Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Frederick County, Maryland
Frederick County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,438 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,774 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,438
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% more than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,774
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $46.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $97,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Frederick County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Washington County has the lowest typical rent ($1,147), 35% below the $1,774 in Frederick 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 Frederick 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 Frederick County was $2,179 a month in September 2026: 2.8% 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 | $2,111 | $40.60 | $84,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,204 | $42.38 | $88,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,438 | $46.88 | $97,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,107 | $59.75 | $124,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,658 | $70.35 | $146,320 |
HUD area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-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 34 ZIP codes in Frederick County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 21788 to $3,140 in 21704. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,438).
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)
| 21701 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,800 | $1,880 | $2,080 | $2,650 | $3,120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21702 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,740 | $1,820 | $2,010 | $2,560 | $3,020 |
| 21703 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,030 | $2,120 | $2,340 | $2,980 | $3,510 |
| 21704 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,720 | $2,840 | $3,140 | $4,000 | $4,710 |
| 21705 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,800 | $1,880 | $2,080 | $2,650 | $3,120 |
| 21710 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,830 | $1,910 | $2,110 | $2,690 | $3,170 |
| 21714 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,730 | $1,800 | $1,990 | $2,540 | $2,990 |
| 21716 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,200 | $1,260 | $1,390 | $1,770 | $2,090 |
| 21717 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,220 | $2,310 | $2,560 | $3,260 | $3,840 |
| 21718 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,130 | $1,180 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,970 |
| 21727 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,130 | $1,180 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,970 |
| 21754 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,530 | $2,640 | $2,920 | $3,720 | $4,380 |
| 21755 | Hagerstown, MD | $1,300 | $1,360 | $1,500 | $1,910 | $2,250 |
| 21755 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,300 | $1,360 | $1,500 | $1,910 | $2,250 |
| 21758 | Hagerstown, MD | $1,670 | $1,760 | $2,040 | $2,640 | $3,060 |
| 21758 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,670 | $1,760 | $2,040 | $2,640 | $3,060 |
| 21762 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,450 | $1,530 | $1,760 | $2,210 | $2,560 |
| 21769 | Hagerstown, MD | $1,690 | $1,760 | $1,950 | $2,490 | $2,930 |
| 21769 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,690 | $1,760 | $1,950 | $2,490 | $2,930 |
| 21770 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,140 | $2,250 | $2,550 | $3,240 | $3,760 |
| 21771 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,080 | $2,200 | $2,580 | $3,250 | $3,720 |
| 21771 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,080 | $2,200 | $2,580 | $3,250 | $3,720 |
| 21773 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,800 | $1,880 | $2,080 | $2,650 | $3,120 |
| 21774 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $2,560 | $2,680 | $2,960 | $3,770 | $4,440 |
| 21777 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,580 | $1,650 | $1,820 | $2,320 | $2,740 |
| 21778 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,200 | $1,260 | $1,420 | $1,800 | $2,110 |
| 21780 | Hagerstown, MD | $1,310 | $1,370 | $1,520 | $1,940 | $2,280 |
| 21780 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,310 | $1,370 | $1,520 | $1,940 | $2,280 |
| 21788 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,630 | $1,920 |
| 21790 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,850 | $1,940 | $2,140 | $2,730 | $3,220 |
| 21791 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,320 | $1,400 | $1,640 | $2,060 | $2,360 |
| 21791 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,320 | $1,400 | $1,640 | $2,060 | $2,360 |
| 21793 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,710 | $1,780 | $1,970 | $2,510 | $2,960 |
| 21798 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,380 | $1,440 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,390 |
- 21701 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,080$2,650
- 21702 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,010$2,560
- 21703 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,340$2,980
- 21704 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $3,140$4,000
- 21705 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,080$2,650
- 21710 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,110$2,690
- 21714 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,990$2,540
- 21716 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,390$1,770
- 21717 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,560$3,260
- 21718 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,310$1,670
- 21727 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,310$1,670
- 21754 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,920$3,720
- 21755 · Hagerstown, MD $1,500$1,910
- 21755 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,500$1,910
- 21758 · Hagerstown, MD $2,040$2,640
- 21758 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,040$2,640
- 21762 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,760$2,210
- 21769 · Hagerstown, MD $1,950$2,490
- 21769 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,950$2,490
- 21770 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,550$3,240
- 21771 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,580$3,250
- 21771 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,580$3,250
- 21773 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,080$2,650
- 21774 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,960$3,770
- 21777 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,820$2,320
- 21778 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,420$1,800
- 21780 · Hagerstown, MD $1,520$1,940
- 21780 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,520$1,940
- 21788 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,280$1,630
- 21790 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,140$2,730
- 21791 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,640$2,060
- 21791 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,640$2,060
- 21793 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,970$2,510
- 21798 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,590$2,030
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 Frederick 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.
24,040 households rent in Frederick County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Frederick 48%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Frederick County
HUD lists 50 properties with homes for low-income households in Frederick 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)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 35
- public housing
- 5
2,375 homes in all; 2,038 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Waverley View Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Harlan Way, Frederick 21702 240 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Orchard Park at Ballenger Run Tax credit (LIHTC) Ballenger Creek Pike at Wild, Frederick 21701 210 low-income homes · In service since 2019 · For families
- Taney Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1421 Taney Ave, Frederick 21702 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 130 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families · (404) 487-5331
- Commons of Avalon (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) Hampshire Drive, Frederick 21702 114 low-income homes · 3 bd: 103 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Geo Washington Carver Public housing 214 Phebus Ave, Frederick 21701 110 low-income homes · Run by Frederick Housing Authority · Average payment: $545 a month · (301) 662-8173
- Country Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 1000A Heather Ridge Dr, Frederick 21702 108 low-income homes · For families · (301) 694-0355
- Sharpe Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 820 Motter Ave, Frederick 21701 86 low-income homes · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Walkersville Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Sandstone Dr, Walkersville 21793 80 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Spring Ridge Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 6351 Spring Ridge Pkwy, Frederick 21701 144 homes, 75 low-income · 1 bd: 113 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Frederick Revitalization Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 W Seventh St, Frederick 21701 74 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sinclair Way Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 350 W Patrick St, Frederick 21701 71 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families · (240) 221-1465
- Hillcrest Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1155 Orchard Ter, Frederick 21703 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities · Run by Frederick Housing Authority · Average payment: $548 a month · (301) 662-8173
- Windsor Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Key Pkwy, Frederick 21702 59 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Windsor Gardens HUD-assisted 1103 Key Pkwy, Frederick 21702 59 homes, 58 low-income · For families · (240) 578-4588
- 520 North Market Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 520 N Market St, Frederick 21701 59 homes, 53 low-income · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families · (508) 583-7834
- Brunswick House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1100 Peach Orchard Ln, Brunswick 21716 52 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (301) 834-7700
- Frederick Revitalization I Public housing 113 E South St, Frederick 21701 74 homes, 43 low-income · Run by Frederick Housing Authority · Average payment: $395 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (301) 662-8173
- Seton Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 333 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg 21727 43 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Seton Village HUD-assisted 327 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg 21727 43 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults · (301) 447-6250
- Francis Scott Key Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 31 W Patrick St, Frederick 21701 46 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Catoctin Manor Public housing 798 Motter Ave, Frederick 21701 23 low-income homes · Run by Frederick Housing Authority · Average payment: $479 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (301) 662-8173
- Potomac River Homes HUD-assisted 255 W Patrick St, Frederick 21701 22 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-0070
- Winter Place Homes HUD-assisted 540 Logan St, Frederick 21701 22 homes, 21 low-income · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-0070
- Autumn Place HUD-assisted 2 Norva Ave, Frederick 21701 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Scattered Sites fka Lucas Village Public housing 563 Cotswold Ct, Frederick 21703 19 low-income homes · Run by Frederick Housing Authority · Average payment: $659 a month · (301) 662-8173
- Woolard Homes HUD-assisted 318 Thomas Ave, Frederick 21701 19 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- OConor Homes HUD-assisted 217 Phebus Ave, Frederick 21701 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Spring Place Homes HUD-assisted 114 W Fifth St, Frederick 21701 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-0070
- Sergents Way HUD-assisted 225 Wyngate Dr, Frederick 21701 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Collins Way HUD-assisted 208 Thomas Ave, Frederick 21701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Summerplace Group Home HUD-assisted 403 S Market St, Frederick 21701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Thomas Contentment HUD-assisted 385 Prospect Blvd, Frederick 21701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Walden Place HUD-assisted 184 Key Pkwy, Frederick 21702 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-0070
- Orchard Park at Ballenger Run HUD-assisted 5234 Black Locust Dr, Frederick 21703 199 homes, 11 low-income · (301) 662-8510
- Floyd-Kress Homes HUD-assisted 199 Greenway Dr, Frederick 21702 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Hinze Homes HUD-assisted 312 W Patrick St, Frederick 21701 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Oldetowne Homes HUD-assisted 7 W 3rd St, Frederick 21701 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Georgetowne Apartments HUD-assisted 100 E Third St, Frederick 21701 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-0070
- Irish Meadows HUD-assisted 217 E Potomac St, Brunswick 21716 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Maher Homes HUD-assisted 204 Ashfield Ct, Frederick 21702 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (240) 409-1444
- Sourlis Homes HUD-assisted 205 S Jefferson St, Frederick 21701 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Washington-Allegany Residence I HUD-assisted 620B Research Dr, Frederick 21703 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (304) 738-9272
- Beam Homes HUD-assisted 613 Mary St, Frederick 21701 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Betty Jane Malone Homes HUD-assisted 8107 Cambridge Dr, Frederick 21704 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099, ext. 1632
- Frederick Rehab HUD-assisted 102 S Market St, Frederick 21701 4 low-income homes · For families · (301) 600-1443
- Andover Group Home HUD-assisted 110 Andover Ct, Frederick 21702 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Hillcrest Group Home HUD-assisted 590 Hillcrest Dr, Frederick 21703 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 694-8810
- Meadow Grove Group Home HUD-assisted 1807 Meadowgrove Ln, Frederick 21702 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Pinoak Group Home HUD-assisted 424 Pinoak Pl, Frederick 21701 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
- Wyngate Group Home HUD-assisted 246 Wyngate Dr, Frederick 21701 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 663-8811
5 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 Frederick 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 Frederick 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 | $34,900 | $58,150 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $39,900 | $66,450 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $44,900 | $74,750 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $49,850 | $83,050 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $53,850 | $89,700 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $57,850 | $96,350 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $61,850 | $103,000 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $65,850 | $109,650 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $166,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,900 – $2,322
- 1 bedroom $1,984 – $2,424
- 2 bedrooms $2,194 – $2,682
- 3 bedrooms $2,796 – $3,418
- 4 bedrooms $3,292 – $4,024
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
- Frederick Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 957 vouchers · 286 public housing units (301) 662-8173 Frederick Housing Authority: alollar@hacfrederick.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 Frederick County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Frederick County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
The City of Frederick
100 S Market St, Frederick
- 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 Frederick 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
$4,876
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,438
- Security deposit
- $2,438
- Total
- $4,876
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 Frederick County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $2,111; 1 bedroom: $2,204; 2 bedrooms: $2,438; 3 bedrooms: $3,107; 4 bedrooms: $3,658. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Frederick County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,438) without spending more than 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour full time, or $97,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Frederick County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $83,050 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 Frederick 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 $2,194 and $2,682 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Frederick County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 21788 to $3,140 in 21704. 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 Frederick County?
HUD lists 50 properties with homes for low-income households in Frederick 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 Frederick County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Frederick County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).