Cost of Living in Kent County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kent County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kent County ranks #1,306 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kent County, Maryland
Kent County matches national affordability
Kent County residents spend 18.4% of income on rent—nearly identical to the national average—while earning a median income of $74,402, almost perfectly matching the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests Kent offers typically American affordability across the board.
Slightly above Maryland's state average
Kent's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Maryland's state average of 18.3% by just 0.1%, positioning it in the middle tier of county affordability. The median rent of $1,144 falls $271 below the state average, reflecting the county's small-town Eastern Shore character.
Eastern Shore middle ground
Kent County's $1,144 median rent sits between rural Garrett ($710) and Dorchester ($959), reflecting its status as a modest Eastern Shore county. Its 18.4% ratio places it above affordability leader Garrett ($12.3%) but below Charles and Montgomery, making it a reasonable middle option for water-focused residents.
Income and rent align closely
Renters pay $1,144 monthly while homeowners spend $1,408 on a $74,402 median income—straightforward housing costs consuming roughly 18-22% of earnings. Combined housing expenses run near 30%, typical for American households.
Kent offers typical Eastern Shore value
Kent County delivers a relatable rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% for those seeking Chesapeake Bay living without premium pricing or small-town sacrifice. Test your relocation: Kent's 18.4% compares closely to state average (18.3%) while undercutting Charles and Montgomery on actual rents.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kent County
Affordability Verdict
Kent County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,144/month — about 18.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,144/month rent versus $1,408/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $264/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,343/year. With a median household income of $74,402, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Kent County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Caroline County where rent averages $1,070/month, Kent County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kent County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,736
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.7%
of gross income
The median home in Kent County may be a stretch
Median home value is $307,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,452 vs. your max of $1,736.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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