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 | $1,650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,503 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,237 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,449 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,170 | $239,519 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $2,710 | $302,870 | 0.89% | C |
| 4BR | $3,020 | $398,405 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP 21017, which includes Belcamp, MD, and is part of Harford County, are structured around the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent). For a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $2160. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent. However, it's important to understand that this payment is not the full rent; rather, it covers the difference between what the tenant can afford and the actual rent.
In ZIP 21017, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is $1773. This indicates the average rent price that landlords might expect from tenants without vouchers. When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are typically responsible for paying about 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,440 (which would yield a tenant contribution of $432), the remaining amount is subsidized by the government.
The voucher system also includes utility allowances, which vary but are generally calculated based on the size of the unit and the local cost of utilities. For a two-bedroom unit, these allowances might be around $300-$400 per month. Therefore, the total amount a landlord receives from a Section 8 voucher tenant in ZIP 21017 would be the sum of the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy, not exceeding the SAFMR of $2160.
To illustrate, if the tenant contributes $432 and the utility allowance is $350, the government would pay the remainder up to the SAFMR limit. In this case, the government would cover $1378 ($2160 - $432 - $350) of the rent. Thus, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1808 ($432 + $1378).
This scenario leaves a surplus for the landlord since the local market rent is lower than the SAFMR. The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 21017 for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $39 ($1808 - $1773). Landlords should note that while the SAFMR is the cap, the actual rent charged should not exceed the local market rent to ensure compliance with the program guidelines.
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.