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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,297 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,462 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $135,967 | 1.24% | A |
| 3BR | $2,130 | $363,755 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,350 | $410,563 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21226 in Maryland has a population of 6,674, with 39.0% of residents being renters. This indicates a moderate rental market presence rather than a heavily renter-dominated area. The median household income is $82,635, which provides context for the affordability of housing.
A typical market rent of $1,335 represents approximately 16% of the median household income. This figure suggests that while rent is a significant portion of income, it remains manageable for most households. Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,820 for FY 2024, indicating that the market rent is below the FMR threshold. This means that tenants receiving Section 8 vouchers could potentially afford higher rents than the market average, offering landlords some flexibility in pricing.
In terms of voucher demand, given the 39.0% rental rate and the income levels, there is likely a substantial pool of potential Section 8 tenants. However, the demand might not be as deep as in areas with higher percentages of renters or lower median incomes. Landlords in this ZIP can expect tenants who are financially stable but still benefit from government assistance to manage their housing costs effectively.
To conclude, while ZIP 21226 is not dominated by homeowners, it also isn't a highly renter-heavy area. The combination of income levels and market rents suggests that landlords will encounter a mix of tenants who are both capable and in need of financial aid through Section 8 vouchers. These tenants are likely to be responsible and committed to maintaining their housing stability within the parameters of their financial capabilities.
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.