Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,144$13,728 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Dorchester County, MD
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Dorchester County, MD
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $947 | $11,364 | $37,880 | $18.21/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $952 | $11,424 | $38,080 | $18.31/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,144 | $13,728 | $45,760 | $22.00/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,591 | $19,092 | $63,640 | $30.60/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,919 | $23,028 | $76,760 | $36.90/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Dorchester County, MD →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across Maryland:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Dorchester County, MD
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Dorchester County, MD?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Dorchester County, MD is $1,144 per month ($13,728 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Dorchester County, MD?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,144/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $22.00 per hour ($45,760/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Dorchester County, MD?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Dorchester County, MD are: Studio: $947/mo, 1-Bedroom: $952/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,144/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,591/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,919/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Dorchester County, MD?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $61,839/year ($5,153/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 22.2% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Dorchester County, MD?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,144/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,144 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $45,760 per year.