Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wicomico County, Maryland
Wicomico County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,428 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,327 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.46 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,428
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 32% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,327
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 22% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $27.46
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Maryland
Only here
Renting in Wicomico County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Wicomico County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 24 counties in Maryland (62%).
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Among the neighboring counties, Somerset County has the lowest typical rent ($1,013), 24% below the $1,327 in Wicomico 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 Wicomico 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 Wicomico County was $1,626 a month in September 2026: 1.8% 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 | $1,095 | $21.06 | $43,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,102 | $21.19 | $44,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,428 | $27.46 | $57,120 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,870 | $35.96 | $74,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,877 | $36.10 | $75,080 |
HUD area: Salisbury, 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 20 ZIP codes in Wicomico County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,250 in 21801 to $1,670 in 21826. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,428).
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)
| 21801 | Salisbury, MD | $950 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $1,650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21804 | Salisbury, MD | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $1,990 |
| 21804 | Worcester County, MD | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $1,990 |
| 21810 | Salisbury, MD | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $1,880 |
| 21814 | Salisbury, MD | $1,190 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $2,020 | $2,380 |
| 21822 | Salisbury, MD | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,720 | $1,740 |
| 21822 | Somerset County, MD | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,720 | $1,740 |
| 21822 | Worcester County, MD | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,720 | $1,740 |
| 21826 | Salisbury, MD | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,670 | $2,190 | $2,190 |
| 21830 | Salisbury, MD | $1,230 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $2,090 | $2,100 |
| 21837 | Salisbury, MD | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,730 | $1,730 |
| 21840 | Salisbury, MD | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $1,880 |
| 21849 | Salisbury, MD | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,680 |
| 21850 | Salisbury, MD | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,830 | $1,840 |
| 21856 | Salisbury, MD | $1,170 | $1,210 | $1,520 | $2,020 | $2,130 |
| 21861 | Salisbury, MD | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,680 |
| 21865 | Salisbury, MD | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $1,880 |
| 21874 | Salisbury, MD | $1,220 | $1,230 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,090 |
| 21874 | Sussex County, DE | $1,220 | $1,230 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,090 |
| 21875 | Salisbury, MD | $1,180 | $1,190 | $1,540 | $2,020 | $2,020 |
- 21801 · Salisbury, MD $1,250$1,640
- 21804 · Salisbury, MD $1,510$1,980
- 21804 · Worcester County, MD $1,510$1,980
- 21810 · Salisbury, MD $1,430$1,870
- 21814 · Salisbury, MD $1,460$2,020
- 21822 · Salisbury, MD $1,310$1,720
- 21822 · Somerset County, MD $1,310$1,720
- 21822 · Worcester County, MD $1,310$1,720
- 21826 · Salisbury, MD $1,670$2,190
- 21830 · Salisbury, MD $1,600$2,090
- 21837 · Salisbury, MD $1,320$1,730
- 21840 · Salisbury, MD $1,430$1,870
- 21849 · Salisbury, MD $1,280$1,680
- 21850 · Salisbury, MD $1,400$1,830
- 21856 · Salisbury, MD $1,520$2,020
- 21861 · Salisbury, MD $1,280$1,680
- 21865 · Salisbury, MD $1,430$1,870
- 21874 · Salisbury, MD $1,590$2,080
- 21874 · Sussex County, DE $1,590$2,080
- 21875 · Salisbury, MD $1,540$2,020
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 Wicomico County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,267 households rent in Wicomico County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wicomico 50%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wicomico County
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Wicomico 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)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 14
- public housing
- 2
2,412 homes in all; 2,031 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Moss Hill Townhouses HUD-assisted 407 Moss Hill Ln, Salisbury 21804 200 homes, 160 low-income · For families · (410) 749-2300
- Pine Bluff Village HUD-assisted 1514 Riverside Dr, Salisbury 21801 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 749-0294
- Pemberton Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 1020 Fairground Dr, Salisbury 21801 209 homes, 143 low-income · For families · (410) 749-0559
- Homes at Foxfield Tax credit (LIHTC) 128 Foxfield Cir, Salisbury 21801 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Salisbury Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Winterborn Ln, Salisbury 21804 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Schumaker Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 818 S Schumaker Dr, Salisbury 21804 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westbrook Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Delaware Ave, Salisbury 21801 96 homes, 95 low-income · In service since 2007
- Scattered Site Public housing 7980 Farm House Dr, Hebron 21830 90 low-income homes · Run by Wicomico County Housing Authority · Average payment: $500 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (410) 749-1383
- Booth Street Apartments Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 911 Booth St, Salisbury 21801 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families · (443) 692-6459
- Victoria Park at Sassafras Tax credit (LIHTC) 875 Victoria Park Dr, Salisbury 21801 80 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Village at Mitchell Pond Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Parsons Rd, Salisbury 21801 68 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Village at Mitchell Pond HUD-assisted 1115 Parsons Rd, Salisbury 21801 68 low-income homes · For families · (410) 742-4535
- The Square at Merritt Mill Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Block of Merritt Road, Salisbury 21804 75 homes, 67 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Leonard Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Booth St, Salisbury 21801 66 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Lodges at Naylor Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 29339 Naylor Mill Rd, Salisbury 21801 65 low-income homes · 1 bd: 51 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Homes on Johnsons Pond Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Lake St, Salisbury 21801 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Gateway Village Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 939 Gateway St, Salisbury 21801 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1999
- West Road Apartments HUD-assisted 1010 East Rd, Salisbury 21801 56 low-income homes · For families · (410) 334-6098
- Cottages at River House II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 Riverhouse Dr, Salisbury 21801 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Square at Merritt Mill HUD-assisted 219 Mill Woods Cir, Salisbury 21804 75 homes, 50 low-income · For families · (410) 995-7560
- The Lodges at Naylor Mill Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 29339 Naylor Mill Rd, Salisbury 21801 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2016 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Lakeview Apartments HUD-assisted 406 Trinity Dr, Salisbury 21801 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 543-0444
- Cottages at Riverhouse Phase IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 1013, 1014, 1015 and 1016, Wicomico 21801 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Fruitland HUD-assisted 216 Poplar St, Fruitland 21826 36 low-income homes · For families · (410) 621-0806
- Gateway Village Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 610 Senior Way, Salisbury 21801 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Cottages at River House III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1022 Riverhouse Dr, Salisbury 21801 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Cottages at River House I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Riverhouse Dr, Salisbury 21801 29 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Booth Street Public housing 1001 West Rd, Salisbury 21801 12 low-income homes · Run by Wicomico County Housing Authority · (410) 749-1383
- Deaf Independent Residence II HUD-assisted 209 Ann Drive, Salisbury 21801 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 742-5052
- Calloway Street HUD-assisted 600 Calloway St, Salisbury 21804 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 860-0550
- Summit Apartments HUD-assisted 115 Church St, Fruitland 21826 10 low-income homes · For families · (410) 546-9546
- Deaf Independent Residence I HUD-assisted 316 Whitman Ave, Salisbury 21801 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (410) 742-5052
- Homes on Johnson Pond HUD-assisted 1007 Lake St, Salisbury 21801 59 homes, 4 low-income · (443) 260-2626
- Westbrook Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 West Rd, Salisbury 21801 96 homes
- Rivers Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 670 Fitzwater St, Salisbury 21801 90 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Wicomico 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 Wicomico 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 | $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: $104,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Salisbury, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $986 – $1,205
- 1 bedroom $992 – $1,212
- 2 bedrooms $1,285 – $1,571
- 3 bedrooms $1,683 – $2,057
- 4 bedrooms $1,689 – $2,065
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
- Wicomico County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 404 vouchers · 102 public housing units (410) 749-1383 Wicomico County Housing Authority: dbibb@wicomicohousing.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 Wicomico County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Wicomico County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service, Inc
560 Riverside Dr Ste A102, Salisbury · 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
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wicomico 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
$2,856
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,428
- Security deposit
- $1,428
- Total
- $2,856
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 Wicomico County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,095; 1 bedroom: $1,102; 2 bedrooms: $1,428; 3 bedrooms: $1,870; 4 bedrooms: $1,877. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wicomico County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,428) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.46 an hour full time, or $57,120 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wicomico 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 Wicomico 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 $1,285 and $1,571 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wicomico County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,250 in 21801 to $1,670 in 21826. 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 Wicomico County?
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Wicomico 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 Wicomico County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wicomico County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).