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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Wilmington

Wilmington, NC has 56 affordable and income-based rental properties offering 3,035 total units. With a median rent of $1,395 per month according to Census ACS 5-Year data, and 52 percent of residents renting, these income-based options can make a meaningful difference for cost-conscious households. This page covers what renters need to know about availability, inspections, and local conditions.

56
Properties
3,035
Total units
95/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,395/mo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Wilmington is $1,395, and the median household income is $66,738 annually. About 52% of Wilmington residents rent their homes, reflecting a majority-renter city where affordable housing options matter to a large share of the population.

  • HUD-assisted properties tracked: 11 buildings with 786 total units available in Wilmington.
Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
484 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Wilmington Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 484 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates vary based on how agencies classify and report incidents, so comparisons across cities are not meaningful.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 51 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Wilmington

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Wilmington rates 51 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking, 28 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 61 for biking -- suggesting that a car is helpful for most errands, but cycling is a reasonable option for some trips.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
44 schools · 9 districts

Schools

Wilmington is served by 44 schools across 9 districts, including 29 elementary, 6 middle, and 9 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$66,738 median income

Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC

The median household income in Wilmington is $66,738 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year (as of 2024). With a citywide median rent of $1,395 per month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024), income-restricted housing can offer meaningful savings for eligible renters.

  • Median household income: $66,738 per year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Citywide median rent: $1,395 per month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Share of renter households: 52% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

More than half of Wilmington residents rent their homes, reflecting strong demand for affordable options. The 11 HUD-assisted and income-based properties listed on Lease Lantern cover 786 total units across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment and Flood Risk

All 11 HUD-assisted properties in Wilmington have been mapped for flood zone exposure. None of them fall within a high-risk flood zone, according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 95/100(10 of 56 scored)
90+ (8)70–89 (2)No score (46)

56 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 56 affordable apartments in Wilmington→

Other cities in NC

› Affordable housing in Albemarle› Asheville income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Burlington› Chapel Hill affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Charlotte› Affordable housing in Durham› Fayetteville income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Gastonia› Greensboro affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Henderson› Affordable housing in High Point› Lexington income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in NC› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Affordable Housing in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is a coastal North Carolina city where more than half of residents rent their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a median market rent of $1,395 per month, income-based housing can make a real difference for budget-conscious renters in this growing port city.

What the Numbers Show

Lease Lantern tracks 11 HUD-assisted properties with 786 total units across Wilmington. Of the 10 properties with inspection scores on record, 8 rated excellent and 2 rated good -- a strong overall picture of building quality.

Flood Risk

All 11 tracked properties have been mapped for flood risk. None fall in a high-risk flood zone, which is encouraging news given Wilmington's coastal location.

Getting Around

According to Walk Score, Wilmington is rated Somewhat Walkable (51), Some Transit (28), and has a bike score of 61. Most errands and commutes will likely require a car for many residents.

Schools

The Wilmington area is served by 44 public schools across 9 districts, including 29 elementary, 6 middle, and 9 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Safety

The Wilmington Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

Median Income

The median household income in Wilmington is $66,738 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024).

Eligibility & how to apply

North Carolina income limits (2026)North Carolina public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in North Carolina

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →