Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Worcester County, Maryland
Worcester County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,184 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,159 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,184
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 44% less than in Maryland
- Typical rent
- $1,159
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 32% less than in Maryland
- Wage needed
- $22.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% more than in Maryland
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 Worcester 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 Worcester County was $1,787 a month in September 2026: 7.6% 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 | $990 | $19.04 | $39,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $995 | $19.13 | $39,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,184 | $22.77 | $47,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,639 | $31.52 | $65,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,979 | $38.06 | $79,160 |
HUD area: Worcester 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 Worcester County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 21829 to $1,590 in 21841. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,184).
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)
| 21811 | Worcester County, MD | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,430 | $1,980 | $2,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21813 | Worcester County, MD | $1,160 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,900 | $2,290 |
| 21829 | Worcester County, MD | $930 | $940 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 21841 | Worcester County, MD | $1,330 | $1,340 | $1,590 | $2,200 | $2,660 |
| 21842 | Worcester County, MD | $1,040 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $2,070 |
| 21851 | Somerset County, MD | $930 | $940 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 21851 | Worcester County, MD | $930 | $940 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 21862 | Worcester County, MD | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,430 | $1,980 | $2,390 |
| 21863 | Worcester County, MD | $930 | $940 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 21864 | Worcester County, MD | $930 | $940 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 21872 | Worcester County, MD | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,510 | $2,020 | $2,240 |
- 21811 · Worcester County, MD $1,430$1,980
- 21813 · Worcester County, MD $1,460$1,900
- 21829 · Worcester County, MD $1,080$1,500
- 21841 · Worcester County, MD $1,590$2,200
- 21842 · Worcester County, MD $1,240$1,720
- 21851 · Somerset County, MD $1,080$1,500
- 21851 · Worcester County, MD $1,080$1,500
- 21862 · Worcester County, MD $1,430$1,980
- 21863 · Worcester County, MD $1,080$1,500
- 21864 · Worcester County, MD $1,080$1,500
- 21872 · Worcester County, MD $1,510$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 Worcester County, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,319 households rent in Worcester County
- Spend half or more of their income 33%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Worcester 55%
- Maryland 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Worcester County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Worcester County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 6
534 homes in all; 534 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Victoria Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1018 Lynnhaven Dr, Pocomoke City 21851 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Newtowne Apartments HUD-assisted 1210 Market St, Pocomoke City 21851 58 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 957-1562
- Sunshine Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 22 Bradley Ct, Pocomoke City 21851 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 957-2533
- Cannery Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Cannery Way at Flower Street, Berlin 21811 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Homes at Berlin Tax credit (LIHTC) 30 Flower ST, Berlin 21811 42 low-income homes · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Homes at Berlin HUD-assisted 113 Flower St, Berlin 21811 42 low-income homes · For families · (410) 641-4120
- Cottages at Berlin Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Farber Ln, Berlin 21811 40 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Windy Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Lynnhaven Dr, Pocomoke City 21851 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2000
- Bay Terrace Apartment Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 517 Bay St, Berlin 21811 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families · (410) 641-2272
- Snow Hill Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4854 Washington St, Snow Hill 21863 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Greenbrier Courts Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Greenbrier Dr, Snow Hill 21863 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Hartley Hall Senior Housing HUD-assisted 1006 Market St, Pocomoke City 21851 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (410) 957-2266
- Lynn Haven Acres HUD-assisted 806 Lynnhaven Dr, Pocomoke City 21851 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 629-3841
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 Worcester 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 Worcester County; the state's agencies can help you. 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,350 | $38,900 | $62,250 |
| 2 people | $26,700 | $44,450 | $71,150 |
| 3 people | $30,050 | $50,000 | $80,050 |
| 4 people | $33,350 | $55,550 | $88,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $60,000 | $96,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $64,450 | $103,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,900 | $110,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $73,350 | $117,350 |
Area median income: $111,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Worcester County, MD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $891 – $1,089
- 1 bedroom $896 – $1,095
- 2 bedrooms $1,066 – $1,302
- 3 bedrooms $1,475 – $1,803
- 4 bedrooms $1,781 – $2,177
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 Worcester 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 Worcester County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Telamon Corporation - Salisbury Branch
31901 Tri County Way, Salisbury · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service, Inc
560 Riverside Dr Ste A102, Salisbury · 19 miles away · Spanish
- 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 Worcester 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
$2,368
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,184
- Security deposit
- $1,184
- Total
- $2,368
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 Worcester County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $990; 1 bedroom: $995; 2 bedrooms: $1,184; 3 bedrooms: $1,639; 4 bedrooms: $1,979. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Worcester County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,184) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.77 an hour full time, or $47,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Worcester County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,550 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 Worcester 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 $1,066 and $1,302 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Worcester County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 21829 to $1,590 in 21841. 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 Worcester County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Worcester 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 Worcester County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Worcester County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Maryland, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).