Location: Somerset County, MD | Metro: Somerset County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $126,088 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $206,678 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $231,755 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 21817, located in Crisfield, MD, has a population of 4,417 residents. Among these, 26.9% are renters, indicating that while it is not a heavily renter-dominated area, there is still a notable portion of the population relying on rental housing. The median household income stands at $55,720, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of housing in the region.
The market rent for the area is currently set at $766 per month. This represents approximately 17.3% of the median household income when calculated annually, suggesting that the typical rent eats a significant but manageable portion of the local income. In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 in this ZIP code is $1080, which is higher than the current market rent. This gap indicates potential upward pressure on rents if market conditions change, but also suggests that the current market rent is relatively affordable compared to the FMR.
Given the median income and the current market rent, landlords can expect tenants who are likely to be reliant on Section 8 vouchers. These vouchers cover a substantial portion of the rent, making it easier for low-income households to afford housing. The $766 market rent is well below the FMR, meaning that tenants with vouchers could easily find themselves paying only a portion of the total rent, with the rest subsidized by the government. This scenario is favorable for landlords who wish to participate in the Section 8 program, as it ensures steady and timely rent payments.
In summary, ZIP 21817 is characterized by a modest renter population with a significant number of low-income households. The market rent is lower than the FMR, which supports the presence of a robust Section 8 tenant pool. Landlords in this area should prepare for tenants who rely on government assistance to meet their housing needs, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and understanding the benefits of working with a stable tenant base.
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.