City Report · MD

Elkridge

Pop. 26,283·22nd most expensive in Maryland·Elkridge rents are up 10.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,432/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.6%
Month-over-Month
+0.6%
vs US Median
+$467
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Elkridge · $2,432
More expensive than 77% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
54/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Elkridge's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,432/mo
Expected by trend
$2,486/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Elkridge's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,810
1 BR
$2,070
2 BR
$2,530
3 BR
$3,260
4 BR+
$3,640
Research median
$2,530/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$29,184/yr
At $2,432/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.6% YoY, +0.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Elkridge, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 58.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,283
Median income
$139,913
Median age
34.4
Renters
37.7%
Age distribution
26.8%
24.6%
30.8%
Under 1826.8%
18–3424.6%
35–5430.8%
55–649.9%
65+7.9%
Gender
47.3%
52.7%
Male47.3%
Female52.7%
Race & ethnicity
35.9%
31%
22.4%
White35.9%
Black31%
Hispanic6.2%
Asian22.4%
Other4.5%
Education (25+)
14.1%
21.6%
58.9%
No HS diploma5.4%
HS diploma14.1%
Some college21.6%
Bachelor's+58.9%
Housing tenure
62.3%
37.7%
Owner62.3%
Renter37.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Elkridge, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,876 → $2,432
up 29.6%
Income
$119,856 → $139,913
up 16.7%
Population
24,115 → 26,283
up 9.0%
Renter share
36.4% → 37.7%
+1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
54% → 58.9%
+4.9 pts

Five years ago, renters in Elkridge, MD paid around $1,876 a month. That figure now sits near $2,432, up 29.6% from the 2021 baseline. Median household income climbed from $119,856 to $139,913 between 2021 and 2024, a 16.7% shift. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Elkridge, MD adding about 2,168 residents over the five-year window, up 9.0% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 54% to 58.9% across the same window. Taken together, the five-year picture in Elkridge, MD reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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View Elkridge rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Elkridge on your salary?

At $2,432/mo, how Elkridge rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Elkridge rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Elkridge. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elkridge

About renting in Elkridge, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Elkridge is $2,432/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,810/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,070/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,260/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($139,913/yr), Elkridge ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elkridge an affordable city for renters?

Elkridge is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,432/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($139,913/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elkridge falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Elkridge?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $97,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,432/mo in Elkridge. The local median household income is $139,913/yr, meaning the typical Elkridge household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elkridge?

Rent in Elkridge has increased 10.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Elkridge rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Elkridge is one of the pricier cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #22 out of 95 tracked cities at $2,432/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Elkridge?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Elkridge ($2,432/mo): Catonsville ($1,692/mo), Halethorpe ($1,704/mo), Jessup ($2,290/mo).

What percentage of Elkridge residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.7% of Elkridge households are renters, while 62.3% are owner-occupied. Elkridge leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Elkridge rent compare to the national average?

Elkridge's median rent of $2,432/mo is $467 (24%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #22 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,432/mo, rent takes ~21% of Elkridge's median household income ($139,913/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elkridge 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Elkridge affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Elkridge, MD

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