Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dorchester County, Maryland
Dorchester County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,159 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,032 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,159
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 45% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,032
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $22.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Dorchester County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $61,839, Dorchester County ranks 2nd among the 24 counties in Maryland for the lowest typical household income.
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Dorchester County has the 2nd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 24 counties in Maryland (56%).
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11% of households in Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester County was $1,854 a month in September 2026. 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 | $868 | $16.69 | $34,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $970 | $18.65 | $38,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,159 | $22.29 | $46,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,605 | $30.87 | $64,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,937 | $37.25 | $77,480 |
HUD area: Dorchester 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 17 ZIP codes in Dorchester County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 21613 to $1,740 in 21869. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,159).
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)
| 21613 | Dorchester County, MD | $860 | $960 | $1,150 | $1,590 | $1,920 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21622 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21626 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21627 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21631 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,300 | $1,460 | $1,740 | $2,410 | $2,910 |
| 21634 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21643 | Caroline County, MD | $930 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,630 | $1,970 |
| 21643 | Dorchester County, MD | $930 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,630 | $1,970 |
| 21648 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,250 |
| 21659 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,470 | $1,980 | $2,380 |
| 21664 | Dorchester County, MD | $980 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,790 | $2,160 |
| 21669 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21672 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21675 | Dorchester County, MD | $870 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 21677 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,260 | $1,260 | $1,520 | $2,110 | $2,540 |
| 21835 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,130 | $1,270 | $1,520 | $2,100 | $2,540 |
| 21869 | Dorchester County, MD | $1,300 | $1,460 | $1,740 | $2,410 | $2,910 |
- 21613 · Dorchester County, MD $1,150$1,590
- 21622 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21626 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21627 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21631 · Dorchester County, MD $1,740$2,410
- 21634 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21643 · Caroline County, MD $1,190$1,630
- 21643 · Dorchester County, MD $1,190$1,630
- 21648 · Dorchester County, MD $1,350$1,870
- 21659 · Dorchester County, MD $1,470$1,980
- 21664 · Dorchester County, MD $1,290$1,790
- 21669 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21672 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21675 · Dorchester County, MD $1,160$1,610
- 21677 · Dorchester County, MD $1,520$2,110
- 21835 · Dorchester County, MD $1,520$2,100
- 21869 · Dorchester County, MD $1,740$2,410
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 Dorchester County, 56% 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.
56%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,664 households rent in Dorchester County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dorchester 56%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dorchester County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Dorchester County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 7
1,451 homes in all; 1,411 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Calvin Mowbray Park & Stephen Camper Park HUD-assisted 700 Weaver Ave, Cambridge 21613 190 low-income homes · For families · (410) 228-6856
- Calvin Mowbray Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Weaver Ave, Cambridge 21613 190 homes, 150 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 100 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Bay Country Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 522 Greenwood Ave, Cambridge 21613 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 75 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 228-0448
- Cambridge Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Greenwood Ave, Cambridge 21613 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 75 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bradford House HUD-assisted 701 Race St, Cambridge 21613 121 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 228-0110
- Crusader Arms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Meteor Ave, Cambridge 21613 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Cambridge Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 Chestnut Pl, Cambridge 21613 96 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
- Conifer Village at Cambridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 2332 Hudson Rd, Cambridge 21613 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 59 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Conifer Village at Cambridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1223 Zachary Dr, Cambridge 21613 70 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Foxtail Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Foxtail Dr, Cambridge 21613 46 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Carlton Courts HUD-assisted 609 Carlton Ct, Cambridge 21613 40 low-income homes · For families
- Carlton Courts Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 915917 Hubbard ST, Cambridge 21613 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2001
- Stephen Camper Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Weaver Ave, Cambridge 21613 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Parkside Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 Greenwood Ave, Cambridge 21613 30 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Parkside Village/Homes for Cambridge HUD-assisted 571 Greenwood Ave, Cambridge 21613 30 low-income homes · For families · (410) 677-3122
- Shiloh House Tax credit (LIHTC) 6206 Shiloh Church, Hurlock 21643 30 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Glenburn Garden House Tax credit (LIHTC) 911 Glenburn Ave, Cambridge 21613 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1999
- Greenwood Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1001 Cosby Ave, Cambridge 21613 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 221-6005
- Prospect Heights HUD-assisted 202A Gold Rush Ln, Hurlock 21643 16 low-income homes · For families · (410) 228-4990
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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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: $87,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dorchester County, MD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $781 – $955
- 1 bedroom $873 – $1,067
- 2 bedrooms $1,043 – $1,275
- 3 bedrooms $1,445 – $1,766
- 4 bedrooms $1,743 – $2,131
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 Cambridge Public housing (410) 228-6856 Housing Authority of Cambridge: houseauth@comcast.net
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 Dorchester County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Habitat for Humanity Choptank
29349 Maple Ave, Trappe · 16 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 8 more
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Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service, Inc
560 Riverside Dr Ste A102, Salisbury · 24 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Telamon Corporation - Salisbury Branch
31901 Tri County Way, Salisbury · 30 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Dorchester 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
$2,318
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,159
- Security deposit
- $1,159
- Total
- $2,318
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 Dorchester County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $868; 1 bedroom: $970; 2 bedrooms: $1,159; 3 bedrooms: $1,605; 4 bedrooms: $1,937. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dorchester County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,159) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.29 an hour full time, or $46,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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 $1,043 and $1,275 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dorchester County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 21613 to $1,740 in 21869. 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 Dorchester County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Dorchester 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 Dorchester County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dorchester County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).