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County in Maryland

Howard County, Maryland

Howard County is a county in Maryland with 336,328 residents, No. 6 of 24 by population. In Howard County, the FHA loan limit for a one-unit home is $747,500, and a typical home is worth $597,900. To rent a 2-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent ($2,006 a month) without going over 30% of your income, you need to earn about $38.58 an hour.

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  • Typical home price

    $597,900

    +42% vs. Maryland +80% vs. U.S.

    Half of owner-occupied homes are worth more and half are worth less.

    • Howard
    • Maryland
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

  • Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms

    $2,006 a month

    −5% vs. Maryland +15% vs. U.S.

    HUD's reference rent for a two-bedroom apartment, with basic utilities.

    • Howard
    • Maryland
    • United States

    Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

  • FHA limit 2026, 1 unit

    $747,500

    FHA high-cost area

    The most you can borrow with an FHA loan for a one-unit home here.

    • Howard
    • Floor
    • Ceiling

    Source: HUD, 2026 data

  • Property tax

    1.17% of value per year

    +21% vs. Maryland +24% vs. U.S.

    $6,987 a year for the typical owner

    • Howard
    • Maryland
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$625,349
0.8% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$2,358 a month
3.3% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Data from October 2026

In short

What is housing like in Howard County today?

With an FHA loan and the minimum down payment, a typical home would cost about $5,074 a month: 41% of the typical household income here. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $217,438 a year; the typical income here is $149,763. The typical home value is 42% more than in Maryland overall. The typical property tax is $6,987 a year (about 1.17% of home value), higher than in Maryland. This is a high-cost area for FHA: the limit is above the national floor.

There are 2 agencies with HUD-approved housing counselors who speak Spanish near here.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); HUD (2026 data); HUD (Retrieved November 6, 2026).

Only here

What sets Howard County apart

  1. Of the 24 counties in Maryland, Howard County has the highest typical rent: $2,099.

  2. Of the 24 counties in Maryland, Howard County has the highest typical household income: $149,763.

  3. Nearby, in the City of Baltimore, the typical home value is $229,600: 62% less than in Howard County ($597,900).

  4. Howard County has the highest typical rent in its area: $2,099, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Anne Arundel County ($2,071).

  5. At 1.17%, Howard County ranks 2nd among the 24 counties in Maryland for the highest effective property tax rate.

  6. At $597,900, Howard County ranks 2nd among the 24 counties in Maryland for the highest typical home value.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

The homes here

Housing in Howard County

What homes there are in Howard County, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is the most common home in Howard County: 50% of homes, near the figure in Maryland (51%).

Year built

Here half of the homes date from 1989 or later; in Maryland, from 1979 or later.

Homes in Howard County are bigger: 71% have 3 bedrooms or more; in Maryland, 66%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

By price, most homes in Howard County sit under the FHA limit for this county ($747,500): about 70%.

Monthly rent with utilities

Measured against HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,006), about 44% of rented homes in Howard County cost less.

With a mortgage

$3,021 a month

Maryland: $2,347 a month

Without a mortgage

$1,044 a month

Maryland: $753 a month

Owners with a mortgage

72%

Maryland: 71%

In Howard County, 72% of owners have a mortgage, and their typical cost is $3,021 a month, against $2,347 in Maryland. Without one it drops to $1,044.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, home values in Howard County rose at about the same pace as in Maryland: 31% against 33%.

Much as in Maryland, the typical rent in Howard County rose 22% since 2015–2019.

To compare: typical income in Howard County rose 24%; the home, +31%; the rent, +22%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureHoward CountyMarylandUnited States
Rental vacancy 5.3%4.7%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy Unreliable estimate0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.8%2.5%3.4%
People per household 2.762.572.53
Drive alone 65%65%69%
Carpool 5%8%9%
Public transit 2%4%3%
Walk or bike 1%2%3%
Work from home 26%19%15%
Other means 1%2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Open rentals in Howard County look like those in Maryland: the rental vacancy rate is 5.3%.

Much as in Maryland, 1.8% of households in Howard County have more than one person per room.

Households in Howard County are bigger: 2.76 people on average; in Maryland, 2.57.

Working from home is more common in Howard County: 26%, against 19% in Maryland.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month in Howard County?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home of $597,900, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 41% of the typical household income here, which is $149,763 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $217,438 a year.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Howard County. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $20,927 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$5,074

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$587,070
Total interest
$844,656
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $10,097 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $3,494 a month

  • Tight

    $3,494 to $4,493 a month

  • Hard

    more than $4,493 a month

    Your payment · 41%

Compared with the typical household income in Howard County ($149,763 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$5,074
Principal & interest$3,977
Property tax$583
Home insurance$249
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$264

You need at least $20,927 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

Buying a home

Buying a home in Howard County

Here you'll see how prices have changed, how Howard County compares with Maryland and the country, and what you'd pay each month with four kinds of loans.

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Howard County rose 53% in the 10 years through 2025. FHFA's index follows the price of the same homes over the years.

Period Here Maryland United States
In 2025 +2.0% +2.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +40% +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +53% +60% +85%
See each year's change

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Howard County compared with Maryland and the United States

Home value, rent and household income, side by side. "Typical" is the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Howard $597,900
  • Maryland $419,900
  • United States $332,700
Typical rent a month
  • Howard $2,099
  • Maryland $1,705
  • United States $1,413
Typical household income a year
  • Howard $149,763
  • Maryland $103,678
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Howard compared with Maryland and the United States
MeasureHereMarylandU.S.
Residents336,3286,206,011334,922,499
Typical home value$597,900$419,900$332,700
Typical household income$149,763$103,678$80,734
Typical rent$2,099$1,705$1,413
Fair Market Rent (2 bedrooms)$2,006$2,103$1,750
Hourly wage to rent a 2-bedroom$38.58$40.44$33.65
Typical property tax$6,987$4,093$3,119
Effective tax rate1.17%0.97%0.94%
Households that own their home71%68%65%
Renters spending 30% or more on rent48%51%51%
FHA limit (1 unit)*$747,500$630,200$541,287

FHA limit: Maryland shows the median of its counties; the United States, the national floor. Download CSV

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Howard County

For a typical $597,900 home at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, the county's property tax, an example homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

Loan Monthly payment Down payment Loan amount Rate Mortgage insurance Cash to close Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down $5,074 $20,927 $587,071 7.18% FHA MIP · $264 $38,864 580
Conventional, 5% down $4,964 $29,895 $568,005 7.18% PMI · $284 $47,832 620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $4,072 $119,580 $478,320 7.18% None $137,517 620*
ITIN, 15% down (example) $4,625 $89,685 $508,215 8.18% None $107,622 Set by the lender
  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

Everything about buying in Howard County: income, limits and help How much house can I afford? Closing costs

Loan limits

This is a high-cost area, so FHA limits in Howard County are above the national floor. The limit is set for the whole metro area (Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD). If the loan you need is above these amounts, it doesn't fit FHA or it becomes a "jumbo" loan.

VA loans. If you have full VA entitlement, VA doesn't cap the loan amount. If you've used part of your entitlement, the calculation uses the county limit ($832,750 for one unit). VA loan limits (va.gov)

USDA loans. They're for homes in eligible rural areas and households with incomes within USDA's limit. Check whether the address and your income qualify on the official site. USDA eligibility (usda.gov)

Home type FHA limit Conforming limit
1 unit $747,500 $832,750
2 units $956,950 $1,066,250
3 units $1,156,700 $1,288,800
4 units $1,437,500 $1,601,750

Source: HUD, 2026 data · Source: FHFA, 2026 data

Taxes and risks

Property tax and flooding in Howard County

Two costs that change a lot from place to place and that a house payment does include: property tax and, in risk zones, flood insurance.

Property tax

In Howard County, the typical owner pays $6,987 a year: about 1.17% of the home's value. That is more than the rest of Maryland and more than the national average.

  • Howard 1.17%
  • Maryland 0.97%
  • United States 0.94%

What Maryland publishes Homestead tax credit (cap on yearly assessment increases) (Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Tax-Property Article))

Exemptions and deadlines in Maryland

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Howard County 0.3% of homes (246) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 94% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. (44 CFR 59.1)
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. (42 U.S.C. 4012a)
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. (FEMA, FloodSmart)

Source: FEMA, As of August 3, 2026

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Owning a home here

Owning a home in Howard County

The natural hazards FEMA measures in Howard County, a maintenance plan for your climate and what the trades earn in your area.

Risks to your home

FEMA, National Risk Index 1.20.0 (December 2025)

In Howard County, FEMA rates the natural hazard risk as relatively low.

That rating combines the loss FEMA expects with social vulnerability and community resilience.

In all, FEMA estimates natural hazards cause about $52 million in losses a year in Howard County, across buildings, people and crops.

Of all the hazards, FEMA expects inland flooding to do the most damage to buildings: about $26.1 million a year.

Loss FEMA expects each year to homes and buildings, by hazard
  1. Inland floodingRelatively moderate $26.1 million a year
  2. HurricaneRelatively low $3.4 million a year
  3. EarthquakeRelatively low $1.8 million a year
  4. TornadoRelatively low $1.3 million a year
  5. Winter weatherRelatively high $42,819 a year

What it means for your home

The ratings are FEMA's own. FEMA says its data is meant for planning and does not replace a local study. Drought is not shown: FEMA counts its loss in crops only.

National Risk Index, version 1.20.0 (December 2025), retrieved November 6, 2026

FEMA notice: This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).

Climate and upkeep

Department of Energy (PNNL), 2021 IECC zones

The home energy code (IECC) puts Howard County in zone 4A: mixed and humid.

The zone's number says how hot or cold it gets; the letter says how humid: A is moist, B is dry and C is marine.

  • Spring

    • Book the air conditioner's check-up before the heat: ENERGY STAR advises checking the cooling system in the spring, because contractors get busy once summer comes. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Clean and repair the roof gutters. EPA

  • Summer

    • Keep indoor humidity below 60 % (ideally between 30 % and 50 %). A humidity meter is inexpensive and sold at hardware stores. EPA
    • Keep the air conditioner's drip pan clean and its drain line flowing: a plugged drain can cause water damage in the house. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Fall

    • Book the heating check-up in the fall. If it runs on gas or oil, the technician should check the connections: faulty ones are a fire hazard. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Look for drafts at windows and doors: close the window on a piece of paper; if it moves back and forth easily, it needs thicker weather stripping. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Winter

    • Get the house ready for the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Ready.gov (FEMA)
    • Seal the air ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, basement or garage with duct mastic or foil tape, then wrap them in insulation. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

All year

  • Check the air filter every month, especially in heavy-use months. If it looks dirty, change it; change it at least every 3 months. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
  • Test the smoke alarms every month and replace their batteries at least once a year. USFA (FEMA)

Each task comes from the official page beside it. The spring air-conditioning and fall heating check-ups are the timing ENERGY STAR advises; the rest is a suggested order.

Climate zones by county, 2021 IECC

What the trades charge here

BLS, wages for May 2025

TradeTypical hourly wage8 in 10 earn between
Electricians$31.54$21.82 and $54.37
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters$30.38$21.74 and $49.34
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics$30.38$21.65 and $49.67
Roofers$27.11$21.15 and $39.26
Carpenters$29.99$20.59 and $41.09
Painters, construction and maintenance$23.36$19.22 and $38.73
Maintenance and repair workers, general$25.05$17.22 and $36.29

According to BLS, an electrician earns about $31.54 an hour in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area; a plumber, about $30.38.

These are workers' hourly wages, not the price of a job.

Need help paying for a repair?

Renting

Renting in Howard County

The typical rent in Howard County is $2,099 a month. HUD also publishes a “fair market rent” by unit size: it's the one programs like Section 8 use.

48% of renter households in Howard County spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 23% spend half or more.

Fair market rent by size

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

Size Fair rent a 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

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

Free help in Howard County

Programs and counseling in Howard County

We didn't find HUD-approved agencies with an office in this county. These are the 6 nearest; many serve by phone or online.

Official programs for the down payment and loans for buyers. Check which ones you might qualify for with your income and your county.

Three generations of a family gather on the porch of their home.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Maryland down payment programs

  1. MMP 1st Time Advantage

    Maryland Mortgage Program mortgages for first-time buyers, with a deferred 0% second mortgage for the down payment: $6,000, or 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan

    First-time buyers only. Run by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

    Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

  2. MMP Flex Loans

    Maryland Mortgage Program mortgages for first-time buyers and for people who have owned a home before; Flex 6000 brings $6,000 and Flex 3% brings 3% of the loan for the down payment, as a deferred 0% second loan

    No first-time requirement. Run by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

    Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

  3. Maryland SmartBuy

    Maryland Mortgage Program loan of up to 15% of the price (maximum $25,000) to pay off your student debt when you buy a home; no interest or monthly payments, and forgiven after five years if you stay in the home

    First-time buyers only. Run by Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development).

    Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

Which programs do I qualify for? See all Maryland programs

Help in Spanish in Howard County

2 of the 6 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Public housing agencies

They run public housing and Section 8 vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) in this county.

  • Howard County Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (443) 518-7800

Free legal help

If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.

Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Housing counseling nearby

These are the nearest agencies, with the distance in miles. Many help by phone or online. Official HUD list. Confirm hours and fees with the agency before you go.

  • Diversified Housing Development, Inc.

    8025 Liberty Rd, Windsor Mill · 11 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 2 more
    (410) 496-1214

  • Latino Economic Development Corporation

    12520 Prosperity Dr, Silver Spring · 13 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 1 more
    (202) 540-7426

  • Operation Hope Pikesville MD

    1525 Town Center Pl, Pikesville · 14 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 3 more
    (470) 223-0285
See every agency in Maryland

Places

Cities in Howard County

Each city has its own page with prices, rents and help. These are the largest.

See all 8 cities of Howard County

Nearby counties

Each row compares its typical value, typical rent and FHA limit with Howard County.

Read next

Guides that help here

We picked them by this county's numbers: what weighs most here is what's worth understanding first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Howard County in 2026?

Howard County has an FHA limit of $747,500 for a one-unit home. For 2 units it's $956,950, for 3 it's $1,156,700 and for 4 it's $1,437,500. It's a high-cost area, so the limit is above the national floor.

What is the conforming loan limit in Howard County?

Howard County has a conforming limit of $832,750 for one-unit conventional loans in 2026. A bigger loan is a “jumbo” loan.

How much does a typical home cost in Howard County?

The typical home value in Howard County is $597,900 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). Across Maryland it's $419,900.

How much does it cost to rent in Howard County?

Howard County has a typical rent of $2,099 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). HUD's fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,006 (Fiscal year 2027).

How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Howard County?

About $38.58 an hour working full time (2,080 hours a year), or $80,240 a year, so the fair market rent of $2,006 stays under 30% of income.

Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); Income Limits (Fiscal year 2026); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); National Risk Index (2025 data); IECC climate zones by county (2021 data); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).