Location: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, 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 | $1,430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,028 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,391 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,662 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,845 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,880 | $223,853 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $2,350 | $334,810 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $2,610 | $435,295 | 0.6% | F |
| 5BR | $3,028 | $535,162 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 21001, located in Aberdeen, MD, is part of the larger Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 21001 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1700, while the market rent stands slightly higher at $1,837. This indicates that the rental prices are relatively close to the government's fair market assessment, suggesting a balanced market where both landlords and tenants find reasonable terms.
The median home value in ZIP 21001 is $345,675, which is below the average for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. This lower home value can be seen as an advantage for landlords who might be able to acquire properties at a lower cost compared to other areas within the metro, potentially increasing their profit margins when renting out homes.
Aberdeen has a significant 36.7% renter share, which is notably higher than the typical ZIP codes in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. High renter share combined with below-average home values often signifies a favorable environment for Section 8 housing vouchers. Landlords in this ZIP code could benefit from a steady stream of subsidized tenants, ensuring consistent occupancy rates and income.
Inferencing from the provided data, ZIP 21001 appears to be a value pocket within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. It offers a mix of affordable property acquisition and a substantial renter base, making it attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for stable returns without the need for premium pricing.
Landlords should be aware of the potential benefits and challenges associated with operating in a ZIP code with a high renter share and lower home values. While it may attract more tenants due to affordability, the property values also suggest that the area may not see the same level of appreciation as more premium sub-markets within the metro.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.