Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Carroll County, Maryland
Carroll 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 $1,427 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
- $1,427
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% 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
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Carroll County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 84%, Carroll County ranks 2nd among the 24 counties in Maryland for the highest homeownership rate.
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 Carroll 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 Carroll County was $1,840 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 | $1,523 | $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 12 ZIP codes in Carroll County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 21787 to $2,130 in 21158. 2 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)
| 21048 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,280 | $1,370 | $1,690 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21074 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21102 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,250 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21157 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,250 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21158 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,620 | $1,720 | $2,130 | $2,660 | $2,960 |
| 21757 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,650 | $2,080 | $2,380 |
| 21757 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,650 | $2,080 | $2,380 |
| 21776 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,560 | $1,960 | $2,190 |
| 21776 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,560 | $1,960 | $2,190 |
| 21784 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,590 | $1,700 | $2,100 | $2,630 | $2,920 |
| 21787 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $960 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,580 | $1,750 |
| 21787 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $960 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,580 | $1,750 |
- 21048 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,690$2,130
- 21074 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21102 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21157 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21158 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,130$2,660
- 21757 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,650$2,080
- 21757 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,650$2,080
- 21776 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,560$1,960
- 21776 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,560$1,960
- 21784 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,100$2,630
- 21787 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,260$1,580
- 21787 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,260$1,580
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 Carroll County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,062 households rent in Carroll County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Carroll 49%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Carroll County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Carroll County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 9
963 homes in all; 827 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Timber Ridge Apts HUD-assisted 101 Timber Ridge Dr, Westminster 21157 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 876-2550
- Locust House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 30 Locust St, Westminster 21157 99 homes, 98 low-income · For older adults · (410) 876-7600
- Hampstead School Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1211 N Main St, Hampstead 21074 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 73 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Ridge Residences HUD-assisted 102 Timber Ridge Dr, Westminster 21157 80 homes, 79 low-income · For older adults · (410) 876-5200
- Westminster Bond Senior I Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Frock Dr, Westminster 21157 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Westminster Bond Senior II Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Frock Dr, Westminster 21157 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 51 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Bishops Garth HUD-assisted 101 Charles St, Westminster 21157 72 low-income homes · For families · (410) 876-8212
- Village House Tax credit (LIHTC) 7426 Village Rd, Sykesville 21784 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2001
- Residences at the Hampstead School Tax credit (LIHTC) 1211 N Main St, Hampstead 21074 52 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Carrolltown Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 6500 Carrolltown Village Dr, Eldersburg 21784 40 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Tremont Place II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Shagbark Dr, Westminster 21157 30 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Schoolhouse Road HUD-assisted 7614 N Schoolhouse Rd, Sykesville 21784 26 low-income homes · For families · (301) 762-7705
- Tremont Place Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 311 Shagbark Dr, Westminster 21157 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1999
- Westminster Way HUD-assisted 322 W Main St, Westminster 21158 55 homes, 9 low-income · (585) 568-5874
- Kuleana Gardens HUD-assisted 1666 Liberty Rd, Eldersburg 21784 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 653-6190
- Mahalo Homes HUD-assisted 7252 Pommel Dr, Sykesville 21784 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 653-6190
- Pono Homes HUD-assisted 6406 Tamarack Cir, Sykesville 21784 7 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 653-6566
- Tremont Place Apts Phase 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Tremont Dr, Westminster 21157 42 homes
- Tremont Place Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Shagbark Dr, Westminster 21157 42 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Carroll 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 Carroll 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 | $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
- Carroll County Housing & Community Dev Section 8 vouchers · 796 vouchers (410) 386-3600 Carroll County Housing & Community Dev: dyates@ccg.carr.org
- City Of Westminster Housing Office Section 8 vouchers · 297 vouchers (410) 848-2261 City Of Westminster Housing Office: ebrown@westgov.com
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 Carroll County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc
5809 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore · 23 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL) and Russian.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
The City of Frederick
100 S Market St, Frederick · 24 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Carroll 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 Carroll 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 Carroll 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 Carroll 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 Carroll 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 Carroll County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 21787 to $2,130 in 21158. 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 Carroll County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Carroll 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 Carroll County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carroll County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).