Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Kent County, Maryland
Kent County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,241 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,209 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,241
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 41% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,209
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 29% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $23.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% more than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Kent County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Kent County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 24 counties in Maryland: 60%.
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Kent County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,209, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is the City of Baltimore ($1,331).
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11% of households in Kent 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 Kent 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $956 | $18.38 | $38,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,140 | $21.92 | $45,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,241 | $23.87 | $49,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,603 | $30.83 | $64,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,050 | $39.42 | $82,000 |
HUD area: Kent 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 11 ZIP codes in Kent County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 21610 to $1,680 in 21651. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,241).
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)
| 21610 | Kent County, MD | $960 | $1,030 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,890 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21620 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21620 | Kent County, MD | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21635 | Kent County, MD | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,540 | $1,900 | $2,180 |
| 21645 | Kent County, MD | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,070 |
| 21650 | Kent County, MD | $980 | $1,120 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| 21651 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21651 | Kent County, MD | $1,230 | $1,360 | $1,680 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 21661 | Kent County, MD | $1,050 | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,180 |
| 21667 | Kent County, MD | $970 | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,980 |
| 21678 | Kent County, MD | $960 | $1,130 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $2,020 |
- 21610 · Kent County, MD $1,130$1,480
- 21620 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21620 · Kent County, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21635 · Kent County, MD $1,540$1,900
- 21645 · Kent County, MD $1,400$1,760
- 21650 · Kent County, MD $1,250$1,600
- 21651 · Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21651 · Kent County, MD $1,680$2,130
- 21661 · Kent County, MD $1,320$1,710
- 21667 · Kent County, MD $1,200$1,540
- 21678 · Kent County, MD $1,260$1,620
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 Kent County, 60% 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.
60%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,332 households rent in Kent County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 31%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- Kent 60%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Kent County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Kent County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 5
565 homes in all; 459 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Baywoods Village/Woods Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 23172 Baywood Ct, Chestertown 21620 104 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Chestertown Landing Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 Morgnec Rd, Chestertown 21620 72 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1999
- Chestertown Landing Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 Morgnec Rd, Chestertown 21620 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1999
- Woodsedge II HUD-assisted 23165 Baywood Ct, Chestertown 21620 84 homes, 48 low-income · For families · (410) 778-4182
- Calvert Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 High St, Chestertown 21620 41 homes, 40 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chestertown Cove Aopartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 Morgnec Rd, Chestertown 21620 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Chesterstown Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 402 Morgnec Rd, Chestertown 21620 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 778-5580
- Rockhall Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 5795 Chesapeake Villa Rd, Rock Hall 21661 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 639-7008
- Calvert Heights Apartments HUD-assisted 103 Hawkins Dr, Chestertown 21620 22 low-income homes · For families · (410) 778-2340
- Woodsedge III HUD-assisted 23147 Woodsedge Dr, Chestertown 21620 20 low-income homes · For families · (410) 778-4182
- Woodsedge II Baywoodvillage II Tax credit (LIHTC) 23164 Baywood Ct, Chestertown 21620 48 homes
- Woodsedgeiii Baywoodvillage II Tax credit (LIHTC) 23151 Woodsedge Dr, Chestertown 21620 20 homes
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 Kent County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Kent County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $23,550 | $39,200 | $62,750 |
| 2 people | $26,900 | $44,800 | $71,700 |
| 3 people | $30,250 | $50,400 | $80,650 |
| 4 people | $33,600 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $60,500 | $96,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,000 | $103,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $69,450 | $111,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $73,950 | $118,300 |
Area median income: $112,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kent County, MD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $860 – $1,052
- 1 bedroom $1,026 – $1,254
- 2 bedrooms $1,117 – $1,365
- 3 bedrooms $1,443 – $1,763
- 4 bedrooms $1,845 – $2,255
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Kent County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Kent County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kent County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) (kent Co)
118 S Lynchburg St Ste B, Chestertown
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Kent 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
$2,482
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,241
- Security deposit
- $1,241
- Total
- $2,482
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 Kent County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $956; 1 bedroom: $1,140; 2 bedrooms: $1,241; 3 bedrooms: $1,603; 4 bedrooms: $2,050. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Kent County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,241) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.87 an hour full time, or $49,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kent County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,000 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 Kent 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 $1,117 and $1,365 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kent County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 21610 to $1,680 in 21651. 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 Kent County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Kent 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 Kent County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kent County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).