Rents are 3% above what District Heights's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,725 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in District Heights is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in January 2022.
Rent in District Heights changed +5.7% over the year to September 2026. Across the 81 Maryland cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +2.4%.
Rent has risen 6 months in a row, and rose in 11 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($86,955) is $2,174 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 2-bedroom ($1,890); a 3-bedroom is $2,360.
Bladensburg, 6 miles away, rents for 13% less ($1,501/mo), about $2,700 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for District Heights. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
Is your rent fair?
Compare your rent to the local median.
Who lives here
District Heights, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 31.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How District Heights, MD has changed in 5 years
The median rent in District Heights, MD stood at $1,563 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,725, reflecting a 10.4% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $86,955 today, compared with $69,099 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. Renters now make up 28.2% of households, compared with 33.6% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.
Discussions about District Heights
No discussions yet. Start the conversation.
Can you afford rent in District Heights on your salary?
At $1,725/mo, how District Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
District Heights rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in District Heights. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in District Heights
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in District Heights is $1,725/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,640/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,890/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,680/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,360/mo.
At 24% of local median household income ($86,955/yr), District Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.7% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in District Heights?
Is rent going up or down in District Heights?
How does District Heights rent compare to other cities in Maryland?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than District Heights?
At $1,725/mo, rent takes ~24% of District Heights's median household income ($86,955/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
Pick another city or ZIP to compare.
Estimated from ZIP-level data
Be the first to submit your rent for District Heights.
No discussions yet.