countyscore
24.8
County Score
Water Quality 71.8Weather & Climate 68.2Schools 47.5

County Report Card

About Baltimore city, Maryland

Significant Room for National Improvement

Baltimore City earns a composite score of 24.8, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This reflects deep-seated challenges in safety, taxes, and environmental risk relative to the rest of the country.

Challenging the Maryland Average

The city’s score of 24.8 is roughly half of the Maryland state average of 47.4. It represents one of the most difficult livability profiles in the state despite its role as a major cultural hub.

Reliable Utilities and Fair Education

The city's strongest suit is its water score of 71.8, indicating high-quality infrastructure. It also maintains a school score of 47.5, which outperforms its other core service metrics.

Critical Safety and Tax Concerns

Safety is the primary concern with a score of 2.0, while the tax score of 13.9 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.476%. These factors combined with a risk score of 5.0 create a difficult environment for growth.

Suited for Resilient Urbanites

Baltimore City is best for those committed to urban living who prioritize access to infrastructure and city services. Residents must navigate high tax burdens and significant safety challenges to enjoy the city's unique benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax13.9Cost11.6Safety2Health43.9Schools47.5Income37.8Risk5Water71.8Weather68.2
🏛13.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨6.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Baltimore County
Maryland
38.3
Howard County
Maryland
48.8
Harford County
Maryland
50.1
Anne Arundel County
Maryland
45.6
Carroll County
Maryland
57
Kent County
Maryland
52.8
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
58.9
Montgomery County
Maryland
46.9

Deep Dives

Baltimore city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Baltimore city

via TaxByCounty

Baltimore City has the highest state rate

Baltimore City's effective tax rate of 1.476% is the highest among Maryland jurisdictions and significantly exceeds the national median of 0.890%. Despite lower home values compared to national median, the city's median property tax of $3,236 reflects a much steeper tax burden on residents.

Ranks highest in Maryland by far

Baltimore City's effective rate of 1.476% stands 54% above the state average of 0.957%, making it the most tax-intensive jurisdiction in Maryland. The median property tax of $3,236 approaches the state median despite home values well below the state average, underscoring the city's aggressive tax structure.

Significantly higher than Baltimore County

Baltimore City's 1.476% rate nearly doubles that of adjacent Baltimore County at 1.105%—a striking difference for geographically adjacent communities. City residents on a $219,300 median home pay $3,236 annually, while county residents on $330,000 median homes pay $3,645, showing how rates amplify tax burden.

What you pay on a typical home

On Baltimore City's median home value of $219,300, the effective tax rate of 1.476% translates to roughly $3,236 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,521 per year, while those owning outright pay around $2,662.

You may be overassessed

Baltimore City residents should pay special attention to property assessments, as overvaluation combined with the city's high tax rate magnifies overpayment. Filing a tax appeal with the city assessor costs nothing and could result in meaningful annual savings for qualified properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baltimore city

via CostByCounty

Baltimore's affordability crisis

Baltimore City's rent-to-income ratio of 26.0% is among the highest in Maryland and far exceeds the national benchmark, signaling a severe affordability crunch. With a median household income of $59,623 and median rent of $1,290, residents spend more than a quarter of their income on housing—well above the sustainable 30% threshold.

Least affordable Maryland county

Baltimore City faces the steepest housing affordability challenge in Maryland, with a rent-to-income ratio 42% worse than the state average of 18.3%. Despite lower median rents than some suburban counties, the city's lower income levels create disproportionate housing burden.

Costlier than suburban alternatives

Baltimore City's $1,290 median rent is lower than Baltimore County ($1,566) and Anne Arundel ($1,990), yet the city's lower median income of $59,623 makes rent more burdensome as a percentage of earnings. Suburban counties offer better income-to-housing ratios for residents with employment flexibility.

Housing squeeze in the city

Renters pay $1,290 monthly while homeowners pay $1,402 for mortgages on homes averaging $219,300—often requiring significant renovations. At a median income of $59,623, housing consumes 26.0% of renter income and 28.2% of owner income, leaving limited funds for other essentials.

Baltimore needs income resilience

Baltimore City offers historic charm and urban walkability, but affordability demands careful financial planning and typically requires household incomes above $70,000. Consider pairing Baltimore living with remote work or higher-wage employment to comfortably absorb the city's housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baltimore city

via IncomeByCounty

Baltimore City trails national income median

Baltimore City's median household income of $59,623 falls 20% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting urban poverty concentration and economic inequality. The city ranks below the national average on household income despite being part of a wealthy metropolitan region.

Lowest income in greater Baltimore region

Baltimore City's median household income of $59,623 ranks among the lowest in Maryland, trailing the state average of $94,152 by nearly $35,000. The city's per capita income of $39,195 falls well below the state average of $46,948.

Significant gap from surrounding counties

Baltimore City's $59,623 median household income lags Baltimore County ($90,904), Anne Arundel County ($120,324), and Cecil County ($91,146) substantially. This disparity reflects the economic divergence between the urban core and its more affluent suburban ring.

Housing costs consume significant income share

Baltimore City's rent-to-income ratio of 26% indicates moderate housing cost burden, approaching the 30% threshold that marks financial stress. While below the crisis level, this ratio leaves households with limited flexibility for other expenses and savings.

Strategic saving critical for stability

Baltimore residents should prioritize building emergency funds and accessing free or low-cost financial literacy programs available through nonprofits and community banks. Even modest regular savings and contributions to matched savings programs can create meaningful long-term wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baltimore city

via CrimeByCounty

Baltimore City Safety Trends and Challenges

Baltimore City faces significant safety hurdles with a total crime rate of 4,987.0 per 100,000, more than double the national average. Despite these challenges, it maintains a safety score of 92.1, though the violent crime rate of 1,668.0 is substantially higher than the national 369.8. Data from a single reporting agency highlights a concentrated focus on urban law enforcement.

Evaluating Baltimore within Maryland's Landscape

The city's safety score of 92.1 is the lowest among its peers, sitting well below the state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 4,987.0 is nearly triple the state average of 1,638.3 per 100,000 residents. Users should interpret this single-agency data with caution as it reflects the specific pressures of a major urban center.

Comparing the City to Baltimore County

Baltimore City's crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Baltimore County, which reports a total rate of 2,415.6. While the county is safer by comparison, the city remains the regional focal point for law enforcement resources and public safety initiatives. The disparity underscores the different challenges faced by urban versus suburban Maryland jurisdictions.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Ratios

Violent crime in the city occurs at a rate of 1,668.0, while property crime is reported at 3,319.0 per 100,000 residents. These figures mean that residents and visitors encounter crime at much higher frequencies than in surrounding counties. Vigilance is necessary in both residential and commercial districts.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Defense

In an environment with elevated property and violent crime rates, multi-layered security including cameras and reinforced locks is highly recommended. Joining a local neighborhood watch can provide extra layers of communal protection and information sharing. Active awareness of your surroundings remains the most critical safety habit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baltimore city

via HealthByCounty

Baltimore city faces health crisis

Baltimore residents live to just 70.6 years, more than 8 years below the U.S. average of 78.8 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, the highest rate among Maryland counties, reflecting decades of concentrated health inequities.

Lowest life expectancy in Maryland

At 70.6 years, Baltimore city's life expectancy trails Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by 6.4 years—the widest gap of any jurisdiction in the state. Nearly 20% of residents report poor or fair health, nearly twice the state average.

Stark contrast with surrounding counties

Baltimore city residents live nearly 8 years less than Anne Arundel residents (78.8 years) and 6 years less than Baltimore County residents (76.9 years). Despite the highest concentration of health providers in the region, systemic barriers prevent many from accessing care.

Access paradox amid crisis

Baltimore city has the highest concentration of primary care providers (116 per 100,000) and mental health providers (669 per 100,000) in Maryland, yet 6.6% remain uninsured and health outcomes lag. Deep structural challenges—poverty, housing instability, chronic stress—compound the barriers to care.

Healthcare is your right

Baltimore residents deserve coverage that works. Visit marylandhealthcare.org or call 1-855-642-8572 to enroll in health insurance, access preventive care, and connect with community health resources that serve your neighborhood.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baltimore city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Urban Educational Landscape

Baltimore City manages 155 public schools serving a population of 76,398 students in a purely urban setting. The infrastructure is dominated by 111 elementary schools and 35 high schools, reflecting a commitment to early childhood and secondary education. Two distinct districts operate here, including the SEED School of Maryland.

High Investment Amidst Urban Challenges

Baltimore City spends $11,733 per pupil, which is higher than the Maryland state average of $10,395. The graduation rate stands at 70.1%, trailing the national average as the city works to bridge performance gaps. Despite these hurdles, the city maintains a school score of 53.3, which is above the national median of 50.0.

A Leader in Charter Innovation

Baltimore City Public Schools is the primary district, while the SEED School of Maryland serves as a specialized statewide boarding option. The city is a hub for choice, with 31 charter schools making up 20% of all public campuses. Large vocational and technical schools like Mergenthaler (1,677 students) provide critical career-ready pathways.

Big Schools in an Urban Core

Every one of the 155 schools is classified as an urban locale, providing students with a consistent city experience. The average school size is 493 students, though specialized high schools like Digital Harbor and Baltimore Polytechnic often exceed 1,500 students. This mix of traditional and charter models creates a highly varied educational feel.

Urban Living Near Diverse School Models

Baltimore City offers unique educational opportunities through its wide array of charter schools and specialized vocational programs. Families searching for homes should consider the proximity to these high-enrollment magnet and charter options. The high per-pupil investment reflects a city-wide priority on improving student outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baltimore city

via RiskByCounty

Baltimore City faces the highest national disaster risk

Baltimore City's composite risk score of 95.01 ranks it in the "Relatively High" category—among the most hazard-exposed urban areas in the United States. Every major natural disaster type poses significant danger to the city's 620,000 residents.

Maryland's riskiest jurisdiction

Baltimore City's 95.01 score is the highest in Maryland, far exceeding the state average of 60.22 and surpassing even Baltimore County. The dense urban core, waterfront location, and aging infrastructure converge to create exceptional vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

City risk far exceeds surrounding areas

Baltimore City (95.01) faces dramatically higher exposure than Anne Arundel (81.87) and Baltimore County (93.99), with only Baltimore County approaching its risk level. The city's compact footprint and built environment amplify hazard impacts compared to more distributed suburban and rural neighbors.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes are critical

Baltimore City residents face exceptional tornado risk (95.42), flood danger (94.27), and earthquake exposure (93.00)—the three highest hazard scores in Maryland. Hurricane risk (92.32) rounds out an extraordinarily broad spectrum of natural disaster threats.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

Baltimore homeowners must secure flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and windstorm protection—none of which is typically included in standard policies. An annual insurance review with a qualified agent is essential to ensure coverage keeps pace with property values and new hazard science.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baltimore city

via WeatherByCounty

Urban warmth exceeds national median

Baltimore city averages 57.6°F annually, making it warmer than the typical US location. The urban environment often traps heat, contributing to its humid subtropical profile.

Above the Maryland state average

The city's average temperature sits 1.7 degrees above the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It is one of the warmest spots in the state, particularly during the summer months.

The warmest in the region

Baltimore's July average of 79.7°F is higher than neighboring Anne Arundel or Carroll counties. While annual snowfall data is limited for this station, the city generally stays warmer than its rural neighbors.

Frequent extreme summer heat

The city faces 31 days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters remain relatively mild compared to western Maryland, with a January average of 35.7°F.

Managing the urban heat island

Reliable air conditioning is a priority for the 31 extreme heat days each year. Residents should also plan for 43.7 inches of rain, which can lead to rapid runoff in paved urban areas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baltimore city

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity in Urban Alfisols

Baltimore City soils are notably acidic, with a pH of 3.60 that sits dramatically below both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.31. These are classified as Alfisols, which are typically found under forest cover and are characterized by a clay-enriched sublayer. This unique chemical profile presents a challenge for traditional gardening without significant amendment.

The Silt Loam of the City

The dominant texture is silt loam, created by a mix of 32.2% sand and 27.4% silt. With 11.7% clay, the soil is physically workable but has a fine, dusty consistency when dry. This texture is generally good for root penetration but can be prone to compaction in high-traffic urban areas.

Low Organic Matter and Capacity

Organic matter levels are quite low at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 9.10% significantly. The available water capacity is 0.117 in/in, meaning the soil does not hold onto moisture as effectively as the average Maryland soil at 0.175. Urban gardeners should focus on adding compost and mulch to build up these thin soil profiles.

Well Drained but Runoff Prone

The soil is classified as well drained, yet it falls into hydrologic group C, indicating a slow rate of water transmission. In a city setting, this means that heavy rains can lead to quick saturation and surface runoff. Proper drainage design is essential for urban farms and landscape projects to prevent erosion.

Resilient Growing in Zone 7b

Baltimore's Zone 7b climate allows for a wide range of hardy vegetables and perennials. Because of the high acidity and low organic matter, raised beds with imported soil are the most successful way to start an urban garden. You can grow vibrant greens and herbs while transforming the city's landscape one plot at a time.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baltimore city

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Urban Lawns

Baltimore city scores a 44.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder to maintain turf here than in 55% of the country. Urban heat and unique soil challenges contribute to this lower score compared to the state average of 49.8. Gardeners in Zone 7b must be more strategic with their maintenance plans.

Intense Heat and Long Growing Seasons

The city battles 31 extreme heat days per year, creating significant stress for cool-season grasses. With 4,306 growing degree days, the biological activity in your soil and turf is high, requiring more frequent feeding and mowing. The 43.7 inches of annual precipitation is adequate but often lost to runoff in paved areas.

Overcoming Extreme Soil Acidity

The local soil pH of 3.60 is critically low, falling far below the ideal 6.0 range and requiring significant lime treatment. Despite being well-drained silt loam, this acidity can stunt root growth and limit nutrient uptake. You will likely need multiple soil amendments to create a healthy foundation for any grass.

Water Conservation in the City

Baltimore has faced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire city is currently under abnormally dry conditions. Because of the urban heat island effect, your lawn may require more hydration than those in the surrounding suburbs. Use mulch around borders and keep grass height at 3.5 inches to shade the soil.

Start Early for City Success

Tall fescue is your best bet for tolerating the city's 31 heat days and Zone 7b winters. With the last spring frost typically occurring on April 2, you can begin spring repairs early. Focus on heavy aeration and lime application this season to revitalize your urban soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baltimore city's county score?
Baltimore city, Maryland has a composite county score of 24.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Baltimore city rank among counties in Maryland?
Baltimore city ranks #24 among all counties in Maryland on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Baltimore city, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Baltimore city is $3,236, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Baltimore city a tax score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baltimore city?
The median household income in Baltimore city, Maryland is $59,623 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baltimore city earns an income score of 37.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baltimore city, Maryland a good place to live?
Baltimore city scores 24.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Baltimore city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Baltimore city with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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