Winston-Salem, NC Rental Market
Winston-Salem is the largest city in the Piedmont Triad and a market undergoing gradual transformation from its tobacco and textile heritage into a diversified economy anchored by Wake Forest University and its medical school, BB&T (now Truist) banking operations, and a growing healthcare sector. Affordable home prices and solid gross yields attract investors, while the city's established neighborhoods and university presence support steady tenant demand.
Get a rent estimate for an address in Winston-SalemAverage Rent in Winston-Salem, NC
$1,120
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Winston-Salem, NC Rental Market
- Average rent in Winston-Salem, NC:$1,120/mo
- Median rent:$1,030/mo
- Rent range:$550 – $2,450/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$975/mo
- Active listings:1,050
- Avg days to lease:32 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.0%
- Median home value:$190,000
- Est. gross annual yield:7.1%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Winston-Salem, NC
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Winston-Salem.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $800/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $975/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,250/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,550/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,775/mo |
Winston-Salem Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Winston-Salem, NC rental market.
1,050
Available now in Winston-Salem
32
From list to lease
$0.90
Average across listings
1,250 sq ft
Typical rental size
$550 – $2,450
Min to max active listings
+3.0%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Winston-Salem, NC Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$190,000
Typical purchase price in Winston-Salem
Est. Gross Annual Yield
7.1%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,120
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 Winston-Salem for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Winston-Salem, NC Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Winston-Salem, NC.
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem, NC?
The average rent in Winston-Salem, NC is $1,120 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo, two-bedrooms $975/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,250/mo — among the most affordable in any major NC market. Rents near Wake Forest University and downtown's arts district command modest premiums.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to invest in rental property?
Winston-Salem offers a 7.1% estimated gross yield with a median home value of just $190,000. Wake Forest University and Baptist Medical Center together employ tens of thousands and generate consistent rental demand. The market suits cash-flow investors who value stability over rapid appreciation.
How does Wake Forest University affect the Winston-Salem rental market?
Wake Forest University enrolls over 8,500 students and operates one of the largest academic medical centers in North Carolina, employing over 12,000 people at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Graduate students, medical residents, and healthcare workers create consistent year-round demand for 1- and 2-bedroom rentals within commuting distance of the medical campus.
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