RentData

Average Rent in Worcester County, MD Rents rising 11.4% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 53,279

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Worcester County, MD has rental prices ranging from $1,109/month to $1,956/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,150/month — 18% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $81,455/year, spending $1,150/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Worcester County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,276/month, Worcester County ranks #6 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in Maryland — pricier than 85% of all US cities in our data.

The Worcester County Rental Market

The Worcester County, MD area has a population of about 53,279 and 23% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Worcester County, MD have risen by $131/month (11.4%) over the past year, from $1,145 to $1,276. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Worcester County, MD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $46,000. The local median household income of $81,455 exceeds that threshold by $35,455, making Worcester County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Worcester County, MD has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Worcester County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North Ocean City ($432,680 median home value), Midtown ($453,343 median home value), Boardwalk/Inlet ($486,336 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,109
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,150
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,276
11.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,788
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,956
Affordable
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Is Worcester County, MD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$51,040/year
Local median income: $81,455
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,276/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Baltimore$1,407$1,604$1,965$2,529
Hagerstown$852$947$1,242$1,711
Salisbury$1,129$1,136$1,491$1,969
Cumberland$655$747$933$1,226
Talbot County$1,210$1,257$1,392$1,951
Caroline County$981$987$1,295$1,688

Rent or Buy in Worcester County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Worcester County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,276/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,276/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Worcester County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Worcester County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Worcester County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MD

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⚖️Compare Worcester County

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📋MD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections