FY2027 Small Area FMR · Wilmington, NC
ZIP 28401 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 28401 (Wilmington, NC) is $1,500 a month, up 4.9% from FY2026. That is 12% below the Wilmington, NC area-wide FMR of $1,705.
Payment standard range, 2 bedrooms
Housing agencies may set voucher payment standards anywhere from 90% to 110% of the FMR without asking HUD.
FY2027 FY2026
Where 28401 sits in the Wilmington, NC area
Of the 15 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 28401 has the 14th highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Wilmington, NC is not on HUD's list of mandatory Small Area FMR areas, so voucher payment standards here are normally based on the area-wide FMR of $1,705 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,500 for this ZIP code instead.
ZIP code 28401 crosses more than one HUD area. HUD also lists it under Pender County, NC (same figures). The figure that applies depends on which side of the line the home is.
All unit sizes
| Unit | FY2027 SAFMR | Payment standard range | Area-wide FMR | FY2026 SAFMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,040 | $936 – $1,144 | $1,187 | $980 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,380 | $1,242 – $1,518 | $1,566 | $1,300 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,500 | $1,350 – $1,650 | $1,705 | $1,430 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,970 | $1,773 – $2,167 | $2,238 | $1,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,090 | $1,881 – $2,299 | $2,241 | $2,240 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,500 needs about $60,000 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $109,200 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $87,350. ZIP code 28401 lies mainly in New Hanover County and Pender County. See the Wilmington, NC county page for the full income limits table and the household check.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions
What is the Fair Market Rent for ZIP code 28401?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 28401 are $1,040 (studio), $1,380 (1 BR), $1,500 (2 BR), $1,970 (3 BR) and $2,090 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 28401?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 28401 that range is $1,350 to $1,650 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 28401?
The FY2026 income limits of the Wilmington, NC area apply: median family income $109,200, low-income (80%) limit $87,350 for a family of four.