RentData

Average Rent in Somerset County, MD Rents rising 13.5% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 24,685

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

Market Overview

Somerset County, MD has rental prices ranging from $946/month to $1,686/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $952/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $52,462/year, spending $952/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Somerset County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,249/month, Somerset County ranks #8 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in Maryland — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.

The Somerset County Rental Market

The Somerset County, MD area has a population of about 24,685 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Somerset County, MD have risen by $149/month (13.5%) over the past year, from $1,100 to $1,249. 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 Somerset County, MD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,080. The local median household income of $52,462 exceeds that threshold by $14,382, making Somerset County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Somerset County, MD has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$946
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$952
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,249
13.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,613
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,686
Average
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Is Somerset 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
$49,960/year
Local median income: $52,462
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,249/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
Worcester County$1,109$1,150$1,276$1,788
Talbot County$1,210$1,257$1,392$1,951

Rent or Buy in Somerset County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Somerset County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,249/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: $1,249/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Somerset 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 Somerset County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Somerset County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MD

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⚖️Compare Somerset County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections