%
Other4.1%
Education (25+)
32.4%
36.3%
24.3%
No HS diploma7%
HS diploma32.4%
Some college36.3%
Bachelor's+24.3%
Housing tenure
61.8%
38.2%
Owner61.8%
Renter38.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28540 in Jacksonville, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$52,263 → $65,625
up 25.6%
Population
51,253 → 49,141
down 4.1%
Renter share
46% → 38.2%
-7.8 pts
Bachelor's+
21.6% → 24.3%
+2.7 pts
Median age
29.3 → 30.2
+0.9 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $52,263 to $65,625 across the same window, up 25.6% versus 2021. The population has contracted by 4.1% since 2021, moving from about 51,253 residents to roughly 49,141. Renters now make up 38.2% of households, compared with 46% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 24.3% of adults here, versus 21.6% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28540

About renting in ZIP 28540

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28540 covers Jacksonville, NC. The median rent here is $1,438/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $910/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,140/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($65,625/yr), ZIP 28540 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28540?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28540 (Jacksonville, NC) is $1,438. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28540 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28540's median rent of $1,438/mo is $527 (27%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28540 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28540 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #177 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,438/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28540?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $58,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,438/mo in ZIP 28540. The local median household income is $65,625/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28540?

Rent in ZIP 28540 has increased 9.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28540 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28540 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,438/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($65,625/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28540 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28540 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.2% of ZIP 28540 households are renters, while 61.8% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28540 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28540 compare to the rest of Jacksonville?

ZIP 28540 is pricier than Jacksonville as a whole. At $1,438/mo, it's $43 above the Jacksonville citywide median of $1,395/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28540 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28540 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,438/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 28540's median household income ($65,625/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28540 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28540 (Jacksonville, NC)

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