FY2027 Small Area FMR · Preston, MD
ZIP 21655 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 21655 (Preston, MD) is $1,500 a month, up 4.9% from FY2026. That is 14% above the Caroline County, MD area-wide FMR of $1,320.
Payment standard range, 2 bedrooms
Housing agencies may set voucher payment standards anywhere from 90% to 110% of the FMR without asking HUD.
FY2027 FY2026
Where 21655 sits in the Caroline County, MD area
Of the 12 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 21655 has the 6th highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Caroline County, MD is not on HUD's list of mandatory Small Area FMR areas, so voucher payment standards here are normally based on the area-wide FMR of $1,320 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,500 for this ZIP code instead.
ZIP code 21655 crosses more than one HUD area. HUD also lists it under Dorchester County, MD (same figures). The figure that applies depends on which side of the line the home is.
All unit sizes
| Unit | FY2027 SAFMR | Payment standard range | Area-wide FMR | FY2026 SAFMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,140 | $1,026 – $1,254 | $1,002 | $1,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,150 | $1,035 – $1,265 | $1,009 | $1,090 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,500 | $1,350 – $1,650 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,840 | $1,656 – $2,024 | $1,623 | $1,790 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,490 | $2,241 – $2,739 | $2,188 | $2,380 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,500 needs about $60,000 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $88,800 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $76,000. ZIP code 21655 lies mainly in Caroline County and Dorchester County. See the Caroline County, MD county page for the full income limits table and the household check.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions
What is the Fair Market Rent for ZIP code 21655?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 21655 are $1,140 (studio), $1,150 (1 BR), $1,500 (2 BR), $1,840 (3 BR) and $2,490 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 21655?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 21655 that range is $1,350 to $1,650 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 21655?
The FY2026 income limits of the Caroline County, MD area apply: median family income $88,800, low-income (80%) limit $76,000 for a family of four.