Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Calvert County, Maryland
Calvert County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,890 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,759 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,890
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,759
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $36.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $75,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Calvert 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, Calvert County has the highest homeownership rate: 87%.
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Among the neighboring counties, Dorchester County has the lowest typical rent ($1,032), 41% below the $1,759 in Calvert County.
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Calvert County has the 2nd highest typical household income of the 24 counties in Maryland ($133,922).
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 Calvert 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 Calvert County was $2,302 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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 | $1,630 | $31.35 | $65,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,666 | $32.04 | $66,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,890 | $36.35 | $75,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,617 | $50.33 | $104,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,959 | $56.90 | $118,360 |
HUD area: Calvert County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Calvert County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,480 in 20678 to $2,840 in 20688. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,890).
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)
| 20615 | Calvert County, MD | $1,460 | $1,490 | $1,680 | $2,270 | $2,570 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20629 | Calvert County, MD | $1,890 | $1,910 | $2,420 | $3,350 | $3,790 |
| 20639 | Calvert County, MD | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,430 |
| 20657 | Calvert County, MD | $1,400 | $1,410 | $1,790 | $2,480 | $2,800 |
| 20676 | Calvert County, MD | $1,540 | $1,580 | $1,810 | $2,510 | $2,830 |
| 20678 | Calvert County, MD | $1,160 | $1,160 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,320 |
| 20685 | Calvert County, MD | $1,460 | $1,490 | $1,680 | $2,270 | $2,570 |
| 20688 | Calvert County, MD | $2,240 | $2,250 | $2,840 | $3,930 | $4,450 |
| 20689 | Calvert County, MD | $1,370 | $1,380 | $1,760 | $2,430 | $2,750 |
| 20732 | Calvert County, MD | $1,490 | $1,510 | $1,910 | $2,640 | $2,990 |
| 20736 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,370 | $1,380 | $1,750 | $2,420 | $2,740 |
| 20736 | Calvert County, MD | $1,370 | $1,380 | $1,750 | $2,420 | $2,740 |
| 20754 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,040 | $2,070 | $2,620 | $3,580 | $4,030 |
| 20754 | Calvert County, MD | $2,040 | $2,070 | $2,620 | $3,580 | $4,030 |
- 20615 · Calvert County, MD $1,680$2,270
- 20629 · Calvert County, MD $2,420$3,350
- 20639 · Calvert County, MD $1,550$2,150
- 20657 · Calvert County, MD $1,790$2,480
- 20676 · Calvert County, MD $1,810$2,510
- 20678 · Calvert County, MD $1,480$2,050
- 20685 · Calvert County, MD $1,680$2,270
- 20688 · Calvert County, MD $2,840$3,930
- 20689 · Calvert County, MD $1,760$2,430
- 20732 · Calvert County, MD $1,910$2,640
- 20736 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,750$2,420
- 20736 · Calvert County, MD $1,750$2,420
- 20754 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,620$3,580
- 20754 · Calvert County, MD $2,620$3,580
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 Calvert County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,282 households rent in Calvert County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Calvert 48%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Calvert County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Calvert County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 3
727 homes in all; 655 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Silverwood Farms II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Running Brook Way, Prince Frederick 20678 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 59 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2010
- Yardley Hills Townhomes Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Yardley Dr, Prince Frederick 20678 76 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Southern Pines II Tax credit (LIHTC) 60 Appeal Ln, Lusby 20657 67 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Chapline House I Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Allnutt Ct, Prince Frederick 20678 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2002
- Eldridge/Barstow HUD-assisted 3920 Hallowing Point Rd, Prince Frederick 20678 55 low-income homes · For older adults · (301) 535-2413
- Calvert Pines Apartmens I HUD-assisted 420 W Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick 20678 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 535-5010
- Town Center Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8933 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach 20714 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · In service since 2001
- Chapline House II Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Allnutt Ct, Prince Frederick 20678 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Courtyards at Fishing Creek I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3945 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach 20732 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Courtyards at Fishing Creek II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3925 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach 20732 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Courtyards at Fishing Creek III Tax credit (LIHTC) 3861 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach 20732 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Calvert Hills East HUD-assisted 395 Elizabeth Dr, Prince Frederick 20678 84 homes, 12 low-income · (410) 269-0900
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 Calvert 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 Calvert 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 | $31,650 | $52,800 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $36,200 | $60,300 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $40,700 | $67,850 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $45,200 | $75,350 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $48,850 | $81,400 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $52,450 | $87,450 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $56,050 | $93,450 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $59,700 | $99,500 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $149,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Calvert County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,467 – $1,793
- 1 bedroom $1,499 – $1,833
- 2 bedrooms $1,701 – $2,079
- 3 bedrooms $2,355 – $2,879
- 4 bedrooms $2,663 – $3,255
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 Calvert County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 480 vouchers (410) 535-5010 Housing Authority of Calvert County: mail@calverthousing.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 Calvert County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action
8371 Old Leonardtown Rd, Hughesville · 14 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Habitat for Humanity Choptank
29349 Maple Ave, Trappe · 27 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 8 more
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Housing Options & Planning Enterprises, Inc.
6188 Oxon Hill Rd Ste 700, Oxon Hill · 32 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Calvert 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
$3,780
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,890
- Security deposit
- $1,890
- Total
- $3,780
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 Calvert County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,630; 1 bedroom: $1,666; 2 bedrooms: $1,890; 3 bedrooms: $2,617; 4 bedrooms: $2,959. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Calvert County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,890) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.35 an hour full time, or $75,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Calvert County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $75,350 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 Calvert 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 $1,701 and $2,079 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Calvert County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,480 in 20678 to $2,840 in 20688. 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 Calvert County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Calvert 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 Calvert County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Calvert County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).