Winston-Salem Rental Costs Have Increased

Rising demand from university students has pushed average one-bedroom apartment rents to $1,027.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector editorial illustration of a red brick apartment building facade, representing the rising cost of rental housing in a university city. — Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Winston-Salem has climbed to $1,027 as surging student enrollment at Wake Forest University tightens housing supply. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is it becoming more difficult for students to afford housing in your community?

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Winston-Salem has risen to $1,027. This increase comes as off-campus housing demand grows due to limited availability for Wake Forest University students.

Why it matters

University enrollment growth has reduced on-campus housing options, forcing more students into the local rental market. This trend creates financial strain for students and shifts the availability of housing for long-term city residents.

Average rent in Winston-Salem increased by 0.83% over the past year, while North Carolina saw a 1.5% decrease statewide. Currently, 75 seniors have been denied on-campus housing.

The players

Wake Forest University

A private research university in Winston-Salem that requires students to live on campus for three years.

The details

Wake Forest University mandates that undergraduates reside on campus for six semesters, but recent enrollment growth has strained this system. With 1,590 first-year students enrolled in fall 2026, many upperclassmen must now secure off-campus leases up to a year in advance.

August 2020: The average one-bedroom rent in Winston-Salem was $770.
October 2024: Students began signing off-campus leases.
February 2026: The university released housing lottery results.
Fall 2026: The university enrolled 1,590 first-year students.
Fall 2027: The Creekside at The Grounds apartments will open.

Culture Shift

The reliance on university-driven housing models creates cyclical pressure on local real estate during high-enrollment years. This highlights a broader trend where institutional housing policies dictate the competitive landscape for private rental inventory.

Rising student competition for one-bedroom apartments likely forces other local renters to face higher costs or fewer available units. Residents should expect continued rental pressure until the projected increase in supply arrives in 2027.

The takeaway

Students should plan to secure off-campus housing well in advance of the academic year to navigate tight inventory. Prospective renters in the area should monitor upcoming university construction projects, as these significantly impact long-term pricing and availability.