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 | $2,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,338 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,859 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,248 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,510 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,660 | $454,743 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $3,340 | $662,508 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $3,740 | $1,024,254 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $4,338 | $1,253,176 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 21029, Clarksville, MD, is primarily a homeowner-dominated area with only 6.4% of its population renting. This suggests that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers is relatively low. The median household income in Clarksville stands at $243,542, which is significantly higher than the national average.
The market rent for the area is $3,501 per month, representing approximately 14.4% of the median household income. This high percentage indicates that typical rents in Clarksville are quite expensive relative to income levels, making it challenging for lower-income individuals to afford market rates without assistance.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for Clarksville, MD, for FY 2024 is $2,910. This figure is below the market rent, meaning that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers may find themselves receiving less than the market rate. However, given the limited number of renters, those who do qualify for vouchers will likely be highly sought after, potentially leading to a competitive environment among landlords willing to participate in the program.
In Clarksville, landlords can expect tenants who are often facing financial constraints but are still able to secure housing through government assistance. These tenants are likely to have a strong need for affordable housing options and may be families or individuals with lower incomes. Despite the overall high income level in the area, the presence of these tenants highlights the economic diversity within Clarksville. Landlords should be prepared to offer properties that meet the quality standards required by the Section 8 program and understand the administrative processes involved in accepting vouchers.
To summarize, while Clarksville, MD, is not a renter-heavy ZIP, there remains a segment of the population that relies on Section 8 vouchers. The disparity between market rent ($3,501) and FMR ($2,910) means landlords must weigh the benefits of participating in the program against the potential for lower rental income compared to market rates. Tenants here will likely require affordable housing solutions and be subject to the terms and conditions of the Section 8 program.
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.