FY2027 Small Area FMR · Deep Gap, NC
ZIP 28618 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 28618 (Deep Gap, NC) is $1,320 a month, up 14.8% from FY2026. That is 1% above the Watauga County, NC area-wide FMR of $1,311.
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 28618 sits in the Watauga County, NC area
Of the 10 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 28618 has the 4th highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Watauga County, 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 $1,311 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,320 for this ZIP code instead.
ZIP code 28618 crosses more than one HUD area. HUD also lists it under Wilkes 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 | $930 | $837 – $1,023 | $916 | $790 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,130 | $1,017 – $1,243 | $1,124 | $940 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,320 | $1,188 – $1,452 | $1,311 | $1,150 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,740 | $1,566 – $1,914 | $1,737 | $1,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,190 | $1,971 – $2,409 | $2,191 | $1,930 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,320 needs about $52,800 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $86,900 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $71,700. ZIP code 28618 lies mainly in Watauga County and Wilkes County. See the Watauga County, 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 28618?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 28618 are $930 (studio), $1,130 (1 BR), $1,320 (2 BR), $1,740 (3 BR) and $2,190 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 28618?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 28618 that range is $1,188 to $1,452 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 28618?
The FY2026 income limits of the Watauga County, NC area apply: median family income $86,900, low-income (80%) limit $71,700 for a family of four.