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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Maryland (2026)

A typical home in Maryland is worth $419,900; the typical rent is $1,705 a month. Depending on the county, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is between $541,287 and $1,249,125. 41 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Maryland; 18 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $254,700
  • $254,700–$343,400
  • $343,400–$409,700
  • $409,700–$462,700
  • $462,700 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$419,900
26% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,705
21% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$103,678
28% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $1,249,125
It changes by county. The highest applies in 4 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
0.97%
of value a year
The typical bill is $4,093 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Maryland

A typical home in Maryland is worth $419,900, 26% more than in the country overall. Across its 24 counties, the typical value runs from $154,900 in Allegany County to $640,300 in Montgomery County. A typical household earns $103,678 a year and pays $1,705 a month in rent; 51% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 68% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $4,093 a year, about 0.97% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home runs from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on the county. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Maryland ($2,103) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $40.44 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Maryland

More on property tax

  • Homestead tax credit (cap on yearly assessment increases)

    For your principal residence, the credit limits how much of an assessment increase is taxed each year: the State taxes at most 10 percent more than the prior year, and each county and municipality sets its own percentage (which can be lower). A one-time application is filed with the Department of Assessments (SDAT).

    Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Tax-Property Article) · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Income-based Homeowners' Property Tax Credit

    The State pays a credit when your home's property tax exceeds a set percentage of your household's gross income. Combined gross income may not exceed $60,000 and net worth (excluding the home and retirement accounts) must be under $200,000. You apply to SDAT every year.

    Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Homeowners' Tax Credit: apply by October 1 (best by April 15)

    The income-based Homeowners' Tax Credit is not automatic: each person must apply and disclose their income. The deadline is October 1 each year. If you file and qualify by April 15, the credit appears directly on your tax bill; if you file later, you get a revised bill. If you are buying a home, apply at least 30 days before your expected settlement date to receive the credit at settlement.

    Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouse

    The home of a veteran with a disability the VA has determined is 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total is exempt from tax. The veteran must own the home and it must be the principal residence. You submit the VA certification (or final rating decision) and your discharge certificate, likely the DD-214. The surviving spouse may also keep the exemption when the requirements are met.

    Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Appealing the assessment: 45 days from the notice (60 days if you just bought)

    If you disagree with your Notice of Assessment, file the appeal online or with the paper form at the local assessment office within 45 days of the notice date. If you bought and the property transferred after January 1 and before July 1, you have 60 days from the transfer. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) within 30 days of the final notice.

    Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) · Verified October 31, 2026

  • State transfer tax (0.5%; 0.25% for first-time buyers)

    The State charges 0.5 percent of the price when the deed is recorded. If every buyer is a first-time Maryland home buyer who will live in the home, the rate drops to 0.25 percent and the seller pays all of it. Counties also charge their own recordation tax and, in many cases, a local transfer tax.

    Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Tax-Property Article) · Verified October 23, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Maryland

What homes there are in Maryland, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Maryland, 5 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in the U.S., 6.

Year built

In Maryland, half of the homes were built before 1979; in the U.S., before 1980.

In Maryland, 66% of homes have 3 bedrooms or more, more than in the U.S. (61%).

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

Looking at what owner-occupied homes in Maryland are worth, the most common range is between $300K and $500K (37%).

Monthly rent with utilities

The largest group of rented homes in Maryland pays between $1,500 and $1,999 a month: 30%.

With a mortgage

$2,347 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$753 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

71%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Maryland is $2,347 a month, more than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $753.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Maryland rose 33% since 2015–2019, less than in the U.S. (53%).

Rents in Maryland rose more slowly than in the U.S.: 23% since 2015–2019, against 33%.

To compare: typical income in Maryland rose 22%; the home, +33%; the rent, +23%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureMarylandUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.7%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.5%3.4%
People per household 2.572.53
Drive alone 65%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 4%3%
Walk or bike 2%3%
Work from home 19%15%
Other means 2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Open rentals in Maryland look like those in the U.S.: the rental vacancy rate is 4.7%.

More than one person per room: that is how 2.5% of households in Maryland live, near the figure in the U.S. (3.4%).

Much as in the U.S., a household in Maryland has 2.57 people on average.

Many people here do not commute at all: 19% work from home; in the U.S., 15%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Maryland

Sort by any column. Each name leads to its page.

See the counties page
Population, typical home value, FHA limit, 2-bedroom fair rent and typical income by county in Maryland
Montgomery County1,065,949$640,300$1,249,125$2,438$132,450
Prince George's County959,754$426,000$1,249,125$2,438$101,798
Baltimore County850,796$349,300$747,500$2,006$91,768
Anne Arundel County598,166$467,900$747,500$2,006$124,911
City of Baltimore573,243$229,600$747,500$2,006$62,177
Howard County336,328$597,900$747,500$2,006$149,763
Frederick County287,048$464,600$1,249,125$2,438$122,002
Harford County263,757$386,400$747,500$2,006$112,265
Carroll County175,321$434,000$747,500$2,006$118,211
Charles County170,527$428,500$1,249,125$2,438$122,816
Washington County155,709$296,100$541,287$1,284$77,747
St. Mary's County115,126$407,600$541,287$1,787$119,446
Cecil County104,960$343,400$630,200$1,860$92,007
Wicomico County104,914$254,700$541,287$1,428$76,210
Calvert County94,313$460,200$541,287$1,890$133,922
Allegany County67,452$154,900$541,287$1,014$59,603
Worcester County53,700$374,700$541,287$1,184$81,745
Queen Anne's County51,825$462,700$747,500$2,006$112,826
Talbot County37,917$409,700$541,287$1,421$84,811
Caroline County33,669$290,100$541,287$1,320$68,457
Dorchester County32,754$262,400$541,287$1,159$61,839
Garrett County28,615$235,300$541,287$1,014$67,688
Somerset County24,822$173,200$541,287$1,144$64,943
Kent County19,346$330,900$541,287$1,241$80,147

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Maryland

Start from the typical home value in Maryland, $419,900, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Maryland

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$3,493

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Maryland rose 60% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Maryland United States
In 2025 +2.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +60% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Maryland were 5% higher than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 20% higher than nationwide.

Category Maryland United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 105.0 100.0 5% more
Housing rents What renters pay 121.1 100.6 20% more
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 110.9 98.4 13% more
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 102.5 99.6 3% more
Other services Services other than rent 101.6 100.1 1% more

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Maryland 1.2% of homes (22,558) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 74% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Maryland United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 1.2% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 74% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 1.7% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Maryland

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (187)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Maryland

    Our list has 3 official programs that help you buy in Maryland. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 3 programs
    1. MMP 1st Time Advantage

      Maryland Mortgage Program mortgages for first-time buyers, with a deferred 0% second mortgage for the down payment: $6,000, or 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan. Offered by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. MMP Flex Loans

      Maryland Mortgage Program mortgages for first-time buyers and for people who have owned a home before; Flex 6000 brings $6,000 and Flex 3% brings 3% of the loan for the down payment, as a deferred 0% second loan. Offered by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    3. Maryland SmartBuy

      Maryland Mortgage Program loan of up to 15% of the price (maximum $25,000) to pay off your student debt when you buy a home; no interest or monthly payments, and forgiven after five years if you stay in the home. Offered by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

      Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Maryland

    Maryland law answers 5 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      A landlord may not charge a security deposit of more than one month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. It may reach two months only if you qualified for utility assistance, pay utilities directly to the landlord and both agree in writing.

      Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(b)(1)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with simple interest (the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5 percent a year, whichever is greater), less any damages rightfully withheld.

      Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(1)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      Before suing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written notice (on the Judiciary's form) that a case will be filed if you do not cure within 10 days. It may be mailed, posted on your door or, if you chose it, sent by e-mail, text or tenant portal.

      Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      A landlord must give you 60 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy or a written lease for a stated term. If you are leaving, your notice to the landlord must be given at least 30 days before the tenancy ends (except year to year).

      Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-402(c)(2)(i)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      No lease may set a late-payment penalty of more than 5 percent of the rent due for the period (or $3 per week, at most $12 per month, for weekly rent).

      Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-208(d)(3)

    Two parents walk hand in hand with their little daughter.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Maryland?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    41 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Maryland; 18 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    30 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Maryland.

    See all 41 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Maryland

    • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Maryland Mortgage Program)

      The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) offers home purchase loans. If you are buying your first home in Maryland, it can give down payment and closing cost assistance. Most of its loans include down payment assistance, and if another organization that partners with MMP gives you assistance, the program matches those funds up to $2,500.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 31, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Maryland

    • Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the protections state law adds

      Maryland law protects access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income or military status. You have 1 year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR). MCCR provides a free interpreter if you ask before your appointment.

      Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • Homeowners insurance complaints to the Maryland Insurance Administration

      The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) protects residents from illegal insurance practices. It helps with questions and complaints about health, life, auto or homeowners policies. You can file online, and there is a Spanish form for property and casualty (auto and home) complaints. For questions about filing, you can call 1-800-492-6116.

      Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • Joint Insurance Association (JIA) if no company will insure your home

      If one company turned you down for homeowners insurance, try others: each has different requirements. If you cannot get private insurance, limited protection may be available through the state's Property Insurance Availability Program, the Joint Insurance Association (JIA). Its coverage may be more restrictive and more expensive. The MIA investigates complaints from anyone who believes an insurer or the JIA refused coverage in violation of the law.

      Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) · Verified October 31, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Maryland

    We picked them with the numbers of Maryland. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Maryland

    What is the FHA limit in Maryland in 2026?

    In Maryland, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,249,125. The highest is in Charles County.

    How much does a typical home cost in Maryland?

    The typical home value in Maryland is $419,900 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Montgomery County ($640,300) and the lowest in Allegany County ($154,900).

    How much does it cost to rent in Maryland?

    The typical rent in Maryland is $1,705 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Maryland?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Maryland ($2,103, Fiscal year 2027), about $40.44 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Maryland?

    The typical property tax in Maryland is $4,093 a year, about 0.97% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Maryland?

    There are 41 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Maryland; 18 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).