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

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,284; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 39% less than in Maryland
Typical rent: $1,147; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 33% less than in Maryland
Wage needed: $24.69; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $51,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 47%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 9% 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 Washington County: what sets it apart

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

Among the neighboring counties, Allegany County has the lowest typical rent ($805), 30% below the $1,147 in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County was $1,442 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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	$894	$17.19	$35,760
1 bedroom	$982	$18.88	$39,280
2 bedrooms	$1,284	$24.69	$51,360
3 bedrooms	$1,714	$32.96	$68,560
4 bedrooms	$1,923	$36.98	$76,920

HUD area: Hagerstown, 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 22 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 21711 to $2,040 in 21715. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,284).

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, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

21711	Hagerstown, MD	$810	$890	$1,140	$1,540	$1,730
21713	Hagerstown, MD	$940	$1,030	$1,350	$1,830	$2,040
21713	Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD	$940	$1,030	$1,350	$1,830	$2,040
21715	Hagerstown, MD	$1,670	$1,760	$2,040	$2,640	$3,060
21719	Hagerstown, MD	$1,050	$1,140	$1,360	$1,770	$2,020
21719	Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD	$1,050	$1,140	$1,360	$1,770	$2,020
21722	Hagerstown, MD	$790	$870	$1,140	$1,530	$1,720
21733	Hagerstown, MD	$920	$1,010	$1,320	$1,760	$1,980
21734	Hagerstown, MD	$790	$870	$1,140	$1,530	$1,720
21740	Hagerstown, MD	$880	$960	$1,260	$1,680	$1,890
21742	Hagerstown, MD	$1,030	$1,130	$1,480	$1,980	$2,220
21746	Hagerstown, MD	$880	$960	$1,260	$1,680	$1,890
21750	Allegany County, MD	$810	$890	$1,160	$1,550	$1,740
21750	Hagerstown, MD	$810	$890	$1,160	$1,550	$1,740
21756	Hagerstown, MD	$1,090	$1,200	$1,570	$2,100	$2,350
21767	Hagerstown, MD	$790	$870	$1,140	$1,530	$1,720
21779	Hagerstown, MD	$1,330	$1,420	$1,710	$2,230	$2,560
21781	Hagerstown, MD	$880	$960	$1,260	$1,680	$1,890
21782	Hagerstown, MD	$880	$970	$1,270	$1,700	$1,900
21783	Hagerstown, MD	$900	$990	$1,260	$1,670	$1,890
21783	Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD	$900	$990	$1,260	$1,670	$1,890
21795	Hagerstown, MD	$920	$1,010	$1,320	$1,760	$1,980

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
21711 · Hagerstown, MD $1,140$1,540
21713 · Hagerstown, MD $1,350$1,830
21713 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,350$1,830
21715 · Hagerstown, MD $2,040$2,640
21719 · Hagerstown, MD $1,360$1,770
21719 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,360$1,770
21722 · Hagerstown, MD $1,140$1,530
21733 · Hagerstown, MD $1,320$1,760
21734 · Hagerstown, MD $1,140$1,530
21740 · Hagerstown, MD $1,260$1,680
21742 · Hagerstown, MD $1,480$1,980
21746 · Hagerstown, MD $1,260$1,680
21750 · Allegany County, MD $1,160$1,550
21750 · Hagerstown, MD $1,160$1,550
21756 · Hagerstown, MD $1,570$2,100
21767 · Hagerstown, MD $1,140$1,530
21779 · Hagerstown, MD $1,710$2,230
21781 · Hagerstown, MD $1,260$1,680
21782 · Hagerstown, MD $1,270$1,700
21783 · Hagerstown, MD $1,260$1,670
21783 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD $1,260$1,670
21795 · Hagerstown, MD $1,320$1,760

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 Washington County, 47% 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.

47%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

19,882 households rent in Washington County

Spend half or more of their income 25%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Washington 47%
Maryland 51%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Washington County

HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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): 10
HUD-assisted: 10
public housing: 9

2,576 homes in all; 2,373 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Potomac Towers Public housing 11 W Baltimore St, Hagerstown 21740 326 low-income homes · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $396 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (301) 733-6911
Frederick Manor Public housing 130 W North Ave, Hagerstown 21740 244 low-income homes · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $437 a month · Average wait: 41 months · (301) 733-6911
Walnut Towers Public housing 12 S Walnut St, Hagerstown 21740 150 low-income homes · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (301) 733-6911
Noland Village Public housing 1020A Noland Dr, Hagerstown 21740 116 low-income homes · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $439 a month · (301) 733-6911
Elizabeth Court HUD-assisted 55 E Washington St, Hagerstown 21740 111 homes, 110 low-income · For older adults · (301) 791-7599
Stonecroft HUD-assisted 11400 Stonecroft Ct, Hagerstown 21742 108 homes, 107 low-income · For older adults · (301) 791-0776
Valley Meadows Townhomes HUD-assisted 11201 Scarlet Oak Dr, Hagerstown 21740 100 low-income homes · For families · (301) 582-4490
Washington Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 Security Rd, Hagerstown 21742 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 62 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families
Washington Gardens HUD-assisted 1000 Security Rd, Hagerstown 21742 100 low-income homes · For families · (301) 791-7320
Alexander House HUD-assisted 7 E Washington St, Hagerstown 21740 95 low-income homes · For families · (301) 791-2332
Bethel Gardens Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 356 Henry Ave, Hagerstown 21740 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2018 · For families
Bethel Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 81 Murph Ave, Hagerstown 21740 94 homes, 89 low-income · For families · (301) 733-3350
Gateway Crossing IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 Merrbaugh Dr, Hagerstown 21740 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 41 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For families
Gateway Crossing I Tax credit (LIHTC) 908 Main Ave, Hagerstown 21740 83 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
Gateway Crossing III Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Elgin Blvd, Hagerstown 21740 77 low-income homes · In service since 2005
Hagerstown/Robinwood Senior I Tax credit (LIHTC) 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 21742 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
Cwilliams Brooks Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 45 W Baltimore St, Hagerstown 21740 60 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $429 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (301) 733-6911
Hopewell Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 11341 Cici Way, Hagerstown 21740 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
Hagerstown/Robinwood Senior II Tax credit (LIHTC) 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 21742 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
GATEWAY CROSSING - Phase 4 Public housing 1203 W Washington St, Hagerstown 21740 85 homes, 45 low-income · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $535 a month · Average wait: 61 months · (301) 733-6911
Gateway Crossing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 929 Ross St, Hagerstown 21740 45 low-income homes · In service since 2005
GATEWAY CROSSING - Phase 1 Public housing 181 Ross St, Hagerstown 21740 83 homes, 42 low-income · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $486 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (301) 733-6911
GATEWAY CROSSING - Phase 3 Public housing 802 Lanvale St, Hagerstown 21740 77 homes, 40 low-income · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $525 a month · Average wait: 39 months · (301) 733-6911
The Point at Smithsburg HUD-assisted F Washington Court, Smithsburg 21783 38 low-income homes · For families · (301) 628-2528
GATEWAY CROSSING - Phase 2 Public housing 310 Buena Vista Ave, Hagerstown 21740 45 homes, 23 low-income · Run by Hagerstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $591 a month · Average wait: 40 months · (301) 733-6911
Kirkland Homes HUD-assisted 203 W Wilson Blvd, Hagerstown 21740 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (301) 662-0099
Washingtonian Apartments HUD-assisted 429 W Washington St, Hagerstown 21740 8 low-income homes · For families · (301) 293-6952
Hopewell Station HUD-assisted 11351 Cici Way, Hagerstown 21740 60 homes, 4 low-income · For families · (240) 513-6078

One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Washington 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 Washington 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: Hagerstown, MD HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$21,650	$36,050	$57,700
2 people	$24,750	$41,200	$65,950
3 people	$27,850	$46,350	$74,200
4 people	$33,000	$51,500	$82,400
5 people	$38,680	$55,650	$89,000
6 people	$44,360	$59,750	$95,600
7 people	$50,040	$63,900	$102,200
8 people	$55,720	$68,000	$108,800

Area median income: $105,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hagerstown, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $805 – $983
1 bedroom $884 – $1,080
2 bedrooms $1,156 – $1,412
3 bedrooms $1,543 – $1,885
4 bedrooms $1,731 – $2,115

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

Hagerstown Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,090 vouchers · 1,186 public housing units (301) 733-6911 Hagerstown Housing Authority: sgriffith@hagerstownha.com
Housing Authority of Washington County Section 8 vouchers · 623 vouchers (301) 791-3168 Housing Authority of Washington County: hcv@hawcmd.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 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 Washington County

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

HN
HAGERSTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP, INC.(HNDP)/ aka Hagerstown Home Store

21 E Franklin St, Hagerstown · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
(301) 797-0900

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 Washington 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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Washington County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,284. 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

$2,568

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,284
Security deposit: $1,284
Total: $2,568

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 Washington County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $894; 1 bedroom: $982; 2 bedrooms: $1,284; 3 bedrooms: $1,714; 4 bedrooms: $1,923. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,284) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.69 an hour full time, or $51,360 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,500 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 Washington 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 $1,156 and $1,412 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 21711 to $2,040 in 21715. 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 Washington County?

HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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 Washington County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Washington County, 47% 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 Washington County, Maryland

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Washington 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 Washington County

The Section 8 voucher in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Washington County?

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

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

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