Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Baltimore County, Maryland
Baltimore County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,006 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,627 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $38.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,006
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,627
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $38.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $80,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Baltimore County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Kent County has the lowest typical rent ($1,209), 26% below the $1,627 in Baltimore County.
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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore County was $1,731 a month in September 2026: 1.8% 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 | $1,523 | $29.29 | $60,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,625 | $31.25 | $65,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,006 | $38.58 | $80,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,509 | $48.25 | $100,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,789 | $53.63 | $111,560 |
HUD area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. 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 44 ZIP codes in Baltimore County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,680 in 21013 to $2,400 in 21131. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,006).
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)
| 21013 | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21023 | $1,510 | $1,610 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,770 |
| 21030 | $1,630 | $1,730 | $2,140 | $2,680 | $2,980 |
| 21031 | $1,630 | $1,730 | $2,140 | $2,680 | $2,980 |
| 21051 | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21052 | $1,340 | $1,430 | $1,770 | $2,210 | $2,460 |
| 21053 | $1,710 | $1,960 | $2,400 | $3,080 | $3,440 |
| 21057 | $1,470 | $1,570 | $1,940 | $2,440 | $2,730 |
| 21071 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,910 | $2,390 | $2,660 |
| 21082 | $1,480 | $1,580 | $1,950 | $2,440 | $2,710 |
| 21087 | $1,630 | $1,730 | $2,140 | $2,680 | $2,980 |
| 21093 | $1,470 | $1,570 | $1,940 | $2,430 | $2,700 |
| 21105 | $1,480 | $1,580 | $1,950 | $2,440 | $2,710 |
| 21111 | $1,510 | $1,620 | $1,990 | $2,500 | $2,770 |
| 21117 | $1,780 | $1,900 | $2,350 | $2,940 | $3,270 |
| 21120 | $1,400 | $1,600 | $1,950 | $2,520 | $2,800 |
| 21128 | $1,660 | $1,770 | $2,190 | $2,740 | $3,040 |
| 21131 | $1,710 | $1,960 | $2,400 | $3,080 | $3,440 |
| 21133 | $1,490 | $1,590 | $1,960 | $2,450 | $2,730 |
| 21136 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,910 | $2,390 | $2,660 |
| 21152 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,980 | $2,480 | $2,750 |
| 21153 | $1,700 | $1,820 | $2,240 | $2,810 | $3,120 |
| 21155 | $1,370 | $1,470 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,520 |
| 21156 | $1,480 | $1,580 | $1,950 | $2,440 | $2,710 |
| 21162 | $1,570 | $1,680 | $2,070 | $2,590 | $2,880 |
| 21163 | $1,350 | $1,440 | $1,780 | $2,230 | $2,470 |
| 21204 | $1,780 | $1,900 | $2,340 | $2,930 | $3,250 |
| 21207 | $1,340 | $1,430 | $1,760 | $2,200 | $2,450 |
| 21208 | $1,780 | $1,900 | $2,340 | $2,930 | $3,250 |
| 21209 | $1,730 | $1,850 | $2,280 | $2,850 | $3,170 |
| 21219 | $1,340 | $1,430 | $1,770 | $2,210 | $2,460 |
| 21220 | $1,550 | $1,650 | $2,040 | $2,550 | $2,840 |
| 21221 | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21222 | $1,300 | $1,380 | $1,710 | $2,140 | $2,380 |
| 21227 | $1,330 | $1,420 | $1,750 | $2,190 | $2,430 |
| 21228 | $1,460 | $1,550 | $1,920 | $2,400 | $2,670 |
| 21234 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,980 | $2,480 | $2,750 |
| 21236 | $1,510 | $1,610 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,770 |
| 21237 | $1,400 | $1,500 | $1,850 | $2,310 | $2,570 |
| 21244 | $1,530 | $1,640 | $2,020 | $2,530 | $2,810 |
| 21250 | $1,460 | $1,550 | $1,920 | $2,400 | $2,670 |
| 21252 | $1,760 | $1,880 | $2,320 | $2,910 | $3,220 |
| 21285 | $1,630 | $1,740 | $2,150 | $2,690 | $2,990 |
| 21286 | $1,560 | $1,670 | $2,060 | $2,580 | $2,860 |
- 21013 $1,680$2,130
- 21023 $1,990$2,490
- 21030 $2,140$2,680
- 21031 $2,140$2,680
- 21051 $1,680$2,130
- 21052 $1,770$2,210
- 21053 $2,400$3,080
- 21057 $1,940$2,440
- 21071 $1,910$2,390
- 21082 $1,950$2,440
- 21087 $2,140$2,680
- 21093 $1,940$2,430
- 21105 $1,950$2,440
- 21111 $1,990$2,500
- 21117 $2,350$2,940
- 21120 $1,950$2,520
- 21128 $2,190$2,740
- 21131 $2,400$3,080
- 21133 $1,960$2,450
- 21136 $1,910$2,390
- 21152 $1,980$2,480
- 21153 $2,240$2,810
- 21155 $1,810$2,260
- 21156 $1,950$2,440
- 21162 $2,070$2,590
- 21163 $1,780$2,230
- 21204 $2,340$2,930
- 21207 $1,760$2,200
- 21208 $2,340$2,930
- 21209 $2,280$2,850
- 21219 $1,770$2,210
- 21220 $2,040$2,550
- 21221 $1,680$2,130
- 21222 $1,710$2,140
- 21227 $1,750$2,190
- 21228 $1,920$2,400
- 21234 $1,980$2,480
- 21236 $1,990$2,490
- 21237 $1,850$2,310
- 21244 $2,020$2,530
- 21250 $1,920$2,400
- 21252 $2,320$2,910
- 21285 $2,150$2,690
- 21286 $2,060$2,580
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 Baltimore County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
111,893 households rent in Baltimore County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Baltimore 54%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Baltimore County
HUD lists 88 properties with homes for low-income households in Baltimore County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 45
- HUD-assisted
- 47
7,821 homes in all; 7,307 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lakeside Homes at Holiday Heights HUD-assisted 2926 Lakebrook Cir, Lansdowne 21227 303 low-income homes · For families · (410) 242-4242
- Timbercroft Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 67 Timber Grove Rd, Owings Mills 21117 284 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 212 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families · (410) 356-7992
- Glen Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1031 Old Eastern Ave, Essex 21221 252 low-income homes
- Essex Cooperative Apartments HUD-assisted 1000 Franklin Ave, Essex 21221 209 homes, 208 low-income · For older adults · (410) 391-7616
- Tabco Towers Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 305 E Joppa Rd, Towson 21286 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (410) 821-9220
- Village Oaks HUD-assisted 815 Winters Ln, Catonsville 21228 181 homes, 180 low-income · For older adults · (410) 747-1344
- Lansdowne Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2401 Tionesta Rd, Halethorpe 21227 167 low-income homes · In service since 2006 · For families
- Hopkins Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3 Brett Ct, Essex 21221 165 homes, 164 low-income · 1 bd: 164 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, families · (410) 687-2828
- Center Place HUD-assisted 101 Center Pl, Dundalk 21222 160 homes, 159 low-income · For older adults · (410) 285-6666
- Golden Ring Co-Op Senior Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 8620 Kelso Dr, Essex 21221 153 low-income homes · 1 bd: 153 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Lansdowne Gardens Apts. HUD-assisted 1 Silerton Rd, Halethorpe 21227 168 homes, 151 low-income · For families · (410) 247-4111
- Virginia Towers HUD-assisted 500 Virginia Ave, Towson 21286 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 321-9661
- Cummins/Portside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6601 Woods Pkwy, Dundalk 21222 146 low-income homes · In service since 2007 · For families
- Chapel Springs Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 9630 Dietz Pl, Perry Hall 21128 127 low-income homes · 1 bd: 103 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- ST. Lukes Place HUD-assisted 2825 Lodge Farm Rd, Baltimore 21219 125 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 477-3661
- Oak Grove Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Grove Manor Dr, Essex 21221 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 106 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Weinberg House HUD-assisted 16 Old Court Rd, Pikesville 21208 116 low-income homes · For older adults · (443) 352-3526
- Timothy House Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Dunvale Rd, Towson 21204 112 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Park View at Rosedale Tax credit (LIHTC) 1315 Chesaco Ave, Baltimore 21237 109 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Greens at Liberty Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 9707 Liberty Rd, Randallstown 21133 105 low-income homes · 1 bd: 81 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Greens at Logan Field Tax credit (LIHTC) 3455 Dundalk Ave, Baltimore 21222 102 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Park View at Randallstown Tax credit (LIHTC) 3530 Resource Dr, Randallstown 21133 102 low-income homes · 1 bd: 102 · In service since 2011
- ST. Elizabeth Hall HUD-assisted 2300 Dulaney Valley Rd, Timonium 21093 200 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (410) 252-4500
- Park View at Woodlawn Tax credit (LIHTC) 2020 Featherbed Ln, Woodlawn 21207 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 95 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 1999
- Cove Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7801 Peninsula Expy, Dundalk 21222 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 86 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Park View at Catonsville I Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Maiden Choice Ln, Baltimore 21228 100 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Park View at Miramar Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 Compass Rd, Baltimore 21220 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Weinberg Village IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 3410 Associated Way, Owings Mills 21117 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Park View at Taylor Tax credit (LIHTC) 4102 Taylor Ave, Baltimore 21236 100 homes, 99 low-income · In service since 2001
- Fairspring Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1121 Saint Agnes Ln, Baltimore 21207 99 low-income homes · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Weinberg Village III HUD-assisted 3414 Associated Way, Owings Mills 21117 99 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 581-7878
- Lyon Homes, Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 New Pittsburg Ave, Dundalk 21222 118 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Village Crossroads Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 431a Fitch Ave, Nottingham 21236 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 94 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Pikeswood Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 3801 Schnaper Dr, Randallstown 21133 140 homes, 91 low-income · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Greens at English Consul Tax credit (LIHTC) 4120 Oak Rd, Lansdowne 21227 90 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Park View at Fullerton Tax credit (LIHTC) 4300 Cardwell Ave, Baltimore 21236 90 homes, 89 low-income · In service since 2012
- Walker Avenue Cooperative Apartments HUD-assisted 711 Walker Ave, Baltimore 21212 88 homes, 87 low-income · For older adults · (410) 377-0200
- VILLAGE CROSSROADS II Senior Housing HUD-assisted 4313B Fitch Ave, Baltimore 21236 86 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 882-5431
- Weinberg Terrace HUD-assisted 1450 Bedford Ave, Pikesville 21208 86 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 602-3950
- Weinberg Village V Tax credit (LIHTC) 3430 Associated Way, Owings Mills 21117 86 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Weinberg Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3440 Associated Way, Owings Mills 21117 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Weinberg Gardens HUD-assisted 1500 Bedford Ave, Pikesville 21208 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 602-8200
- Greens at Rolling RD Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1505 N Rolling Rd, Catonsville 21228 83 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Morningside Heights Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Pleasant Ridge Dr, Owings Mills 21117 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Trinity House HUD-assisted 409 Virginia Ave, Towson 21286 82 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 825-5288
- Evergreen Senior Apts LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Evergreen Way, Essex 21221 81 low-income homes · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Meadows at Reisterstown I Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Cantata Ct, Reisterstown 21136 80 homes, 79 low-income · In service since 2001
- The Preserve at Red Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 4626 Painters Mill Road, Owings Mill 21117 87 homes, 78 low-income · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Meadows at Reisterstown II Tax credit (LIHTC) 302 Cantata Ct, Reisterstown 21136 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Randallstown II HUD-assisted 5109 Old Court Rd, Randallstown 21133 76 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (410) 342-8003
- Weinberg Village I HUD-assisted 3420 Associated Way, Owings Mills 21117 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 581-7878
- Woodlawn Senior Housing HUD-assisted 5500 Lexington Rd, Baltimore 21207 74 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 944-5959
- Randallstown Nonprofit Housing HUD-assisted 5107 Old Court Rd, Randallstown 21133 74 homes, 73 low-income · For older adults · (410) 342-8003
- Reisters View HUD-assisted 306 Cantata Ct, Reisterstown 21136 72 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 517-4994
- Aigburth Vale Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 Aigburth Rd, Towson 21286 71 homes, 70 low-income · In service since 2000
- Shakespeare Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 3604 Anne Hathaway Dr, Randallstown 21133 70 low-income homes · In service since 2007
- Owings Mills Senior Housing HUD-assisted 9773 Groffs Mill Dr, Owings Mills 21117 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 902-8222
- Reisterstown Gardens HUD-assisted 304 Cantata Ct, Reisterstown 21136 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 517-4994
- Merritt Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 1420 and 1430 Merritt Station, Dundalk 21222 72 homes, 65 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Red Run Station Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 10630 Red Run Blvd, Owings Mills 21117 72 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 230-2139
- Hollins Ferry Road Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 4230 Hollins Ferry Rd, Baltimore 21227 64 low-income homes · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Towns at Woodfields Tax credit (LIHTC) 7301 Dogwood Rd, Baltimore 21244 61 low-income homes · 3 bd: 61 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Randallstown III HUD-assisted 5105 Old Court Rd, Takoma Park 21117 52 homes, 51 low-income · For older adults · (410) 342-8003
- Coursey Station Apartments HUD-assisted 200 First Ave, Baltimore 21227 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 242-6167
- Cove Point Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7795 Peninsula Expy, Dundalk 21222 47 low-income homes · In service since 2006
- Village Crossroads Senior Housing HUD-assisted 4313A Fitch Ave, Baltimore 21236 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (667) 600-2371
- Turners Station HUD-assisted 149 Chestnut St, Baltimore 21222 34 low-income homes · For families · (410) 288-0555
- Salony House Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Salony Dr, Reisterstown 21136 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2001
- ST. Charles House HUD-assisted 11 Church Ln, Pikesville 21208 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 484-6125
- Stansbury Homes HUD-assisted 603 Aldershot Rd, Baltimore 21229 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 747-4492
- HICKERNELL HOMES (ReVisions) HUD-assisted 6127 Wheatland Rd, Catonsville 21228 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 747-4492
- Schneider & Ryland Homes HUD-assisted 2121 Frederick Rd, Catonsville 21228 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (443) 612-1497
- Shire HUD-assisted 5 Benwell Road, Pikesville 21208 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 653-6190
- Rivendell Homes HUD-assisted 40 Caraway Rd, Reisterstown 21136 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Preserve at Red Run HUD-assisted 9100 Garth Rd, Owings Mills 21117 76 homes, 11 low-income · (410) 525-4913
- Merritt Station HUD-assisted 1420 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk 21222 61 homes, 11 low-income · (443) 218-7616
- Lorien Homes HUD-assisted 906 Shirley Manor Rd, Reisterstown 21136 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 653-6190
- Cranbrook Homes HUD-assisted 304 Ringold Valley Cir, Cockeysville 21030 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (443) 612-1497
- Terry Homes HUD-assisted 1211 Newfield Avenue, Catonsville 21228 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 747-4492
- Dos Delos HUD-assisted 1023 Lakemont Rd, Catonsville 21228 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (443) 612-1497
- High Peake HUD-assisted 504 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson 21204 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 964-1241
- Ohana Homes HUD-assisted 6721 Laurelwood Ave, Baltimore 21209 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Flury Place HUD-assisted 411 Bauman Road, Elkridge 21227 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Hughes Homes HUD-assisted 6021 Burnt Oak Rd, Catonsville 21228 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 459-2121
- Towns at Padonia HUD-assisted 100 Long Vista Ct, Lutherville 21093 26 homes, 4 low-income · (443) 716-2551
- Barclay Square Phase II (a) Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Wolf Trap Ct, Baltimore 21236 67 homes
- Hollins Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 4374 Hollins Ferry Rd, Arbutus 21227 54 homes
- Salony House Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Salony Dr, Reisterstown 21136 30 homes
4 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 Baltimore County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Baltimore County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $28,150 | $46,900 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $32,200 | $53,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $36,200 | $60,300 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $40,200 | $67,000 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $43,450 | $72,400 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $46,650 | $77,750 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $83,100 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $88,450 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $134,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,371 – $1,675
- 1 bedroom $1,463 – $1,788
- 2 bedrooms $1,805 – $2,207
- 3 bedrooms $2,258 – $2,760
- 4 bedrooms $2,510 – $3,068
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
- Baltimore County, MD Section 8 vouchers · 6,716 vouchers (410) 887-2766 Baltimore County, MD: kgreen3@baltimorecountymd.gov
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 Baltimore County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Baltimore County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Diversified Housing Development, Inc.
8025 Liberty Rd, Windsor Mill
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 2 more
-
Operation Hope Pikesville MD
1525 Town Center Pl, Pikesville
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Baltimore 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
$4,012
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,006
- Security deposit
- $2,006
- Total
- $4,012
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 Baltimore County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,523; 1 bedroom: $1,625; 2 bedrooms: $2,006; 3 bedrooms: $2,509; 4 bedrooms: $2,789. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Baltimore County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,006) without spending more than 30% of income takes $38.58 an hour full time, or $80,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Baltimore County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $67,000 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 Baltimore 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 $1,805 and $2,207 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Baltimore County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,680 in 21013 to $2,400 in 21131. 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 Baltimore County?
HUD lists 88 properties with homes for low-income households in Baltimore County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Baltimore County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Baltimore County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).