City Report · MD

Waldorf

Pop. 82,943·28th most expensive in Maryland·Rental market data updated monthly for Waldorf, MD
Median rent (all units)
$2,322/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.1%
Month-over-Month
+3.3%
vs US Median
+$360
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Waldorf · $2,322
More expensive than 73% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
52/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,322/mo
Expected by trend
$2,348/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Waldorf's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,993
1 BR
$2,040
2 BR
$2,293
3 BR
$2,867
4 BR+
$3,383
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,293/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,322 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
$27,864/yr
At $2,322/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 2.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.1% YoY, +3.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Waldorf, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
82,943
Median income
$116,089
Median age
36.1
Renters
25.1%
Age distribution
24.9%
23.1%
27.5%
13.2%
Under 1824.9%
18–3423.1%
35–5427.5%
55–6413.2%
65+11.3%
Gender
46.3%
53.7%
Male46.3%
Female53.7%
Race & ethnicity
19.2%
62.1%
White19.2%
Black62.1%
Hispanic9.1%
Asian4.1%
Other5.5%
Education (25+)
27.5%
33.1%
34.7%
No HS diploma4.7%
HS diploma27.5%
Some college33.1%
Bachelor's+34.7%
Housing tenure
74.9%
25.1%
Owner74.9%
Renter25.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Waldorf, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,843 → $2,322
up 26.0%
Income
$103,611 → $116,089
up 12.0%
Population
79,190 → 82,943
up 4.7%
Renter share
29.1% → 25.1%
-4.0 pts
Bachelor's+
32.7% → 34.7%
+2.0 pts

Five years ago, renters in Waldorf, MD paid around $1,843 a month. That figure now sits near $2,322, up 26.0% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Waldorf, MD now reports about $116,089, up from $103,611 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Waldorf, MD adding about 3,753 residents over the five-year window, up 4.7% on net. The renter share has eased from 29.1% to 25.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 32.7% to 34.7% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Waldorf, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Waldorf on your salary?

At $2,322/mo, how Waldorf rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Waldorf rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Waldorf

About renting in Waldorf, MD

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Waldorf is $2,322/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,993/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,293/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,040/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,867/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($116,089/yr), Waldorf ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Waldorf an affordable city for renters?

Waldorf is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,322/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($116,089/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Waldorf falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Waldorf?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $93,000/year (~$45/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,322/mo in Waldorf. The local median household income is $116,089/yr, meaning the typical Waldorf household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Waldorf?

Rent in Waldorf has increased 2.1% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Waldorf neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Waldorf are 20601 ($2,094/mo), 20603 ($2,419/mo), and 20602 ($2,472/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Waldorf is $2,322/mo.

How does Waldorf rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Waldorf is one of the pricier cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #28 out of 94 tracked cities at $2,322/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Waldorf?

Fort Washington is nearby and more affordable at $1,695/mo, which is $627 less than Waldorf.

What percentage of Waldorf residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 25.1% of Waldorf households are renters, while 74.9% are owner-occupied. Waldorf leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Waldorf rent compare to the national average?

Waldorf's median rent of $2,322/mo is $360 (18%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #28 out of 94 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,322/mo, rent takes ~24% of Waldorf's median household income ($116,089/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

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

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Waldorf, MD

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