Wilmington, NC Rental Market
Wilmington is one of North Carolina's fastest-growing cities, combining coastal tourism, a thriving film and television production industry (known as "Hollywood East"), and the University of North Carolina Wilmington into a dynamic rental market. The city attracts remote workers, creative professionals, and retirees seeking Atlantic Coast living at a fraction of the cost of comparable Northeast coastal markets. Demand for 2- and 3-bedroom units near Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown remains consistently strong.
Get a rent estimate for an address in WilmingtonAverage Rent in Wilmington, NC
$1,480
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Wilmington, NC Rental Market
- Average rent in Wilmington, NC:$1,480/mo
- Median rent:$1,362/mo
- Rent range:$750 – $3,250/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$1,300/mo
- Active listings:620
- Avg days to lease:28 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.8%
- Median home value:$310,000
- Est. gross annual yield:5.7%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Wilmington, NC
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Wilmington.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $1,075/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $1,300/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,650/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $2,050/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $2,350/mo |
Wilmington Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Wilmington, NC rental market.
620
Available now in Wilmington
28
From list to lease
$1.14
Average across listings
1,300 sq ft
Typical rental size
$750 – $3,250
Min to max active listings
+3.8%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Wilmington, NC Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$310,000
Typical purchase price in Wilmington
Est. Gross Annual Yield
5.7%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,480
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Wilmington for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Wilmington, NC Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Wilmington, NC.
What is the average rent in Wilmington, NC?
The average rent in Wilmington, NC is $1,480 per month as of 2026. Two-bedroom units average $1,300/mo and three-bedroom homes average $1,650/mo. Proximity to Wrightsville Beach and Midtown Wilmington commands premiums, while inland suburban areas like Ogden and Porters Neck are more affordable.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to invest in rental property?
Wilmington offers a 5.7% estimated gross yield with 3.8% year-over-year rent growth. The city's combination of coastal lifestyle, a growing film industry employing thousands of crew and production workers, and UNCW's enrollment of 17,000+ students provides a diverse and resilient tenant base.
How does the film industry affect the Wilmington, NC rental market?
EUE/Screen Gems Studios — the largest film complex east of Los Angeles — is based in Wilmington and drives demand from production crews, writers, and actors on temporary or extended assignments. The film industry adds a unique layer of furnished rental and short-term demand that supplements the core long-term market, particularly for 2-bedroom units.
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