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City Report · MD

Elkton

Pop. 15,910·52nd most expensive in Maryland·Elkton rents are up 5.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,918/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.6%
Month-over-Month
+0.8%
vs US Median
-$44
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Elkton · $1,918
More expensive than 53% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
47/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Elkton's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,918/mo
Expected by trend
$1,890/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Elkton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,390
1 BR
$1,540
2 BR
$1,830
3 BR
$2,200
4 BR+
$2,510
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,830/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,918 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 →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$23,016/yr
At $1,918/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.6% YoY, +0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Elkton, MD is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
15,910
Median income
$58,640
Median age
37.4
Renters
49.4%
Age distribution
22.4%
24.1%
26.4%
13%
14.1%
Under 1822.4%
18–3424.1%
35–5426.4%
55–6413%
65+14.1%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
64.1%
16.8%
White64.1%
Black16.8%
Hispanic7.8%
Asian2.6%
Other8.7%
Education (25+)
39.7%
27.6%
21.6%
No HS diploma11.1%
HS diploma39.7%
Some college27.6%
Bachelor's+21.6%
Housing tenure
50.6%
49.4%
Owner50.6%
Renter49.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Elkton, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$57,682 → $58,640
up 1.7%
Population
15,724 → 15,910
up 1.2%
Renter share
50.1% → 49.4%
-0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
19.6% → 21.6%
+2.0 pts
Median age
36 → 37.4
+1.4 yrs

Median household income rose from $57,682 to $58,640 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.7% shift. The population has grown by 1.2% since 2021, moving from about 15,724 residents to roughly 15,910. College-educated residents now make up 21.6% of adults here, versus 19.6% in 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Elkton on your salary?

At $1,918/mo, how Elkton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Elkton rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elkton

About renting in Elkton, MD

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Elkton is $1,918/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,390/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,830/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,540/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,200/mo.

At 39% of local median household income ($58,640/yr), Elkton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elkton an affordable city for renters?

Elkton is considered moderate for renters. At $1,918/mo, rent takes approximately 39% of the local median household income ($58,640/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elkton slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Elkton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $77,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,918/mo in Elkton. The local median household income is $58,640/yr, meaning the typical Elkton household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elkton?

Rent in Elkton has increased 5.6% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Elkton rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Elkton is middle-of-the-pack for Maryland for rent, ranking #52 out of 94 tracked cities at $1,918/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Elkton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Elkton ($1,918/mo): New Castle ($1,669/mo), North East ($1,829/mo).

What percentage of Elkton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.4% of Elkton households are renters, while 50.6% are owner-occupied. Elkton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Elkton rent compare to the national average?

Elkton's median rent of $1,918/mo is $44 (2%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #52 out of 94 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
39%
MODERATE

At $1,918/mo, rent takes ~39% of Elkton's median household income ($58,640/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elkton 39%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Elkton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Elkton, MD

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