Average Rent in Worcester County, MD↑ Rents rising 11.4% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 53,279
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in MDlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
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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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Worcester CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MDSee how Worcester County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Worcester CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MD Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections