FY2027 Small Area FMR · Topton, NC
ZIP 28781 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 28781 (Topton, NC) is $1,020 a month, up 5.2% from FY2026. That is 1% above the Cherokee County, NC area-wide FMR of $1,012.
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 28781 sits in the Cherokee County, NC area
Of the 6 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 28781 has the 3rd highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Cherokee 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 $1,012 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,020 for this ZIP code instead.
ZIP code 28781 crosses more than one HUD area. HUD also lists it under Macon County, NC (same figures) and Swain 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 | $780 | $702 – $858 | $705 | $730 |
| 1 bedroom | $880 | $792 – $968 | $817 | $820 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,020 | $918 – $1,122 | $1,012 | $970 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,320 | $1,188 – $1,452 | $1,343 | $1,260 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,480 | $1,332 – $1,628 | $1,585 | $1,410 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,020 needs about $40,800 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $73,900 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $62,650. ZIP code 28781 lies mainly in Macon County. See the Cherokee 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 28781?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 28781 are $780 (studio), $880 (1 BR), $1,020 (2 BR), $1,320 (3 BR) and $1,480 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 28781?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 28781 that range is $918 to $1,122 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 28781?
The FY2026 income limits of the Cherokee County, NC area apply: median family income $73,900, low-income (80%) limit $62,650 for a family of four.