Renting in Harford County, Maryland: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $2,006; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 5% less than in Maryland
Typical rent: $1,586; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 7% 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

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Harford County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Among the neighboring counties, Kent County has the lowest typical rent ($1,209), 24% below the $1,586 in Harford 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 Harford 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 Harford County was $1,896 a month in September 2026: 2.7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
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 20 ZIP codes in Harford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,680 in 21034 to $3,010 in 21010. 11 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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

21001	$1,430	$1,520	$1,880	$2,350	$2,610
21005	$1,870	$1,990	$2,460	$3,080	$3,420
21009	$1,610	$1,720	$2,120	$2,650	$2,950
21010	$2,290	$2,440	$3,010	$3,760	$4,180
21014	$1,480	$1,580	$1,950	$2,440	$2,710
21015	$1,630	$1,730	$2,140	$2,680	$2,980
21017	$1,650	$1,760	$2,170	$2,710	$3,020
21028	$1,750	$1,870	$2,310	$2,890	$3,210
21034	$1,230	$1,360	$1,680	$2,130	$2,350
21040	$1,350	$1,440	$1,780	$2,230	$2,470
21047	$2,240	$2,390	$2,950	$3,690	$4,100
21050	$1,590	$1,690	$2,090	$2,610	$2,910
21078	$1,310	$1,390	$1,720	$2,150	$2,390
21084	$1,540	$1,630	$2,020	$2,530	$2,810
21085	$1,540	$1,640	$2,030	$2,540	$2,820
21130	$1,620	$1,720	$2,130	$2,670	$2,960
21132	$1,270	$1,360	$1,690	$2,140	$2,350
21154	$1,270	$1,360	$1,680	$2,130	$2,350
21160	$1,230	$1,360	$1,680	$2,130	$2,350
21161	$1,480	$1,580	$1,950	$2,440	$2,710

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
21001 $1,880$2,350
21005 $2,460$3,080
21009 $2,120$2,650
21010 $3,010$3,760
21014 $1,950$2,440
21015 $2,140$2,680
21017 $2,170$2,710
21028 $2,310$2,890
21034 $1,680$2,130
21040 $1,780$2,230
21047 $2,950$3,690
21050 $2,090$2,610
21078 $1,720$2,150
21084 $2,020$2,530
21085 $2,030$2,540
21130 $2,130$2,670
21132 $1,690$2,140
21154 $1,680$2,130
21160 $1,680$2,130
21161 $1,950$2,440

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 Harford 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.

20,703 households rent in Harford County

Spend half or more of their income 24%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 51%

Compared with the state and the country

Harford 49%
Maryland 51%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Harford County

HUD lists 30 properties with homes for low-income households in Harford 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): 14
HUD-assisted: 20
public housing: 1

3,403 homes in all; 2,981 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Windsor Valley Apartments PH I and II Tax credit (LIHTC) 570 Meadowood Dr, Edgewood 21040 291 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 164 · 3 bd: 65 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
Windsor Valley III Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 525 Meadowood Dr, Edgewood 21040 291 homes, 256 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 209 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2002 · For families · (410) 679-4228
Edgewater Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1881 Edgewater Dr, Edgewood 21040 223 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 157 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2001
Village at Lakeview Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 833 Fisherman Ln, Edgewood 21040 223 homes, 218 low-income · For families · (410) 679-5888
Perrywood Garden Apts HUD-assisted 301 Mayberry Dr, Aberdeen 21001 184 low-income homes · For families · (410) 272-6046
Affinity Old Post Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 101 Hanover St, Aberdeen 21001 178 low-income homes · In service since 2007 · For families · (410) 272-1630
Windsor Valley Apts. Section III HUD-assisted 1712 Dearwood Ct, Edgewood 21040 283 homes, 164 low-income · For families · (410) 679-4228
Harford Senior Housing HUD-assisted 300 Sunflower Dr, Bel Air 21014 133 homes, 132 low-income · For older adults · (410) 879-4450
Woodbridge Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1315 Woodbridge Station Way, Edgewood 21040 132 homes, 131 low-income · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
Highland Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Roosevelt Ave, Aberdeen 21001 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 88 · In service since 2007
Highland Commons HUD-assisted 35 Lincoln Ave, Aberdeen 21001 120 homes, 104 low-income · For families · (410) 272-1111
Park View at Box Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Box Hill South Pkwy, Abingdon 21009 100 low-income homes · In service since 1999
Park View at Bel Air Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 S Atwood Rd, Bel Air 21014 101 homes, 99 low-income · In service since 2001
Burton Manor HUD-assisted 601 Cornell St, Aberdeen 21001 80 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 272-7250
Perryman Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 1222 Perryman Rd, Aberdeen 21001 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 43 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
Abingdon Senior Housing HUD-assisted 3001 St Clair Dr, Abingdon 21009 76 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 569-3630
Aberdeen Senior Housing HUD-assisted 901 Barnett Ln, Aberdeen 21001 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 273-0439
The Graw HUD-assisted 100 Revolution St, Havre De Grace 21078 66 homes, 65 low-income · For older adults · (410) 939-2736
Housing Authority,City of Havre de Grace Public housing 100 Vancherie Ct, Havre De Grace 21078 60 low-income homes · Run by Havre de Grace Housing Authority · Average payment: $744 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (410) 939-2097
Brookside Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 1618 Swallow Crest Dr, Edgewood 21040 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
ST. Johns Towers HUD-assisted 505 Congress Ave, Havre De Grace 21078 53 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 939-5040
Riverwoods at Tollgate II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3803 Monument Cir, Abingdon 21009 57 homes, 51 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 676-6766
Rock Spring Station Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2000 Rock Spring Rd, Forest Hill 21050 54 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2019 · For families · (443) 815-1647
St. Johns Commons HUD-assisted 601 Pennington Ave, Havre De Grace 21078 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 930-5040
Harborside Village Apartments HUD-assisted 600 Harborside Dr, Joppatowne 21085 150 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (410) 679-1130
Villages at Highland Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Taft St, Aberdeen 21001 22 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2013 · For families
Harford Senior Housing II HUD-assisted 300 Sunflower Dr, Bel Air 21014 21 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 879-4450
Coming Home to Harford County HUD-assisted 626 Fountain St, Havre De Grace 21078 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Bensons Corner HUD-assisted 1700 Harford Rd, Fallston 21047 51 homes, 5 low-income · (443) 699-2759
Homes at Fountain Green HUD-assisted 1900 N Fountain Green Rd, Bel Air 21015 68 homes, 4 low-income · (443) 259-4900

5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Harford 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 Harford 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA.
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

How much can you earn? Check your case

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

Harford County Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 1,297 vouchers (410) 638-3045 Harford County Housing Agency: bwrichardson@harfordcountymd.gov
Havre de Grace Housing Authority Public housing · 60 public housing units (410) 939-2097

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 rule

Compare 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 Harford County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Harford County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

HC
Harford County, Maryland

15 S Main St, Bel Air
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
(410) 638-3045

See every agency in Maryland Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Harford 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Harford County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $2,006. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

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

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Harford 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 Harford 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 Harford 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 Harford 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 Harford County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,680 in 21034 to $3,010 in 21010. 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 Harford County?

HUD lists 30 properties with homes for low-income households in Harford 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 Harford County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Harford County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Harford County, Maryland

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Harford County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Harford County

The Section 8 voucher in Harford County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Maryland

Where to get help with rent in Harford County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Harford County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Harford County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Harford County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Harford County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Harford County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Harford County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Harford County?