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 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,440 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,865 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,466 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,639 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,780 | $391,759 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $2,230 | $625,542 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $2,470 | $732,167 | 0.34% | F |
| 5BR | $2,865 | $956,924 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21163, Marriottsville, MD, presents a dynamic rental market influenced by both federal guidelines and local economic conditions. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2100 for fiscal year 2024 indicates a benchmark that landlords should consider when setting rents to ensure compliance with HUD standards. However, the actual market rent stands at $1,438, suggesting that the local rental market is below the federal guideline, which could point towards either lower cost-of-living pressures or a lack of upward pricing momentum.
The median home value in Marriottsville is notably high at $656,617, reflecting a robust homeownership market that may be out of reach for many potential renters due to the high cost barrier. This high median home value contrasts with the relatively low market rent, indicating a possible divergence between the rental and homeownership markets.
A key indicator of the rental market's health is the 15.0% renter share. This figure suggests that while a significant portion of residents own their homes, there remains a notable contingent of renters. The low renter share can imply long-term housing pressure, as it signals a smaller proportion of the population might be willing or able to enter into long-term lease agreements, potentially favoring short-term rentals or transient populations. Such a dynamic can create challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure stable tenancy over extended periods.
Given the snapshot data, it is evident that the market rent is significantly lower than the FMR, which could indicate that supply may currently outpace demand in the rental sector. This situation can lead to increased competition among landlords, who may have to offer incentives or maintain competitive pricing to attract tenants. However, the high median home value suggests that the broader housing market is experiencing strong demand, which could indirectly influence rental prices if the cost of homeownership continues to rise.
In summary, Marriottsville, MD, operates under a dual-market scenario where homeownership is thriving but the rental market faces challenges. The dynamics suggest a need for landlords to remain flexible and attentive to market trends to effectively manage their properties and investments.
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.