CountyScore

Baltimore County

Maryland · MD

#20 in Maryland
59.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Baltimore County, Maryland

Baltimore County well above national norm

Baltimore County's composite score of 59.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 19%, demonstrating strong overall livability. The county delivers consistent performance across health, tax, and income dimensions that serve diverse household types.

Competitive but middle-ranked in state

At 59.5, Baltimore County sits slightly below Maryland's 63.9 state average, placing it in the solid middle of the state's county rankings. It competes well nationally but faces strong competition from neighboring Maryland counties.

Health outcomes and tax efficiency standout

Baltimore County's health score of 76.7 and tax score of 71.2 reflect an effective tax rate of 1.105% and strong healthcare infrastructure. Median household income of $90,904 provides solid middle-to-upper-middle-class living standards.

Housing costs and risk profile concerns

The cost score of 55.3 reflects median home values of $330,000 and rents of $1,566, challenging for first-time buyers. A low risk score of 6.0 suggests environmental or economic vulnerabilities deserving investigation.

Strong fit for suburban middle-class families

Baltimore County works well for established families and middle-income professionals seeking suburban stability with good schools and healthcare. It balances affordability better than nearby Anne Arundel while maintaining strong livability fundamentals.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.2Cost55.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome42.7Risk6WaterComing Soon
🏛71.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6
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 County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ramsey County
Minnesota
59.5
Median income: $81,004
Aleutians West Census Area
Alaska
59.4
Median income: $107,344
Nome Census Area
Alaska
59.6
Median income: $76,643
Bibb County
Georgia
59.6
Median income: $50,747
Livingston County
Illinois
59.4
Median income: $70,796

Deep Dives

Baltimore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Baltimore County

via TaxByCounty

Baltimore County taxes above national median

Baltimore County's effective tax rate of 1.105% exceeds the national median of 0.890%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationwide. The median property tax of $3,645 on homes valued at $330,000 reflects a moderate-to-high tax burden compared to national standards.

Above Maryland's average rate

Baltimore County's effective rate of 1.105% exceeds the state average of 0.957% by about 15%, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of Maryland counties. The median property tax of $3,645 exceeds the state median of $3,328, reflecting both higher home values and a steeper tax rate.

Higher taxes than Anne Arundel

Baltimore County's 1.105% rate significantly exceeds Anne Arundel's 0.852% just to the south, despite similar home values. County residents on a $330,000 median home pay about $3,645 annually, while Anne Arundel residents on a $450,300 median home pay only $3,836.

What you pay on a typical home

On Baltimore County's median home value of $330,000, the effective tax rate of 1.105% comes to roughly $3,645 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,648 per year, with little variation between mortgaged and outright-owned properties.

You may be overassessed

Many Baltimore County homeowners accept their assessments without question, missing the opportunity to reduce their tax burden. The county's appeal process is accessible to all residents, and successful challenges can yield meaningful savings on your annual property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baltimore County

via CostByCounty

Baltimore County's moderate affordability

Baltimore County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds Maryland's 18.3% state average but remains reasonable compared to national standards. The county's median household income of $90,904 is 22% above the national median, providing residents better capacity to handle housing costs than many regions.

Middle-tier Maryland affordability

Baltimore County ranks in the middle of Maryland's affordability spectrum, with a 20.7% rent-to-income ratio that reflects its position as a prosperous suburban county. While costlier than rural areas like Allegany and Caroline, it remains more affordable than premium suburban markets like Anne Arundel.

Suburban value proposition

Baltimore County's $1,566 median rent sits between more affordable areas like Caroline County ($1,070) and pricier Anne Arundel ($1,990), offering a middle-ground suburban experience. Home values of $330,000 are notably lower than Anne Arundel's $450,300, providing better value for homebuyers.

Baltimore County's balance sheet

Renters pay $1,566 monthly while homeowners carry $1,594 mortgage payments on homes valued at $330,000, reflecting a relatively balanced market. With a median household income of $90,904, housing consumes 20.7% for renters and 21.0% for owners—within sustainable ranges for middle-income families.

Balanced suburban living

Baltimore County suits families earning $80,000–$110,000 seeking suburban schools and amenities without the premium costs of Anne Arundel. The county offers solid value with $1,566 rents and $330,000 homes, plus strong employment opportunities in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baltimore County

via IncomeByCounty

Baltimore County exceeds national income average

Baltimore County's median household income of $90,904 runs 22% above the national median of $74,755, solidifying its position as an above-average U.S. county. This affluence reflects a diverse economic base spanning healthcare, professional services, and technology sectors.

Mid-tier income ranking in Maryland

Baltimore County's median household income of $90,904 ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Maryland jurisdictions, trailing only the state average of $94,152 by a slim margin. The county's per capita income of $48,196 nearly matches the state average of $46,948.

Strong income in Baltimore region

Baltimore County's median household income of $90,904 surpasses Baltimore City ($59,623) by 52% and competes closely with Cecil County ($91,146). It trails wealthier suburban counties like Anne Arundel ($120,324), Calvert ($132,059), and Carroll ($115,876).

Housing costs manageable for most households

Baltimore County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% indicates reasonable housing affordability relative to income, though slightly elevated compared to less expensive regions. Median home values of $330,000 remain accessible to households earning the county median income.

Build long-term wealth with steady income

Baltimore County's solid household incomes provide a foundation for consistent retirement saving and investment growth. Maximize employer 401(k) matches, contribute to IRAs, and consider working with a fee-only financial advisor to develop a personalized wealth-building strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Baltimore County

via HealthByCounty

Baltimore County matches national health

Baltimore County residents live to 76.9 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 78.8 years, with 14.8% reporting poor or fair health. The county's outcomes reflect the mixed health landscape of suburban Maryland.

Slightly below state average

At 76.9 years, Baltimore County trails Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by just 0.1 years. The county's 14.8% poor/fair health rate sits close to the state median, making it a middle performer among Maryland jurisdictions.

Middle ground in the region

Baltimore County's 76.9-year life expectancy falls between Anne Arundel (78.8 years) and Baltimore city (70.6 years). With 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers solid access compared to most Maryland counties.

Coverage and access fairly balanced

Baltimore County's uninsured rate of 6.0% is nearly equal to the state average of 6.4%, and 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensure reasonable access. Mental health support is robust with 436 providers per 100,000 residents.

Secure coverage for your family

If you lack health insurance in Baltimore County, now is the time to act. Explore marylandhealthcare.org to find plans and financial aid, ensuring your family has access to preventive care and treatment when you need it most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baltimore County

via RiskByCounty

Baltimore County experiences high disaster exposure

Baltimore County's composite risk score of 93.99 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, among the nation's most hazard-prone counties despite not reaching the highest tier. The county's scale and diversity mean some neighborhoods face dramatically higher risks than others.

Second-highest risk in Maryland

Baltimore County's 93.99 score ranks second in Maryland, just below Baltimore City's 95.01 and far exceeding the state average of 60.22. The county's extensive waterfront, dense development corridor, and seismic exposure combine to create statewide leadership in disaster risk.

Baltimore County dominates the urban risk tier

Baltimore County (93.99) faces risks comparable only to Baltimore City (95.01), while Anne Arundel County (81.87) and more distant counties show substantially lower exposure. The Baltimore-Annapolis urban corridor represents Maryland's highest-risk geography.

Floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes lead threats

Baltimore County residents contend with flood risk (93.89), earthquake exposure (92.43), hurricane danger (92.74), and elevated tornado hazard (80.38). The county's Piedmont location and waterfront areas create particular vulnerability to multiple simultaneous hazard types.

Multi-layered insurance protects your investment

Baltimore County homeowners should acquire standalone flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and comprehensive wind protection, then review annually for adequacy. Properties in flood plains or near water require especially careful policy selection and periodic reappraisal.

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.