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 | $1,810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,840 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,301 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,645 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,877 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,380 | $395,038 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $2,980 | $490,446 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $3,310 | $603,523 | 0.55% | F |
| 5BR | $3,840 | $838,318 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 21666, located in Stevensville, Maryland, is part of Queen Anne's County and stands out with a population of 14,394 residents. Only 15.4% of these residents rent their homes, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied area. The median income here is $123,645, which is higher than the national average, and the median home value is $541,618, reflecting a stable and affluent community.
The voucher economics in ZIP 21666 present an interesting opportunity for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $2,370 for the fiscal year 2024, is notably higher than the average market rent of $1,764 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This discrepancy means that landlords can potentially receive higher rents through Section 8 vouchers compared to the typical market rates.
The data signature for ZIP 21666 reads as stable. With a high median income and home values, combined with a low percentage of renters, the area demonstrates financial stability and a preference for homeownership among its residents. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers, given the favorable FMR compared to the actual market rent, which could lead to more consistent and higher rental incomes.
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.