City Report · MD

Middle River

Pop. 31,712·82nd most expensive in Maryland·Middle River rents have dropped 10.8%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,593/mo
Year-over-Year
-10.8%
Month-over-Month
-2.4%
vs US Median
-$369
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Middle River · $1,593
More affordable than 70% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
73/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Middle River's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,593/mo
Expected by trend
$1,800/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Middle River'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
$1,580
2 BR
$1,940
3 BR
$2,500
4 BR+
$2,790
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,940/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,593 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
$19,116/yr
At $1,593/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 10.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-10.8% YoY, -2.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Middle River, MD is majority owner-occupied, 32.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
31,712
Median income
$78,398
Median age
37.2
Renters
33.6%
Age distribution
22.7%
22.7%
27.8%
13.2%
13.6%
Under 1822.7%
18–3422.7%
35–5427.8%
55–6413.2%
65+13.6%
Gender
45.8%
54.2%
Male45.8%
Female54.2%
Race & ethnicity
49.1%
34%
White49.1%
Black34%
Hispanic4.6%
Asian7.4%
Other5%
Education (25+)
29.7%
26.6%
32.3%
No HS diploma11.4%
HS diploma29.7%
Some college26.6%
Bachelor's+32.3%
Housing tenure
66.4%
33.6%
Owner66.4%
Renter33.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Middle River, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,361 → $1,593
up 17.0%
Income
$67,306 → $78,398
up 16.5%
Population
30,606 → 31,712
up 3.6%
Renter share
38.3% → 33.6%
-4.7 pts
Bachelor's+
26.3% → 32.3%
+6.0 pts
Median age
39.1 → 37.2
-1.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Middle River, MD has climbed from $1,361 to $1,593, a 17.0% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $78,398 today, compared with $67,306 five years earlier. The population has grown by 3.6% since 2021, moving from about 30,606 residents to roughly 31,712. Renters now make up 33.6% of households, compared with 38.3% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 32.3% of adults here, versus 26.3% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Middle River rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Middle River on your salary?

At $1,593/mo, how Middle River rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Middle River rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Middle River

About renting in Middle River, MD

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Middle River is $1,593/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,390/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,940/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,580/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,500/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($78,398/yr), Middle River ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 10.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Middle River an affordable city for renters?

Middle River is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,593/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($78,398/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Middle River falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Middle River?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $64,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,593/mo in Middle River. The local median household income is $78,398/yr, meaning the typical Middle River household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Middle River?

Rent in Middle River has decreased 10.8% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Middle River rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Middle River is one of the more affordable cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #82 out of 94 tracked cities at $1,593/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Middle River?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Middle River ($1,593/mo): Essex ($1,477/mo), Dundalk ($1,581/mo).

What percentage of Middle River residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.6% of Middle River households are renters, while 66.4% are owner-occupied. Middle River leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Middle River rent compare to the national average?

Middle River's median rent of $1,593/mo is $369 (19%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #82 out of 94 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,593/mo, rent takes ~24% of Middle River's median household income ($78,398/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Middle River 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Middle River affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Middle River, MD

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