CountyScore

Baltimore city

Maryland · MD

#23 in Maryland
55.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Baltimore city, Maryland

Baltimore City surpasses national median

Baltimore City's composite score of 55.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 10%, reflecting solid baseline livability despite well-documented urban challenges. The score positions the city as performing above-average among American municipalities.

Below-average within Maryland context

At 55.3, Baltimore City trails Maryland's state average of 63.9 by more than 8 points, ranking it toward the lower end of the state's counties. This gap highlights the city's structural livability challenges relative to its suburban and rural peers.

Moderate affordability in urban setting

Baltimore City's cost score of 63.5 and median rent of $1,290 offer relative affordability within an urban context, though median home values of $219,300 remain steep for lower-income residents. The health score of 66.6 reflects an urban medical infrastructure with solid basics.

Income gaps and tax burden weigh heavily

The income score of 22.3 and median household income of $59,623 reflect significant economic inequality and limited wage growth opportunities. An effective tax rate of 1.476% ranks among the state's highest, reducing household purchasing power.

Best for urban-oriented, resilient individuals

Baltimore City suits young professionals, artists, and culturally engaged individuals who value walkability and urban amenities over suburban stability. It's less suitable for families seeking maximum housing space or those prioritizing financial mobility.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.8Cost63.5SafetyComing SoonHealth66.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.3Risk5WaterComing Soon
🏛60.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5
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 Baltimore city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broward County
Florida
55.2
Median income: $74,534
Schenectady County
New York
55.2
Median income: $76,989
Ulster County
New York
55.2
Median income: $81,804
Kleberg County
Texas
55.4
Median income: $57,612
Tompkins County
New York
55.1
Median income: $73,012

Deep Dives

Baltimore city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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