Location: Talbot County, MD | Metro: Talbot County, MD
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 | $1,090 |
| 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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,970 | $499,442 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21671 is situated in a quiet, suburban neighborhood characterized by its low population density and high median home values. With only 727 residents, the area is sparsely populated, and just 9.6% of those residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied community. The median household income in this area stands at $45,125, which is relatively modest compared to the median home value of $474,953. This suggests that while the area is affordable for many homeowners, it may pose challenges for renters seeking affordable housing.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 21671 is set at $1,410 for fiscal year 2026, based on metropolitan standards. However, the lack of data on market rent makes it difficult to compare the subsidized rent levels with what might be typical for the area. In such a scenario, where market rents are not clearly defined, the FMR can serve as a guideline for landlords operating under the Section 8 program, ensuring they receive a reasonable amount that reflects the local cost of living.
Considering the characteristics of ZIP 21671, it appears to be well-suited for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low percentage of renters and the high median home values suggest that the demand for rental properties is limited, and the majority of homes are already owned. Landlords who are looking to manage their properties with minimal involvement can benefit from the stability offered by the Section 8 program, which provides a guaranteed source of income through the government subsidy. For those interested in actively managing and improving their investment properties, the opportunities in this ZIP code are less promising due to the limited rental market and the potential difficulty in finding tenants willing to pay market rates above the subsidized level.
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.