Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Kinston, NC
The median monthly rent in Kinston, NC is $940, translating to $11,280 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.63% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Kinston spend approximately 19% of the local median household income ($58,267) on rent. This is well below the 30% threshold, suggesting significant headroom for rent increases. Tenants can afford to pay more, which is bullish for landlords.
The vacancy rate in Kinston is 5.3%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 1.5% annually is actively adding rental demand.
Kinston's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 13.3x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $940/mo, a single-family rental in Kinston generates approximately $11,280 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.3% vacancy ($598 lost), property taxes of $1,170, insurance (~$600), and maintenance (~$600), the estimated NOI is $8,312 per year, or $693/mo.
Kinston vs North Carolina state average and national average across key investment metrics. Kinston outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.