Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Howard County, Maryland
Howard County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,006 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $2,099 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $38.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,006
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $2,099
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% more 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
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Howard County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 24 counties in Maryland, Howard County has the highest typical rent: $2,099.
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Of the 24 counties in Maryland, Howard County has the highest typical household income: $149,763.
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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).
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 Howard 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 Howard County was $2,358 a month in September 2026: 3.3% 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 | $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 22 ZIP codes in Howard County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,940 in 21797 to $2,730 in 21044. 20 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)
| 20701 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,060 | $2,190 | $2,710 | $3,390 | $3,770 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20723 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,910 | $2,030 | $2,510 | $3,140 | $3,490 |
| 20759 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,090 | $2,200 | $2,570 | $3,240 | $3,710 |
| 20763 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,920 | $2,050 | $2,530 | $3,160 | $3,520 |
| 20777 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,930 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,180 | $3,540 |
| 20777 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,930 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,180 | $3,540 |
| 20794 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,910 | $2,040 | $2,520 | $3,150 | $3,500 |
| 21029 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,060 | $2,190 | $2,660 | $3,340 | $3,740 |
| 21036 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,160 | $2,270 | $2,600 | $3,290 | $3,810 |
| 21042 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,000 | $2,140 | $2,640 | $3,300 | $3,670 |
| 21043 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,880 | $2,010 | $2,480 | $3,100 | $3,450 |
| 21044 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,070 | $2,210 | $2,730 | $3,410 | $3,800 |
| 21045 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,700 | $1,810 | $2,240 | $2,800 | $3,110 |
| 21046 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $2,000 | $2,140 | $2,640 | $3,300 | $3,670 |
| 21075 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,980 | $2,110 | $2,610 | $3,260 | $3,630 |
| 21104 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,590 | $1,740 | $2,130 | $2,760 | $3,130 |
| 21723 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,550 | $1,720 | $2,120 | $2,690 | $2,970 |
| 21737 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,930 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,180 | $3,530 |
| 21738 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,930 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,180 | $3,530 |
| 21794 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,930 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,180 | $3,530 |
| 21797 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,530 | $1,640 | $1,940 | $2,450 | $2,790 |
| 21797 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $1,530 | $1,640 | $1,940 | $2,450 | $2,790 |
- 20701 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,710$3,390
- 20723 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,510$3,140
- 20759 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,570$3,240
- 20763 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,530$3,160
- 20777 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,540$3,180
- 20777 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $2,540$3,180
- 20794 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,520$3,150
- 21029 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,660$3,340
- 21036 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,600$3,290
- 21042 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,640$3,300
- 21043 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,480$3,100
- 21044 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,730$3,410
- 21045 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,240$2,800
- 21046 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,640$3,300
- 21075 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,610$3,260
- 21104 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,130$2,760
- 21723 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,120$2,690
- 21737 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,540$3,180
- 21738 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,540$3,180
- 21794 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $2,540$3,180
- 21797 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,940$2,450
- 21797 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,940$2,450
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 Howard 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.
34,532 households rent in Howard County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Howard 48%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Howard County
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 24
3,611 homes in all; 2,639 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Owen Brown Place HUD-assisted 7080 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045 188 low-income homes · For families · (410) 381-9544
- Sierra Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8712 Airybrink Ln, Columbia 21045 160 homes, 159 low-income · In service since 2011 · For families
- Community Homes HUD-assisted 5519 Cedar Ln, Columbia 21044 300 homes, 149 low-income · For families · (410) 730-6595
- Monarch Mills Tax credit (LIHTC) 7333 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia 21046 116 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Hickory Ridge Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 10799 Hickory Ridge Rd, Columbia 21044 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 730-6611
- Residences of Ellicott Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5505 Waterloo Rd, Ellicott City 21043 106 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families · (443) 259-4926
- Stevens Forest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5866 Stevens Forest Rd, Columbia 21045 106 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
- Park View at Columbia II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7070 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045 104 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 101 · In service since 2011
- Waverly Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 10881 Birmingham Way, Woodstock 21163 102 low-income homes · 1 bd: 86 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Harper House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5495 Cedar Ln, Columbia 21044 100 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · For families · (410) 730-3430
- Longwood Elderly HUD-assisted 6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia 21045 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 997-5356
- Park View at Colonial Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 6391 Rowanberry Dr, Elkridge 21075 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 100 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Park View at Snowden River Tax credit (LIHTC) 8600 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia 21045 100 low-income homes · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Forest Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 5890 Stevens Forest Rd, Columbia 21045 108 homes, 98 low-income · For families · (410) 730-6222
- Hilltop Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3628 Mount Ida Dr, Ellicott City 21043 198 homes, 91 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Park View at Ellicott City II Tax credit (LIHTC) 8700 Ridge Rd, Ellicott 21043 91 low-income homes · In service since 2002
- Port Capital Village LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 7111 Beverly Dr, Elkridge 21075 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Park View at Ellicott City I Tax credit (LIHTC) 8720 Ridge Rd, Ellicott City 21043 81 low-income homes · 1 bd: 71 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1999
- Park View at Emerson Tax credit (LIHTC) 9895 Palace Hall Dr, Laurel 20723 80 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Patuxent Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9900 Washington Blvd N, Laurel 20723 80 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
- Selborne House (dorsey Hall) Tax credit (LIHTC) 5320 Dorsey Hall Dr, Ellicott City 21042 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Monarch Mills HUD-assisted 7600 Monarch Mills Way, Columbia 21046 269 homes, 50 low-income · For families · (410) 381-0769
- Shalom Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 6240 Foreland Garth, Columbia 21045 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Shalom Square HUD-assisted 6220 Foreland Garth, Columbia 21045 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 992-5868
- Riverwatch (ELKRIDGE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 5673 Furnace Ave, Elkridge 21075 86 homes, 42 low-income · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 43 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chimneys of Cradlerock HUD-assisted 6577 Quiet Hours, Columbia 21045 200 homes, 40 low-income · For families · (410) 381-1906
- Sierra Woods HUD-assisted 8726 Airybrink Ln, Columbia 21045 160 homes, 32 low-income · For families · (410) 730-2350
- Roslyn Rise Four HUD-assisted 10339 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia 21044 26 low-income homes · For families
- Roslyn Rise Nine HUD-assisted 10401 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia 21044 25 low-income homes · For families
- Howard Sheltered Homes HUD-assisted 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046 21 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 730-9554
- ST. Matthew House HUD-assisted 7261 Eden Brook Dr, Columbia 21046 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (443) 518-7691
- Ottey Homes HUD-assisted 6210 Hopewell Dr, Columbia 21045 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Wetzel Homes HUD-assisted 8282 Savage Guilford Rd, Savage 20763 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
- Progressive Housing Partners HUD-assisted 10381 Barcan Cir, Columbia 21044 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 730-9554
- Transitional Housing Resources HUD-assisted 5701 Cedar Ln, Columbia 21044 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 730-9554
- Robinson Overlook HUD-assisted 7416 Grace Dr, Columbia 21044 29 homes, 8 low-income · (240) 841-5039
- Parkview Manor HUD-assisted 8975 Guilford Rd, Columbia 21046 47 homes, 6 low-income · (301) 939-4490
- Access Homes, Inc. HUD-assisted 6171 Wicker Basket Ct, Columbia 21044 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (443) 518-7687
- B.B. Homes HUD-assisted 6587 Dovecote Dr, Columbia 21044 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 430-9554
- Beaverbrook Homes HUD-assisted 9824 Owen Brown Rd, Columbia 21045 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 316-9526
- Burgess Mill Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 3050 Milltowne Dr, Ellicott City 21043 90 homes
3 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 Howard 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 Howard 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 | $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
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
- Howard County Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,184 vouchers (443) 518-7800 Howard County Housing Commission: pengel@househoward.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 Howard County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc
5809 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore · 15 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL) and Russian.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Howard 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
$4,012
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,006
- Security deposit
- $2,006
- Total
- $4,012
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 Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,940 in 21797 to $2,730 in 21044. 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 Howard County?
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard 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 Howard County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Howard County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).