Great news for our local rental market! Wilmington has been recognized as the 6th best place for renters to live in the entire United States, according to a comprehensive new study by RentCafe. Even better? We claimed the top spot in all of North Carolina, beating out major cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville.
What Makes Wilmington Stand Out for Renters?
The recognition comes from RentCafe’s analysis of 150 cities across the country, evaluating each location on 20 different criteria spanning three major categories: cost of living and housing, local economy, and quality of life. Here’s how our city excelled:
A Thriving Local Economy (#6 Ranking)
Wilmington’s economic momentum is impressive. Over the past five years, renters in our area have seen their incomes rise by 55% – that’s the fifth-highest growth rate in the entire country. Our job market continues to expand with 1.9% year-over-year growth, supported by a skilled workforce where 29% of residents hold higher education degrees. This combination creates excellent opportunities for both established professionals and newcomers to the area.
Affordable Living with Modern Amenities (#10 Ranking)
One of Wilmington’s biggest advantages is the value proposition for renters. Our cost of living sits 4.5% below the national average, while still offering quality housing options. The average apartment spans 952 square feet, and the rental market features modern options with 28.5% of units built within the last five years. Additionally, 41.9% of our rental properties are considered high-end, giving renters access to premium amenities at competitive prices.
Community Connection and Convenience
While Wilmington ranked 71st in the quality of life category, the city offers some standout benefits that matter to daily life. Only 21% of residents face commutes longer than 30 minutes when driving alone – a significant advantage in today’s world. Our community also scored well for social connections, ranking 60th out of 150 cities for how engaged residents are through local clubs, events, and community groups.
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What This Means for the Wilmington Rental Market
This national recognition reflects what many of us already know – Wilmington offers an exceptional combination of economic opportunity, affordability, and community that’s hard to find elsewhere. For current and prospective renters, this ranking validates Wilmington as a smart choice for both lifestyle and financial reasons.
The strong income growth, coupled with below-average living costs, means renters can get more value for their money while building toward their future goals. The modern rental stock ensures you won’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability, and the thriving job market provides confidence in long-term stability.
Whether you’re a young professional starting your career, a family looking for the right community, or someone considering a move to the area, Wilmington’s #6 national ranking demonstrates why our city continues to attract and retain residents who value both quality of life and economic opportunity.
To read more, visit Wilmington, NC, among best places for renters to live in 2025.
