Location: Worcester County, MD | Metro: Worcester 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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,656 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,213 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,374 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,900 | $517,646 | 0.37% | F |
| 4BR | $2,290 | $734,296 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21813 has a population of 2,999 residents, with 19.4% of them being renters. This indicates that it is not a renter-heavy area; rather, it leans towards homeownership. The median household income in this ZIP code is $121,472, which is significantly higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,110 for FY 2024.
Given the relatively low percentage of renters, it's reasonable to infer that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers will be limited. Landlords in this ZIP code should not expect a deep voucher demand due to the high median income level.
To connect the income levels to market rents, we need to consider the FMR as an indicator of typical rent. At $1,110 per month, the average rent consumes approximately 9.1% of the median household income ($121,472 annually translates to about $10,122 monthly). This suggests that renting is financially manageable for most residents in the area.
However, the FMR represents only the cost of rent, while the median income includes all other expenses such as utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare. Therefore, the actual proportion of income spent on housing could be higher, but it still remains relatively low compared to national averages.
In terms of tenant profiles, landlords can expect to attract tenants who are likely to have stable employment and possibly higher incomes, given the overall economic conditions of the ZIP code. While some tenants might qualify for Section 8 assistance, the majority would likely pay market rates without relying on government subsidies.
Landlords in ZIP 21813 should focus on maintaining high-quality properties that appeal to a broad range of potential tenants, including those who might prefer the stability and security of owning their own home but are currently renting. They should also be prepared to handle a mix of tenants, from those receiving rental assistance to those paying full market rate.
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.