Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Allegany County, Maryland
Allegany County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $805 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 52% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $805
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 53% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Allegany County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 24 counties in Maryland, Allegany County has the lowest typical household income: $59,603.
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Allegany County has the 2nd lowest typical rent of the 24 counties in Maryland ($805).
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At 44%, Allegany County ranks 2nd among the 24 counties in Maryland for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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13% of households in Allegany County have no internet at home, against 5% in Maryland.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Allegany County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Allegany County was $1,020 a month in September 2026: 5.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $862 | $16.58 | $34,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $888 | $17.08 | $35,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,383 | $26.60 | $55,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,468 | $28.23 | $58,720 |
HUD area: Allegany County, MD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 14 ZIP codes in Allegany County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 21502 to $1,280 in 21530. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 21502 | Allegany County, MD | $860 | $890 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21524 | Allegany County, MD | $840 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,490 |
| 21529 | Allegany County, MD | $810 | $870 | $1,020 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 21530 | Allegany County, MD | $990 | $1,080 | $1,280 | $1,760 | $1,910 |
| 21532 | Allegany County, MD | $930 | $960 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,570 |
| 21532 | Garrett County, MD | $930 | $960 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,570 |
| 21540 | Allegany County, MD | $800 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,400 |
| 21542 | Allegany County, MD | $860 | $890 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 21543 | Allegany County, MD | $860 | $890 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 21545 | Allegany County, MD | $860 | $890 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 21555 | Allegany County, MD | $930 | $950 | $1,090 | $1,490 | $1,580 |
| 21557 | Allegany County, MD | $820 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,470 |
| 21560 | Allegany County, MD | $870 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 21766 | Allegany County, MD | $860 | $890 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
- 21502 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,390
- 21524 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,380
- 21529 · Allegany County, MD $1,020$1,400
- 21530 · Allegany County, MD $1,280$1,760
- 21532 · Allegany County, MD $1,100$1,490
- 21532 · Garrett County, MD $1,100$1,490
- 21540 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,360
- 21542 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,390
- 21543 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,390
- 21545 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,390
- 21555 · Allegany County, MD $1,090$1,490
- 21557 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,360
- 21560 · Allegany County, MD $1,020$1,390
- 21766 · Allegany County, MD $1,010$1,390
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Allegany County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,019 households rent in Allegany County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Allegany 44%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Allegany County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Allegany County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 6
1,470 homes in all; 1,420 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jane Frazier Village Public housing 202 Memorial Ave, Cumberland 21502 125 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Average payment: $353 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (301) 724-6606
- Old Towne Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510A E Oldtown Rd, Cumberland 21502 138 homes, 123 low-income · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- William Booth Tower Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 220 Somerville Ave, Cumberland 21502 114 low-income homes · Studio: 51 · 1 bd: 63 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families · (301) 777-7603
- Frostburg Heights HUD-assisted 100 Honeysuckle Ln, Frostburg 21532 110 low-income homes · For older adults · (301) 689-2268
- Old Towne Manor HUD-assisted 1510 E Oldtown Rd, Cumberland 21502 138 homes, 104 low-income · For families · (301) 777-1745
- Cumberland Manor HUD-assisted 229 Baltimore Ave, Cumberland 21502 102 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults · (301) 777-5186
- JFK Apartments HUD-assisted 135 N Mechanic St, Cumberland 21502 100 low-income homes · For families
- Meshach Frost Village Public housing 93 Meshach Frost Vlg, Frostburg 21532 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg · Average payment: $414 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (301) 689-9700
- Queen City Towers Public housing 235 Paca St, Cumberland 21502 95 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Average payment: $326 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (301) 724-6606
- River Bend HUD-assisted 50 Lamont St, Cumberland 21502 77 low-income homes · For families · (301) 724-6606
- The Cascades Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 E Fourth St, Cumberland 21502 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 53 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Cumberland Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 10 N Liberty St, Cumberland 21502 69 low-income homes · 1 bd: 59 · 2 bd: 10 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (301) 724-0341
- Housing Authority of Allegany County Public housing 25801 Shady Ln SW, Westernport 21562 69 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Average payment: $414 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (301) 724-6606
- Braddock's Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Braddock St, Frostburg 21532 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Klot's Mill Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 917 Gay St, Cumberland 21502 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Gateway Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 775 E Fourth St, Cumberland 21502 30 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
- Banneker Gardens Public housing 326 Frederick St, Cumberland 21502 25 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Average payment: $518 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (301) 724-6606
- Washington-Allegany Residences II HUD-assisted 1800 Bedford St, Cumberland 21502 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 777-1700
- Frederick Street Unit Public housing 1034 Frederick St, Cumberland 21502 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Homes at several sites · (301) 724-6606
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Allegany County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Allegany County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,950 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 2 people | $22,800 | $38,000 | $60,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,100 | $88,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,900 | $94,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
Area median income: $72,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Allegany County, MD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $776 – $948
- 1 bedroom $799 – $977
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,245 – $1,521
- 4 bedrooms $1,321 – $1,615
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland Public housing · 315 public housing units (301) 724-6606 Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland: michele.bender@cumberlandhousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg Public housing · 100 public housing units (301) 689-9700 Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg: alane@frostburghousing.org
Housing agencies in Maryland Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Maryland
What Maryland law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(b)(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(1)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 60 days
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-402(c)(2)(i)
- Only a court order can remove youMd. Code, Real Prop. §8-216(b)
- Protection from retaliationMd. Code, Real Prop. §8-208.1(a)(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Allegany County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Allegany County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission, Inc
125 Virginia Ave, Cumberland
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Allegany County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Maryland, the average home bill was $166 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Allegany County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $862; 1 bedroom: $888; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,383; 4 bedrooms: $1,468. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Allegany County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Allegany County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,500 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Allegany County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Allegany County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 21502 to $1,280 in 21530. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Allegany County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Allegany County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Allegany County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Allegany County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).