Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC MSA
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC MSA metro area. Population: 366,031.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$858/mo
↑ 4.9% YoY
-4% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$908/mo
↑ 6.7% YoY
-5% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$1,095/mo
↑ 4.7% YoY
-7% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$1,372/mo
↑ 2.8% YoY
-10% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$1,660/mo
↑ 5.9% YoY
-5% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $818 | $858 | +$40 (+4.9%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $851 | $908 | +$57 (+6.7%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,046 | $1,095 | +$49 (+4.7%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,334 | $1,372 | +$38 (+2.8%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,567 | $1,660 | +$93 (+5.9%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$36,320
$3,027/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$43,800
$3,650/month gross
Data source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2026 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units in each area.