CountyScore

Anne Arundel County

Maryland · MD

#19 in Maryland
59.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Anne Arundel exceeds national livability baseline

Anne Arundel's composite score of 59.9 is nearly 20% above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability across major categories. The county delivers a balanced package of income, health, and tax efficiency that works well for many households.

Slightly below Maryland's average rank

At 59.9, Anne Arundel falls slightly below Maryland's state average of 63.9, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's counties. The county competes well nationally but faces stiff competition within its home state.

High income and excellent health outcomes

Anne Arundel boasts a median household income of $120,324 and a health score of 80.8, among the strongest in the region. The county's effective tax rate of 0.852% is among Maryland's most competitive, enabling residents to keep more earnings.

Housing costs significantly strain budgets

The county's cost score of 40.4 reflects median home values of $450,300 and rents of $1,990 monthly—among the highest in the state. For middle-income households, affording homeownership here requires substantial savings or dual incomes.

Ideal for affluent professionals and families

Anne Arundel suits high-earning professionals and established families who can afford premium housing in exchange for excellent health and tax environments. It's less accessible to first-time homebuyers or those seeking true affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.3Cost40.4SafetyComing SoonHealth80.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome61.9Risk18.1WaterComing Soon
🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Anne Arundel County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
59.9
Median income: $83,716
Stanislaus County
California
59.9
Median income: $79,661
Delaware County
Ohio
59.9
Median income: $130,088
Oklahoma County
Oklahoma
59.9
Median income: $65,374
Burnet County
Texas
59.9
Median income: $77,158

Deep Dives

Anne Arundel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anne Arundel County

via TaxByCounty

Anne Arundel's rate ranks low nationally

Anne Arundel County's effective tax rate of 0.852% sits below the national median of 0.890%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationwide. With a median property tax of $3,836 on homes worth $450,300, residents here enjoy one of the more favorable tax rates despite higher home values.

Among Maryland's lowest tax rates

Anne Arundel County ranks in the lower half of Maryland counties with an effective rate of 0.852%, well below the state average of 0.957%. The median property tax of $3,836 exceeds the state median of $3,328, but only because homes here are significantly more valuable.

Most tax-friendly in the region

Anne Arundel's 0.852% rate is the lowest among central Maryland counties, beating Calvert (0.876%), Carroll (0.944%), and Baltimore County (1.105%). On comparable home values, Anne Arundel residents keep more of their wealth compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

What you pay on a typical home

On Anne Arundel's median home value of $450,300, the effective tax rate of 0.852% comes to roughly $3,836 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,902 per year, while those owning free and clear pay around $3,665.

You may be overassessed

Even in a tax-friendly county, many homeowners overpay because their properties are assessed above actual market value. Anne Arundel residents can file an appeal with the county assessor—a straightforward process that could reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anne Arundel County

via CostByCounty

Anne Arundel's premium housing market

Anne Arundel County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% slightly exceeds Maryland's 18.3% state average, reflecting the county's position as one of the region's pricier housing markets. Despite a strong median household income of $120,324—61% above the national average—residents still dedicate a substantial share to housing costs.

High-income, high-cost equation

Anne Arundel ranks among Maryland's most expensive counties for both renters and owners, with a median rent of $1,990 and median home value of $450,300. The county's robust median income of $120,324 helps offset these costs, but housing remains above the state average.

Premium pricing in the region

Anne Arundel's $1,990 median rent significantly outpaces neighboring Baltimore County ($1,566) and Carroll County ($1,370), positioning it as the region's most expensive rental market. Home values tell a similar story: Anne Arundel's $450,300 median is notably higher than Baltimore County's $330,000.

Anne Arundel's housing snapshot

Renters pay $1,990 monthly while homeowners carry $2,051 mortgage payments on homes averaging $450,300 in value. Despite these high costs, the county's strong median income of $120,324 means housing consumes 19.9% for renters and 20.4% for owners—manageable for higher earners but tight for lower-income households.

Anne Arundel for high earners

Anne Arundel attracts professionals with solid incomes seeking upscale suburban living and strong schools. If you earn $120,000+ and can afford $1,990+ rent or $2,000+ monthly mortgage payments, Anne Arundel's quality of life may justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anne Arundel County

via IncomeByCounty

Anne Arundel ranks among wealthiest U.S. counties

Anne Arundel County's median household income of $120,324 towers 61% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier of American counties. This affluence reflects the county's strong aerospace, defense, and professional service economies anchored by major employers.

Second-highest income in Maryland

Anne Arundel's $120,324 median household income ranks second in Maryland, exceeded only by outlying commuter counties. The county's per capita income of $58,462 also ranks near the top of the state, substantially above Maryland's $46,948 average.

Outpaces Baltimore region by large margin

Anne Arundel's median household income of $120,324 significantly exceeds Baltimore County ($90,904) and Baltimore City ($59,623), reflecting its position as Maryland's premier suburban economic hub. Only Calvert County ($132,059) and Carroll County ($115,876) approach its income levels.

High income meets high housing costs

Anne Arundel's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% remains manageable, though notably higher than less expensive counties, reflecting median home values of $450,300. Strong incomes allow most households to comfortably afford housing, though newcomers should budget carefully for purchase costs.

Leverage high income for wealth creation

Anne Arundel's above-average household incomes position residents well for building significant wealth through disciplined investing and diversification. Work with a financial advisor to optimize your tax strategy, maximize retirement contributions, and consider real estate and investment portfolio growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Anne Arundel County

via HealthByCounty

Anne Arundel outpaces national health

Anne Arundel residents live to 78.8 years—above the U.S. average of 78.8 years—with only 12.9% reporting poor or fair health. The county demonstrates some of Maryland's strongest health outcomes and longevity.

Leads Maryland in life expectancy

At 78.8 years, Anne Arundel matches the national average and exceeds Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by 1.8 years. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best.

Outshines Baltimore region rivals

Anne Arundel's 78.8-year life expectancy significantly surpasses Baltimore County (76.9 years) and far exceeds Baltimore city (70.6 years). With 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Anne Arundel offers robust primary care access.

Strong coverage, adequate providers

Anne Arundel's uninsured rate of 5.2% is among Maryland's lowest, and the county provides 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health support is also readily available with 283 providers per 100,000 residents.

Keep your coverage intact

Even in well-insured Anne Arundel, coverage gaps can happen. Verify your health insurance status annually and explore marylandhealthcare.org to ensure continuous access to the quality care that keeps this county healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anne Arundel County

via RiskByCounty

Anne Arundel faces significant national risk levels

Anne Arundel County's composite risk score of 81.87 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, well above the national average and among the most hazard-exposed counties in the Mid-Atlantic. Nearly all major disaster types pose notable threats to the county's 600,000 residents.

Third-highest risk in Maryland

Anne Arundel's 81.87 score significantly exceeds Maryland's state average of 60.22, ranking it third-highest for overall disaster risk behind only Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The county's position at the confluence of Chesapeake Bay water routes and Atlantic weather patterns drives this elevated exposure.

Anne Arundel leads the Bay area in risk

Anne Arundel (81.87) faces substantially higher risk than Calvert County (28.91) to the south, despite similar waterfront geography. Baltimore County (93.99) and Baltimore City (95.01) present even greater hazard levels, creating a risk gradient across the Baltimore-Annapolis corridor.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados dominate

Anne Arundel residents face exceptional hurricane risk (87.19), earthquake exposure (83.21), and tornado danger (82.03)—the highest tornado score of any Maryland county. Flood risk (80.95) rounds out the county's top quartet of hazards, leaving few areas entirely safe from multiple disaster types.

Bundle comprehensive coverage for your family

Anne Arundel homeowners need flood insurance, earthquake coverage (often a separate rider), and robust windstorm protection due to hurricane exposure. Consider a personal umbrella policy to cover liability gaps, and ensure all policies are current and reflect current home values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.