
About This Property
Howard County Housing Commission operates 1,138 units of public housing in Columbia, Maryland. Both the public housing and Section 8 waitlists are currently closed. The housing authority serves Howard County residents seeking affordable rental options.
Waitlist Information
The Public Housing waiting list closed to new applicants effective June 29, 2012.
The waiting list for Vouchers is currently closed, with a projected waiting period of 8-10 years for those on the list, and applications are not being accepted at this time.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated April 18, 2026
Property Details
Fair Market Rent - Howard County, MD
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $1,379 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,582 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,943 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,519 |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,849 |
Income Limits - Howard County, MD
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $22,100
- Very Low (50%)
- $36,800
- Low (80%)
- $55,950
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $25,250
- Very Low (50%)
- $42,050
- Low (80%)
- $63,950
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $28,400
- Very Low (50%)
- $47,300
- Low (80%)
- $71,950
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $31,550
- Very Low (50%)
- $52,550
- Low (80%)
- $79,900
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $34,100
- Very Low (50%)
- $56,800
- Low (80%)
- $86,300
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $36,600
- Very Low (50%)
- $61,000
- Low (80%)
- $92,700
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,120
- Very Low (50%)
- $65,200
- Low (80%)
- $99,100
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $44,660
- Very Low (50%)
- $69,400
- Low (80%)
- $105,500
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,100 | $36,800 | $55,950 |
| 2 Persons | $25,250 | $42,050 | $63,950 |
| 3 Persons | $28,400 | $47,300 | $71,950 |
| 4 Persons | $31,550 | $52,550 | $79,900 |
| 5 Persons | $34,100 | $56,800 | $86,300 |
| 6 Persons | $36,600 | $61,000 | $92,700 |
| 7 Persons | $40,120 | $65,200 | $99,100 |
| 8 Persons | $44,660 | $69,400 | $105,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Columbia, MD?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Howard County, MD is: $1379 (Studio), $1582 (1BR), $1943 (2BR), $2519 (3BR), $2849 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Howard County Housing Commission is typically 30% of household income or less.
How many units does Howard County Housing Commission have?+
Howard County Housing Commission has a total of 1138 housing units.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Howard County, MD?+
For a 4-person household in Howard County, MD, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $31,550, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $52,550, Low Income (80% AMI): $79,900. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
How do I apply for housing at Howard County Housing Commission?+
Howard County Housing Commission is a Housing Authority property. To apply, you can start by calling 4435187800, or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. You may need to submit an application and be placed on a waitlist. Eligibility is typically based on income, family size, and other factors.
Is there a waitlist for Howard County Housing Commission?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Closed. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Closed. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
Contact Information
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
More Affordable Housing Near Howard County Housing Commission

Huntington Ii T a Columbia Commons
Columbia, MD
200 Units
Shalom Square
Columbia, MD
50 Units
Park View At Snowden River
Columbia, MD
100 Units
Stevens Forest Apts
Columbia, MD
106 Units
Monarch Mills
Columbia, MD
116 Units
Park View At Emerson
Laurel, MD
80 Units