Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cecil County, Maryland
Cecil County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,860 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,377 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,860
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,377
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 19% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $35.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $74,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Cecil County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Caroline County, the typical rent is $1,105: 20% less than in Cecil County ($1,377).
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 Cecil 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 Cecil County was $1,852 a month in September 2026: about the same as 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 | $1,438 | $27.65 | $57,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,558 | $29.96 | $62,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,860 | $35.77 | $74,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,216 | $42.62 | $88,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,445 | $47.02 | $97,800 |
HUD area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-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 16 ZIP codes in Cecil County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 21915 to $2,200 in 21930. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,860).
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)
| 21901 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,450 | $1,570 | $1,880 | $2,240 | $2,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21902 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,830 |
| 21903 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,830 |
| 21904 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,280 | $1,380 | $1,650 | $1,970 | $2,170 |
| 21911 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,240 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,910 | $2,100 |
| 21912 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,210 | $1,350 | $1,580 | $1,910 | $2,180 |
| 21913 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,040 | $1,120 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,760 |
| 21914 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,420 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,190 | $2,420 |
| 21915 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $950 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,620 |
| 21917 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,820 | $2,010 |
| 21918 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,080 | $1,170 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $1,840 |
| 21919 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,700 | $1,840 | $2,200 | $2,620 | $2,890 |
| 21920 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,410 | $1,520 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $2,390 |
| 21921 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,410 | $1,520 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $2,390 |
| 21930 | Kent County, MD | $1,700 | $1,840 | $2,200 | $2,620 | $2,890 |
| 21930 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,700 | $1,840 | $2,200 | $2,620 | $2,890 |
- 21901 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,880$2,240
- 21902 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,390$1,660
- 21903 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,390$1,660
- 21904 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,650$1,970
- 21911 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,600$1,910
- 21912 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,580$1,910
- 21913 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,340$1,600
- 21914 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,840$2,190
- 21915 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,230$1,470
- 21917 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,530$1,820
- 21918 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,400$1,670
- 21919 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,200$2,620
- 21920 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,820$2,170
- 21921 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,820$2,170
- 21930 · Kent County, MD $2,200$2,620
- 21930 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,200$2,620
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 Cecil County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,038 households rent in Cecil County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cecil 50%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cecil County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Cecil 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)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
1,870 homes in all; 1,631 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Glen Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Glen Creek Cir, Elkton 21921 160 homes, 159 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 108 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2003
- Concord Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Concord Dr, Perryville 21903 118 low-income homes · 1 bd: 90 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Homes at Elkton/Gardens@chesapeake Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Bridgewell Pkwy, Elkton 21921 98 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Fairgreen Senior Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Greenway, Perryville 21903 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 74 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- The Villages at Belle Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Clear Blossom Dr, Elkton 21921 84 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Maple Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 W Maple Heights Ct, Rising Sun 21911 78 homes, 77 low-income · In service since 2006
- Cedar Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 13 Cedar Hill Cir, North East 21901 77 homes, 76 low-income · For families · (410) 287-9050
- Cedar Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Cedar Hill Cir, North East 21901 77 homes, 76 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Willows at Windsor Village HUD-assisted 150 E Main St, Elkton 21921 100 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (443) 406-6209
- Fairview Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 McNamee Ln, Rising Sun 21911 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Help Perry Point Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Perry Point Va Hospital, Perryville 21902 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2018 · For families
- New East Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) Razor Strap RD, North East 21901 72 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Stony Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Stony Run Cir, North East 21901 72 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities
- Villas at Whitehall Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Skipjack Ct, Elkton 21921 70 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Elkton Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 141 E High St, Elkton 21921 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Elk River Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 301elk River Manor Drive, North East 21901 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2018 · For families
- North Creek Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Stoney Run Creek Rd, North East 21901 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Rudy Park (aka Sheffield) Public housing 103 Rudy Park Dr, Elkton 21921 50 low-income homes · Run by Elkton Housing Authority · (410) 398-5018
- Victoria Park at North East Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 S Main St, North East 21901 50 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Richmond Hill Manor Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Carter Ct, Perryville 21903 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- McKINLEY APARTMENTS HUD-assisted 500 Dodson Dr, Rising Sun 21911 31 low-income homes · For families · (410) 658-3912
- Schoolhouse Apartments HUD-assisted 32 Old School House Dr, Port Deposit 21904 31 low-income homes · For families · (410) 378-4216
- Perry Villa HUD-assisted 345 Broad St, Perryville 21903 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 642-3434
- High Street Homes HUD-assisted 200 Booth St, Elkton 21921 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 996-5104
- Five Rivers Homes HUD-assisted 216 E Main St, Elkton 21921 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 996-5104
- Riverwoods at Northeast Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Railroad Rd, North East 21901 76 homes
- North East Apts LLC Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Maresca Cir, North East 21901 72 homes
- Parklands at Cecilton (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 W Main St, Cecilton 21913 62 homes
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 Cecil 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 Cecil 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)
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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)
-
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 | $25,800 | $42,950 | $68,750 |
| 2 people | $29,450 | $49,100 | $78,550 |
| 3 people | $33,150 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 4 people | $36,800 | $61,350 | $98,150 |
| 5 people | $39,750 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $76,100 | $121,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $81,000 | $129,600 |
Area median income: $122,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,294 – $1,582
- 1 bedroom $1,402 – $1,714
- 2 bedrooms $1,674 – $2,046
- 3 bedrooms $1,994 – $2,438
- 4 bedrooms $2,201 – $2,690
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
- Cecil County Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 678 vouchers (410) 996-5245 Cecil County Housing Agency: egrey@ccgov.org
- Elkton Housing Authority Public housing · 50 public housing units (410) 398-5018 Elkton Housing Authority: nhopkins@elktonha.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 Cecil County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Cecil County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) Family Education Center
200 Road B, Elkton
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cecil 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
$3,720
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,860
- Security deposit
- $1,860
- Total
- $3,720
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 Cecil County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,438; 1 bedroom: $1,558; 2 bedrooms: $1,860; 3 bedrooms: $2,216; 4 bedrooms: $2,445. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cecil County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,860) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour full time, or $74,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cecil County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $61,350 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 Cecil 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 $1,674 and $2,046 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cecil County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 21915 to $2,200 in 21930. 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 Cecil County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Cecil 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 Cecil County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cecil County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).