Wilmington Ranks 30th Among Hot Small Rental Markets
RentCafe's Rental Competitiveness Index places Wilmington among the strongest small rental markets in the U.S. in its October 2026 study.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Apartments
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RentCafe ranked Wilmington as the 30th hottest small rental market in the U.S. in a study published Oct. 8, 2026, with its competitiveness score rising to 78.2 from 74.2 last year. Apartment occupancy in Wilmington reached 93.1%, up from 92.4%, while average vacancy fell to 35 days from 38 days.
Why it matters
The index scores markets on occupancy rates, average vacant days, lease renewal rates and the number of prospective renters, and Wilmington's score sits above the national average of 73.9. For Wilmington renters, a tighter market signals limited vacancy and competition for available units.
Wilmington's competitiveness score rose to 78.2 from 74.2, against a national average of 73.9, according to RentCafe's index. Rents in the Wilmington area rose 13% between 2023 and 2026, compared with a 7% statewide increase in North Carolina.
The players
RentCafe
RentCafe is a rental listings and apartment data platform that publishes market analyses of U.S. rental housing trends.
The details
RentCafe scored cities using occupancy rates, average vacant days, lease renewal rates and the number of prospective renters. Wilmington's occupancy rate exceeds those of Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, while Asheville, Greenville and Fayetteville all saw their competitiveness scores decline from last year.
Timeline
Oct. 8, 2026: RentCafe published its rental competitiveness study.
2023 to 2026: Rents in the Wilmington area increased 13%.
Market Context
The RentCafe Rental Competitiveness Index scores markets on occupancy, vacancy duration, lease renewals and renter demand. Wilmington's gain stands out against the declines recorded in Asheville, Greenville and Fayetteville in the same study.
Wilmington renters are competing in a market where apartments are occupied at high rates and vacancies are shorter than last year. Renters should expect limited availability and plan lease searches early.
The takeaway
Wilmington's rising competitiveness score signals a tight rental market, so renters should start apartment searches early and be prepared to act quickly on available units.
Further reading
For more on local listings, see Apartments in Wilmington.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Starnewsonline.
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