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 | $1,470 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,570 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,831 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,023 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,440 | $579,489 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $2,730 | $721,226 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $3,167 | $813,800 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21057 presents a market that balances yield and stability, making it neither a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market nor a purely steady-cashflow zone.
Yield Analysis: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 21057 in fiscal year 2024 is $2,230, significantly above the market average of $1,746. This suggests strong rental demand and potential for higher-than-average returns. However, the median home value stands at $650,666, which is notably high, indicating a substantial initial investment.
Stability Analysis: With 14.9% of residents being renters, the market shows a moderate level of rental activity. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess turnover rates, but the average household income of $145,924 suggests financial stability among tenants, reducing the risk of default.
The recent trends show that the average rent in 21057 is $2,565, with a year-over-year increase of $1,665, indicating a growing rental market. Despite a slight decrease in the last month ($100), the overall trend is positive, suggesting that while there might be some volatility, the long-term outlook is promising.
In conclusion, ZIP 21057 offers a blend of both yield and stability. It is not a volatile market ripe for flipping, nor is it a guaranteed steady cash flow. Instead, it represents a middle ground where landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect reasonable returns with relatively low risk, given the strong rental prices and stable incomes.
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.