Location: Calvert County, MD | Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,370 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,380 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,178 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,844 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,420 | $533,548 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $2,740 | $666,610 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $3,178 | $793,838 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 20736 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,600. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It's important to note that this is not the rent you will receive; rather, it's the benchmark used to determine if a rental unit is affordable.
In ZIP 20736, the average rent for a property is $1,754 according to the latest Census American Community Survey data. This means that the FMR is slightly below the market rate, indicating that participating in Section 8 could mean accepting a lower rent compared to what you might typically charge.
The renter share in this area is 6.4%, which suggests that there is a moderate demand for rental properties. With an average annual income needed to afford a typical rental home being around $620,510, it's clear that many residents would benefit from the subsidies provided by the Section 8 program. This makes Section 8 a viable option for landlords who want to ensure steady occupancy and have a reliable source of income.
To put this into perspective, if you own a property valued at $620,510, the FMR of $1,600 would be the cap on the rent you could charge through the Section 8 program. However, your actual rent will be determined by the tenant's income and the voucher amount they receive.
Before deciding to participate in Section 8, it is crucial to verify that your property meets all the required standards for habitability and safety. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must be met to ensure eligibility and avoid potential issues down the line.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.