Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Charlotte

Affordability in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte's median household income is $82,068 and the median asking rent is $1,612 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Nearly half of Charlotte residents -- 49% -- are renters, reflecting strong ongoing demand for rental housing in the city.

Safety

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Charlotte had a violent crime rate of 733 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how jurisdictions define and report offenses.

Of the 57 HUD-assisted properties tracked on Lease Lantern, none are located in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone.

Getting Around Charlotte

The area around Charlotte's assisted properties scores a 56 (Somewhat Walkable) for walkability, a 42 (Some Transit) for public transit, and a 35 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties listed on this page, not the city as a whole.

Schools

Charlotte is served by 185 schools across 29 districts, including 115 elementary, 25 middle, 42 high schools, and 3 others, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living in Charlotte

The median household income in Charlotte is $82,068 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate (as of 2024). The citywide median rent is $1,612 per month across all rental housing, per the same source.

Affordable and income-based housing in Charlotte is rent-restricted, meaning your rent is tied to your income rather than the open market rate. The 2,687 income-restricted units across 57 HUD-assisted properties tracked on Lease Lantern can offer significant savings compared to that citywide median.

• Citywide median rent: $1,612/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Median household income: $82,068/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Share of residents who rent: 49% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

Because nearly half of Charlotte residents rent their homes, competition for affordable units can be high. Checking eligibility and applying early is strongly recommended.

Flood & Environmental Exposure

All 57 HUD-assisted properties in Charlotte were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring finding for renters considering these homes.