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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28557

Pop. 15,253·Carteret County·124th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,638/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.3%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
-$327
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28557 · $1,638
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
$960
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,270
3 BR
$1,630
4 BR+
$2,080
Research median
$1,270/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
$19,656/yr
At $1,638/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyCarteret County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.3% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.3% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28557 (Morehead City, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
15,253
Median income
$68,528
Median age
48.8
Renters
37.5%
Age distribution
17%
18.5%
22.8%
13.5%
28.1%
Under 1817%
18–3418.5%
35–5422.8%
55–6413.5%
65+28.1%
Gender
47.8%
52.2%
Male47.8%
Female52.2%
Race & ethnicity
83.2%
White83.2%
Black4.6%
Hispanic6.3%
Asian1.3%
Other4.6%
Education (25+)
19.5%
32.2%
41.6%
No HS diploma6.7%
HS diploma19.5%
Some college32.2%
Bachelor's+41.6%
Housing tenure
62.5%
37.5%
Owner62.5%
Renter37.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28557 in Morehead City, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$60,657 → $68,528
up 13.0%
Population
14,880 → 15,253
up 2.5%
Renter share
36.9% → 37.5%
+0.6 pts
Bachelor's+
38.2% → 41.6%
+3.4 pts

Median household income grew from $60,657 to $68,528 between 2021 and 2024, a 13.0% shift. Headcount in the area went from 14,880 to 15,253 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.5% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 38.2% to 41.6%.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28557

About renting in ZIP 28557

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28557 covers Morehead City, NC. The median rent here is $1,638/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $970/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,270/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($68,528/yr), ZIP 28557 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28557?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28557 (Morehead City, NC) is $1,638. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28557 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28557's median rent of $1,638/mo is $327 (17%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28557 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28557 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #124 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,638/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28557?

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 $1,638/mo in ZIP 28557. The local median household income is $68,528/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28557?

Rent in ZIP 28557 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.3% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 28557 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28557 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,638/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($68,528/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28557 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28557 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.5% of ZIP 28557 households are renters, while 62.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28557 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28557 compare to the rest of Morehead City?

ZIP 28557 sits right at the Morehead City citywide median of $1,638/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28557 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28557 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,638/mo, rent takes ~29% of ZIP 28557's median household income ($68,528/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28557 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28557 (Morehead City, NC)

Recent submissions

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