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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Baltimore

Baltimore has 310 income-based rental properties with more than 26,370 assisted units across the city, giving renters a wide range of affordable options to explore. With a median market rent of $1,331 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for eligible households. Over half of city residents rent their homes, reflecting a strong renter community with real demand for affordable options.

310
Properties
26,370
Total units
89/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,331/mo

Affordability

Baltimore is a majority-renter city, with 52% of households renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). The citywide median household income is $62,177 per year, while the median gross rent is $1,331 per month -- context that helps illustrate why income-restricted housing remains in high demand here.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,617 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Baltimore Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer data, Baltimore had a violent crime rate of 1,617 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 76 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Baltimore

According to Walk Score, assisted properties in Baltimore average a 76 (Very Walkable) Walk Score, a 85 (Excellent Transit) Transit Score, and a 62 Bike Score. These figures reflect conditions in the neighborhoods where HUD-assisted and income-based housing is located.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
273 schools · 4 districts

Schools

Baltimore is served by 273 public schools across 4 districts -- including 184 elementary, 31 middle, 56 high, and 2 other schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$62,177 median income

Cost of Living in Baltimore

The median household income in Baltimore is $62,177 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. About 52% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a strong renter majority citywide.

The citywide median rent is $1,331 per month across all housing types, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. HUD-assisted and income-based housing in Baltimore can offer significantly lower costs for eligible renters, with rents typically tied to household income rather than market rates.

  • Median household income: $62,177/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,331/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Share of residents who rent: 52% (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Income-based units available: 15,378 across 146 HUD-assisted properties in Baltimore
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 146 assisted properties in Baltimore were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to available flood data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 89/100(130 of 310 scored)
90+ (81)70–89 (44)60–69 (3)<60 (2)No score (180)

310 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 310 affordable apartments in Baltimore→

Other cities in MD

› Affordable housing in Annapolis› Bethesda income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Bowie› Cambridge affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Catonsville› Affordable housing in Columbia› Cumberland income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Frederick› Gaithersburg affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Hagerstown› Affordable housing in Hyattsville› Lanham income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MD› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Baltimore

Baltimore is a majority-renter city with 146 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 15,378 units, spread across a dense urban landscape served by transit rated "Excellent" by Walk Score. With most scored properties landing in the excellent or good range, renters have a solid base of options to research.

The median market rent in Baltimore is $1,331 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), making income-restricted housing a meaningful resource for the 52 percent of residents who rent. The city's median household income is $62,177, per the same source.

Baltimore recorded a violent crime rate of 426 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer and the Baltimore Police Department. Prospective renters may want to research specific neighborhoods when evaluating individual properties.

None of the 146 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone, according to available flood mapping data.

The city is served by 4 school districts encompassing 273 public schools, including 184 elementary, 31 middle, and 56 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Maryland income limits (2026)Maryland public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Maryland

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →