City Report · MD

Frederick

Pop. 83,395·37th most expensive in Maryland·Frederick rents are up 6.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,205/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.6%
Month-over-Month
+2.1%
vs US Median
+$240
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Frederick · $2,205
More expensive than 69% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
49/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,205/mo
Expected by trend
$2,198/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Frederick's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,883
1 BR
$1,925
2 BR
$2,168
3 BR
$2,713
4 BR+
$3,198
Research median
$2,168/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
$26,460/yr
At $2,205/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.6% YoY, +2.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Frederick, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 43.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
83,395
Median income
$97,069
Median age
37.1
Renters
41.2%
Age distribution
21.9%
24.3%
27.9%
14.3%
Under 1821.9%
18–3424.3%
35–5427.9%
55–6411.6%
65+14.3%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
52.8%
17.4%
20.5%
White52.8%
Black17.4%
Hispanic20.5%
Asian5.8%
Other3.4%
Education (25+)
20.7%
25.2%
43.2%
No HS diploma10.9%
HS diploma20.7%
Some college25.2%
Bachelor's+43.2%
Housing tenure
58.8%
41.2%
Owner58.8%
Renter41.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Frederick, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,645 → $2,205
up 34.0%
Income
$82,563 → $97,069
up 17.6%
Population
76,376 → 83,395
up 9.2%
Renter share
41.5% → 41.2%
-0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
41.1% → 43.2%
+2.1 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Frederick, MD has climbed from $1,645 to $2,205, a 34.0% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $82,563 in 2021 to $97,069 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 9.2% since 2021, moving from about 76,376 residents to roughly 83,395. College-educated residents now make up 43.2% of adults here, versus 41.1% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Frederick, MD market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Frederick

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

Can you afford rent in Frederick on your salary?

At $2,205/mo, how Frederick rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Frederick rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Frederick

About renting in Frederick, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Frederick is $2,205/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,883/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,168/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,925/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,713/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($97,069/yr), Frederick ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Frederick an affordable city for renters?

Frederick is considered affordable for renters. At $2,205/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($97,069/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Frederick falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Frederick?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $88,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,205/mo in Frederick. The local median household income is $97,069/yr, meaning the typical Frederick household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Frederick?

Rent in Frederick has increased 6.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Frederick neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Frederick are 21702 ($2,019/mo), 21701 ($2,278/mo), and 21703 ($2,334/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Frederick is $2,205/mo.

How does Frederick rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Frederick is middle-of-the-pack for Maryland for rent, ranking #37 out of 95 tracked cities at $2,205/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Frederick?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Frederick ($2,205/mo): Middletown ($2,041/mo), Germantown ($2,137/mo).

What percentage of Frederick residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.2% of Frederick households are renters, while 58.8% are owner-occupied. Frederick leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Frederick rent compare to the national average?

Frederick's median rent of $2,205/mo is $240 (12%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #37 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,205/mo, rent takes ~27% of Frederick's median household income ($97,069/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Frederick 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Frederick affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Frederick, MD

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