Location: Talbot County, MD | Metro: Talbot County, MD
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,749 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,325 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,491 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21612 stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With only 470 residents, it is one of the smallest ZIP codes in terms of population size. Notably, there are no rental properties in this area, making the entire housing stock owner-occupied. The median income for residents is $117,794, which is significantly higher than the national average. This is further underscored by the median home value of $921,433, indicating that the ZIP code is predominantly composed of high-value residential properties.
In the context of Section 8 voucher economics, the data reveals a gap between federal standards and local realities. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, applicable for fiscal year 2026, is set at $1,410. However, the lack of rental properties means that there is no local market rent to compare against. This absence of rental units could be a significant deterrent for potential tenants seeking to use their vouchers, as they would have to look outside the ZIP code for affordable options.
The data signature for ZIP 21612 reads as stable, with a strong emphasis on homeownership and high-income levels. Given the complete absence of rentals and the high median home value, any transitional changes are unlikely to affect the overall stability of the housing market in this area. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should note that the reliance on Section 8 vouchers might be limited due to the non-existence of rental units, and the focus should remain on the robust owner-occupied housing sector.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.