Western Piedmont Council of Governments

1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601 · ~1,941 units under management

Call 8284854247

Fair Market Rent by unit size — Hickory, NC (2026)

Figures shown are Fair Market Rent for the county this agency primarily serves — the agency's actual payment standard (typically 90–110% of FMR) may differ. Confirm directly with the agency. Full county data: Catawba County

Who this agency serves

Western Piedmont Council of Governments served 1,144 households across 1,952 units (59% occupied) as of HUD's 2025 Picture of Subsidized Households data. The typical assisted household here has an average of 1.9 people, an average annual income of $14,748, and pays an average of $388 per month toward rent.

Households served
1,144 of 1,952 units
Avg. household income
$14,748
Avg. rent paid by household
$388
Avg. household size
1.9 people
Households with children
32%
Head of household 62+
36%
Head of household with a disability
53%
Avg. wait to move in
12 months

Unit mix: 20% 1-bedroom, 50% 2-bedroom, 30% 3-bedroom.

Source: HUD's Picture of Subsidized Households, 2025— figures reflect this agency's most recent reporting period across all HUD programs it administers, not just Housing Choice Vouchers.

For Renters

Am I eligible?

To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher through Western Piedmont Council of Governments, your household's gross annual income generally must be at or below the limits below (50% of area median income, as set by HUD). Most agencies are required to prioritize applicants at or below 30% AMI (the Extremely Low Income limit) for at least 75% of new vouchers.

Household sizeMax gross annual income
1 person$29,850
2 people$34,100
3 people$38,350
4 people$42,600
5 people$46,050
6 people$49,450
7 people$52,850
8 people$56,250

Source: HUD Income Limits, 2026. Meeting the income limit does not guarantee a voucher — waiting lists, local preferences, and funding levels vary. Contact Western Piedmont Council of Governments directly for current availability. Learn more about eligibility →

For Renters

Income-restricted housing in Hickory, NC

These properties were built or rehabilitated using the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and must rent a portion of units below market rate. Many, but not all, accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — contact the property directly to confirm current availability and voucher acceptance.

Source: HUD LIHTC Public-Use Database. Properties shown were placed in service within the last 35 years and may still be under compliance obligations. Verify availability, income limits, and voucher acceptance directly with each property. More on finding affordable housing →

Applying with this agency

Application processes and waiting-list status vary by agency — contact Western Piedmont Council of Governments directly using the info above, or read our general guide to how to apply and how waiting lists work.

Evaluating this market

Landlords and investors: see becoming a Section 8 landlord and how to read this market's numbers.