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 | $1,630 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,457 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,182 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,391 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,140 | $308,286 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $2,680 | $441,637 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,980 | $570,637 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $3,457 | $1,145,157 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 21030, located in Cockeysville, MD, include higher tenant turnover compared to other areas. The market rent for the area is $1,876, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $1,980. This discrepancy suggests that tenants may leave when they find better rental deals outside of the voucher program. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is a concern due to the lack of available data on days on market (DOM), indicating uncertainty in how quickly properties can be filled. Deferred maintenance is another issue, considering the typical home value of $469,171 and a median income of $89,015. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep to maintain compliance with housing quality standards.
However, these risks are offset by the high percentage of renters in the area, which is 56.3%. High renter density often correlates with higher demand for Section 8 vouchers, providing a steady stream of potential tenants. The concentration of renters also implies a robust rental market, which can help mitigate some of the financial risks associated with vacancies and turnover.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 21030 is moderate.
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.