Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Ellicott City, MD?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 45.1% of gross income.
Ellicott City rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maryland state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maryland cities have lower median rent than Ellicott City, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ellicott City
View full rent data for Ellicott City, MD →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Ellicott City, MD?
Median rent in Ellicott City is $2,552 a month. A typical firefighter in Maryland earns about $67,835 a year, which makes that rent 45.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Ellicott City?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Maryland (~$67,835/yr) supports up to $1,696 a month in rent. Ellicott City's current median rent is $2,552/mo, which is $856/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Ellicott City?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a firefighter in Maryland works roughly 78.3 hours a month to cover Ellicott City's median rent of $2,552.
Where is rent cheaper than Ellicott City for a firefighter?
Nearby Maryland cities with lower median rent include Berlin ($2,551/mo), Derwood ($2,550/mo), Riverdale ($2,547/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.