countyscore
38.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.4Health 79.7Weather & Climate 68.3

County Report Card

About Baltimore County, Maryland

Wealthy but Lagging Nationally

Baltimore County’s composite score of 38.3 sits below the national median of 50.0. While household incomes are high, low scores in cost and risk negatively impact its national standing.

Below the State Average

The county's overall score of 38.3 trails the Maryland state average of 47.4. High living costs and environmental vulnerabilities make it less competitive than Maryland's more balanced counties.

Economic Might and Good Health

High-earners thrive here, with an income score of 92.4 and a median household income of $90,904. The county also provides strong healthcare outcomes, reflected in a health score of 79.7.

High Risk and Low Affordability

A risk score of 6.0 and a cost score of 6.3 represent major hurdles for residents. With a median home value of $330,000 and low safety scores, the county faces pressure on multiple fronts.

Best for Health-Conscious Earners

This county suits established professionals who prioritize excellent medical care and high-paying jobs. It requires a high threshold for entry due to housing costs and a tolerance for environmental risk.

2040608010030.86.314.679.765.392.4626.768.3Tax30.8Cost6.3Safety14.6Health79.7Schools65.3Income92.4Risk6Water26.7Weather68.338.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Baltimore County DNA

Foverall

How Baltimore County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Baltimore County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (92.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (6.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.8-21.2
Cost
6.3-41.7
Safety
14.6-40.4
Health
79.7+29.700000000000003
Schools
65.3+11.299999999999997
Income
92.4+41.400000000000006
Risk
6-41
Water
26.7-31.3
Weather
68.3+12.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Baltimore County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$330,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,566/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$330,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$62,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $90,904/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Baltimore city
Maryland
24.8
Harford County
Maryland
50.1
Howard County
Maryland
48.8
Anne Arundel County
Maryland
45.6
Carroll County
Maryland
57
Kent County
Maryland
52.8
Cecil County
Maryland
42.2
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
58.9

Deep Dives

Baltimore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Baltimore County

via CrimeByCounty

Baltimore County Tracks Near National Averages

Baltimore County’s total crime rate of 2,415.6 per 100,000 is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.2, indicating a relatively secure environment for a large metropolitan area. Violent crime is reported at 411.2, which is just above the national benchmark of 369.8.

Measuring Safety Against State Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 96.2 falls just below the Maryland state average of 97.4. With five agencies reporting data, the 2022 figures provide a reliable snapshot of the region's safety efforts. Its total crime rate of 2,415.6 is higher than the state average of 1,638.3, reflecting its role as a high-population hub.

A Safer Alternative to the City Center

Baltimore County provides a significantly safer profile than Baltimore City, with less than half the city's total crime rate. However, it sees higher activity than more rural neighbors like Carroll County. This middle-ground position is typical for a major suburban area bordering a large city.

Property Crime Dominates the Local Landscape

Property crime accounts for 2,004.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, roughly five times the rate of violent crime. At a violent crime rate of 411.2, physical safety concerns exist but are less frequent than theft or burglary. Understanding this split helps residents prioritize their personal security efforts.

Deterring Property Theft with Technology

Visible security cameras and well-lit entryways serve as effective deterrents against property crime in suburban neighborhoods. Since property offenses are the primary concern, secure your vehicles and garage doors every night. Consistent security habits are the most effective way to protect your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Baltimore County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Infrastructure Serving the Suburbs

Baltimore County features a sprawling network of 178 schools, the largest in this group, serving 111,082 students. The system includes 111 elementary, 29 middle, and 32 high schools, providing extensive coverage for this high-population region. A single district manages this entire portfolio, ensuring large-scale coordination.

Strong Graduation Performance and Value

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87%. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,944, which is lower than both the state and national averages. The resulting school score of 59.4 indicates consistent performance across one of Maryland's largest student bodies.

A Single Powerhouse District

Baltimore County Public Schools oversees every student in the county, making it one of the most significant districts in the country. Charter schools are rare here, with only one campus currently operating, representing less than 1% of the total. Massive high schools like Parkville and Dundalk each serve over 2,100 students.

Suburban Focus with Large Campuses

The educational experience is primarily suburban, with 156 campuses located in suburban neighborhoods. Schools are generally large, with an average enrollment of 635 students per campus. Major hubs like Perry Hall High and Kenwood High anchor their communities with enrollments near or above 2,000 students.

Relocate to a Top-Tier Suburban District

Families moving to Baltimore County benefit from a well-established school system with graduation rates above the national norm. The county’s vast suburban reach means there are many neighborhoods within walking distance of large, active schools. Use these graduation and performance metrics to help narrow your home search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Baltimore County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues Lead to F Grade

Baltimore County recorded a high violation rate of 81.2 per 100,000 people, more than triple the Maryland state average of 25.7. Although only two health violations were logged over five years, their impact on the population density triggered a failing grade. This suggests localized but significant risks within the county's water systems.

County Watersheds Beat State Average for Health

The 2022 assessment shows that 40.7% of the county's 214 water bodies are impaired, performing better than the state average of 43.1%. Environmental concerns are led by rising water temperatures and the presence of PCBs in fish tissue. These impairments highlight the legacy of industrial activity and the effects of climate change.

Extensive Data Network Monitors County-Wide Trends

Monitoring teams manage 72 sites, recording 48,208 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical changes, nutrients, and microbiological health to protect varied suburban and rural landscapes. This comprehensive coverage helps track the effectiveness of local environmental restoration projects.

Patapsco River Flow Drops to One-Third of Normal

The Patapsco River near Catonsville is flowing at 97 cubic feet per second, only 36% of its historical mean. This significant deficit indicates a lack of recent precipitation and potential stress on local aquatic life. Lower flows can lead to increased concentrations of phosphorus and other nutrients in the water.

Addressing Critical Compliance and Watershed Concerns

Residents should pay close attention to local water reports due to the failing compliance grade. Given the presence of PCBs in fish tissue, follow state advisories regarding the consumption of fish from local streams. Installing home filtration systems can provide an extra layer of safety against the county's high violation rate.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Baltimore County

via SoilByCounty

Healthy Entisols Across the Piedmont

Baltimore County earns a strong soil score of 63.0, supported by an average pH of 5.52. These soils belong to the Entisols order, which are relatively young soils with little profile development. While more acidic than the national median of 6.5, they are slightly more alkaline than the Maryland state average of 5.31.

Balanced Silt and Sand Profiles

The soil composition is 34.9% sand and 44.7% silt, creating a loamy feel that is excellent for agriculture. A clay content of 14.6% provides the necessary structure to hold nutrients without becoming heavy or difficult to till. This balance makes the county's land highly desirable for both residential lawns and commercial farming.

Superior Water Holding Potential

With an organic matter content of 6.11%, the soil is productive, though it sits below the state average of 9.10%. Critically, the available water capacity is 0.191 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.175. This high capacity means the county's soils are naturally resilient during short droughts.

Deep Soil with Stable Water Flow

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the primary data, but the high water capacity suggests a deep soil profile. The balanced composition typically allows for steady infiltration and moderate drainage speeds. Homeowners should still monitor local site conditions for any clay-heavy spots that might hold water.

Piedmont Prosperity in Zone 7b

Residing in Zone 7b, the county is an ideal home for everything from leafy greens to stone fruits. The soil's ability to hold water makes it a fantastic environment for establishing permanent shrubs and fruit trees. Dig into your garden today to take advantage of some of Maryland's most reliable earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baltimore County

via LawnByCounty

Baltimore County Faces Tough Hurdles

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.3, Baltimore County is one of the most challenging places in the state to maintain a perfect lawn. This score is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0, indicating that local homeowners must work harder for results. This Hardiness Zone 7b region demands professional-level persistence.

Navigating Incomplete Climate Data

While specific annual temperature and precipitation data are limited for this county, nearby trends suggest a standard mid-Atlantic climate. You can generally expect a long growing season typical of Zone 7b. Without specific local heat day data, monitoring your own yard’s microclimate is essential for timing your maintenance.

Addressing Slower Drainage and Acidity

A soil pH of 5.52 means your lawn is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely slowing your grass's growth. The soil contains 14.6% clay and 34.9% sand, a mix that can become compacted without regular aeration. Balancing these physical properties is key to helping your turf's root system expand.

Protecting Lawns Through Dry Spells

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought conditions over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. This persistent lack of moisture explains why the difficulty score remains so low. Implementing a smart irrigation system can help mitigate these frequent dry periods.

Choose Resilient Turf Varieties

Given the 7b hardiness zone, Hybrid Bermuda or Turf-Type Tall Fescue are excellent choices for their durability. While frost dates are not specified, local experts recommend finishing major seeding by mid-October to ensure establishment. Persistence is the name of the game in this demanding growing environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baltimore County's county score?
Baltimore County, Maryland has a composite county score of 38.3 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 County rank among counties in Maryland?
Baltimore County ranks #22 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 County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Baltimore County is $3,645, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Baltimore County a tax score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baltimore County?
The median household income in Baltimore County, Maryland is $90,904 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baltimore County earns an income score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baltimore County, Maryland a good place to live?
Baltimore County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Baltimore County 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 County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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