Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,261$15,132 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Washington County, MD
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Washington 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 | $869 | $10,428 | $34,760 | $16.71/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $961 | $11,532 | $38,440 | $18.48/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,261 | $15,132 | $50,440 | $24.25/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,700 | $20,400 | $68,000 | $32.69/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,901 | $22,812 | $76,040 | $36.56/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Washington County, MD
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Washington County, MD?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Washington County, MD is $1,261 per month ($15,132 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Washington County, MD?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,261/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $24.25 per hour ($50,440/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Washington County, MD?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Washington County, MD are: Studio: $869/mo, 1-Bedroom: $961/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,261/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,700/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,901/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Washington County, MD?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $77,747/year ($6,479/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19.5% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Washington County, MD?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,261/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,261 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $50,440 per year.