Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Somerset County, Maryland
Somerset County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,144 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,013 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.00 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,144
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 46% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,013
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 41% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $22.00
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,760 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 Somerset County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Somerset County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,013, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Dorchester County ($1,032).
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13% of households in Somerset 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 Somerset 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 | $905 | $17.40 | $36,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $910 | $17.50 | $36,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,144 | $22.00 | $45,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,498 | $28.81 | $59,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,504 | $28.92 | $60,160 |
HUD area: Somerset County, 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 9 ZIP codes in Somerset County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 21817 to $1,560 in 21838. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,144).
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)
| 21817 | $820 | $820 | $1,060 | $1,430 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21821 | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,770 | $1,860 |
| 21824 | $900 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,510 |
| 21838 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,560 | $2,120 | $2,230 |
| 21853 | $910 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,510 |
| 21866 | $900 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,510 |
| 21867 | $900 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,510 |
| 21871 | $980 | $990 | $1,230 | $1,660 | $1,770 |
| 21890 | $910 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,510 |
- 21817 $1,060$1,430
- 21821 $1,300$1,770
- 21824 $1,140$1,490
- 21838 $1,560$2,120
- 21853 $1,150$1,510
- 21866 $1,140$1,490
- 21867 $1,140$1,490
- 21871 $1,230$1,660
- 21890 $1,150$1,510
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 Somerset 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.
2,244 households rent in Somerset County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Somerset 48%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Somerset County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Somerset 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 4
827 homes in all; 760 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Somers Cove Apts Public housing 325 Somers Cv, Crisfield 21817 130 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority Of Crisfield · Average payment: $451 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (410) 968-0289
- Princess Anne Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 30475 Pine Knoll Dr, Princess Anne 21853 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2002
- Somers Cove Apts Public housing 101 Somers Cv, Crisfield 21817 100 homes, 99 low-income · Run by Housing Authority Of Crisfield · Average payment: $414 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (410) 968-0289
- Reserves at Somerset Commons (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 30520 Hickory Rd, Princess Anne 21853 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 621-0212
- Somerset Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 12374 Somerset Ave, Princess Anne 21853 60 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- The Residences at Pine Knoll HUD-assisted 30501 Pine Knoll Dr, Princess Anne 21853 120 homes, 54 low-income · For families · (410) 651-4800
- Somers Cove Apts Public housing 43 Somers Cv, Crisfield 21817 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority Of Crisfield · Average payment: $504 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (410) 968-0289
- Somers Cove Apts Public housing 55 Somers Cv, Crisfield 21817 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority Of Crisfield · Average payment: $297 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (410) 968-0289
- Mid Pine Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 30500 Riggin St, Princess Anne 21853 36 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Stewart's Neck Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 30512 Nutters Ln, Princess Anne 21853 36 low-income homes · For families · (410) 651-5000
- Hickory Lane One HUD-assisted 707 Taft Court, Princess Anne 21853 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 860-0550
- Loretta Village I HUD-assisted 12439 Loretto Rd, Princess Anne 21853 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 651-5035
- Loretta Village II HUD-assisted 12439 Loretto Rd, Princess Anne 21853 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 651-5035
2 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 | $19,950 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 2 people | $22,800 | $38,000 | $60,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,100 | $88,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,900 | $94,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
Area median income: $89,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Somerset County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $815 – $996
- 1 bedroom $819 – $1,001
- 2 bedrooms $1,030 – $1,258
- 3 bedrooms $1,348 – $1,648
- 4 bedrooms $1,354 – $1,654
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
- Housing Authority Of Crisfield Public housing · 329 public housing units (410) 968-0289 Housing Authority Of Crisfield: housauth@verizon.net
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 Somerset County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service, Inc
560 Riverside Dr Ste A102, Salisbury · 24 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Telamon Corporation - Salisbury Branch
31901 Tri County Way, Salisbury · 28 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Habitat for Humanity Choptank
29349 Maple Ave, Trappe · 42 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Somerset 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
$2,288
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,144
- Security deposit
- $1,144
- Total
- $2,288
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 Somerset County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $905; 1 bedroom: $910; 2 bedrooms: $1,144; 3 bedrooms: $1,498; 4 bedrooms: $1,504. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Somerset County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,144) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.00 an hour full time, or $45,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Somerset County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,500 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 Somerset 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 $1,030 and $1,258 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Somerset County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 21817 to $1,560 in 21838. 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 Somerset County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Somerset 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 Somerset County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Somerset County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).