countyscore
59.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.4Health 93.4Schools 81.7

County Report Card

About Calvert County, Maryland

A National Leader in Livability

Calvert County boasts a composite score of 59.1, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a premier destination for those seeking a high standard of living.

Dominating the Maryland Rankings

With a score of 59.1, Calvert sits far above the Maryland average of 47.4. It is one of the state's most desirable counties, balancing elite wealth with strong community services.

Elite Incomes and Safety

The county features a near-perfect income score of 99.4 and a median household income of $132,059. High marks in health (93.4) and safety (68.5) further cement its status as a top-tier community.

The High Price of Paradise

Exclusivity comes with a cost, as the county's cost score is just 3.0. Median home values are high at $440,200, making it difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market.

The Ultimate Family Sanctuary

Calvert is the top choice for affluent families seeking elite schools, high safety, and peerless healthcare. It is best for those with the financial means to handle Maryland's premium housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax47.1Cost3Safety68.5Health93.4Schools81.7Income99.4Risk71.1Water50Weather72.8
🏛47.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤93.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.2
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

St. Mary's County
Maryland
52.3
Charles County
Maryland
48.2
Talbot County
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Dorchester County
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Prince George's County
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Anne Arundel County
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Westmoreland County
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Deep Dives

Calvert County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calvert County

via TaxByCounty

Calvert's tax rate favors homeowners

Calvert County's effective tax rate of 0.876% sits just below the national median of 0.890%, placing it in roughly the 45th percentile nationally. Despite higher home values, the median property tax of $3,858 is only 43% above the national median, reflecting the county's moderate tax approach.

Below Maryland's average rate

Calvert County's effective rate of 0.876% sits below the state average of 0.957%, ranking it among Maryland's more tax-friendly jurisdictions. The median property tax of $3,858 exceeds the state median of $3,328 primarily due to higher home values of $440,200, not a steep tax rate.

Second-most favorable rate in region

Calvert's 0.876% rate trails only Anne Arundel (0.852%) among central Maryland counties, beating Caroline (0.922%) and Carroll (0.944%). On similar home values, Calvert residents enjoy lower tax rates than most neighboring jurisdictions.

What you pay on a typical home

On Calvert's median home value of $440,200, the effective tax rate of 0.876% translates to roughly $3,858 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,841 per year, while those owning outright pay around $3,906.

You may be overassessed

Even in a tax-friendly county with favorable rates, individual properties may be overvalued in the assessor's books. Calvert homeowners can challenge their assessments through the county's formal appeal process, potentially recovering thousands in reduced annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calvert County

via CostByCounty

Calvert's exceptional affordability ratio

Calvert County achieves the best rent-to-income ratio in Maryland at just 15.5%, well below the state average of 18.3% and national benchmarks. The county's strong median household income of $132,059—77% above the national average—combined with moderate rents creates an ideal affordability picture.

Maryland's most balanced market

Calvert County leads Maryland in housing affordability when income is factored in, despite housing costs that include a $1,701 median rent and $440,200 median home value. The county's high earner base makes even premium prices feel accessible.

High-income advantage clear

Calvert's $1,701 rent is higher than nearby Caroline County ($1,070) and Cecil County ($1,367), yet Calvert's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats both counties due to significantly higher median income ($132,059 vs. $66,368 and $91,146). Calvert attracts affluent households who can comfortably afford premium housing.

Calvert's premium-income profile

Renters pay $1,701 monthly while homeowners carry $2,031 mortgage payments on homes averaging $440,200 in value—among the highest in the state. Yet with a median household income of $132,059, housing consumes just 15.5% for renters and 18.4% for owners, providing substantial financial cushion.

Calvert for affluent families

Calvert County is ideal for high-income households ($120,000+) seeking excellent schools, waterfront living, and a strong sense of community. The county's exceptional income-to-housing ratio and $440,200 median home value deliver luxury suburban living without the affordability squeeze seen in lower-income areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calvert County

via IncomeByCounty

Calvert County ranks among nation's wealthiest

Calvert County's median household income of $132,059 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 77%, placing it in the top 10% of U.S. counties. This exceptional wealth reflects the county's strategic location as a commuter haven for Washington, D.C., professionals and proximity to federal employers.

Highest-income county in Maryland

Calvert County claims the highest median household income in Maryland at $132,059, significantly outpacing the state average of $94,152 by nearly $38,000. The county's per capita income of $56,411 ranks among the state's highest.

Wealthiest in southern Maryland

Calvert County's median household income of $132,059 exceeds all neighboring southern Maryland jurisdictions and ranks above Anne Arundel County ($120,324) and Carroll County ($115,876). Only Calvert reaches this elite income plateau in the state.

Premium incomes offset premium home costs

Calvert County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is among Maryland's lowest, indicating strong housing affordability despite median home values of $440,200. High household incomes comfortably support both housing and other lifestyle costs.

Optimize wealth through strategic planning

Calvert residents enjoy exceptional income potential—perfect for aggressive retirement saving, diversified investments, and building generational wealth. Consider working with a comprehensive financial planner to address tax efficiency, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calvert County

via CrimeByCounty

Calvert County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Calvert County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.8, making it one of the most secure counties in the country. Its total crime rate of 738.9 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight a remarkably low-risk environment for residents and families.

A Leader in Maryland State Safety

Exceeding the state safety score average of 97.4, Calvert County's 98.8 score places it at the top tier of Maryland jurisdictions. The total crime rate of 738.9 is far lower than the state average of 1,638.3. Two reporting agencies confirm these impressive statistics for the 2022 calendar year.

Setting the Standard for Regional Safety

Calvert County is significantly safer than its neighbors in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, maintaining much lower crime rates. Its violent crime rate of 139.4 is exceptionally low compared to the state's 311.8 average. This makes Calvert a standout refuge for those seeking a quiet and secure lifestyle.

Understanding the Local Low-Crime Reality

With property crime at 599.5 and violent crime at 139.4 per 100,000, incidents of any kind are rare in Calvert County. These figures represent some of the lowest rates in the state, meaning the risk of being a victim of crime is statistically minimal. Most local law enforcement activity focuses on maintaining this peaceful baseline.

Preserving a Safe Home Environment

While crime is low, maintaining basic security like locking windows and doors ensures the county stays safe. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity help keep these record-low crime numbers in place. A simple home security system can provide peace of mind in this high-safety region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Calvert County

via HealthByCounty

Calvert leads on longevity

Calvert County residents live to 78.7 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 78.8 years, with just 12.0% reporting poor or fair health. The county ranks among the healthiest in the nation.

Top performer in Maryland

At 78.7 years, Calvert County's life expectancy exceeds Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by 1.7 years. With only 12.0% reporting poor or fair health, Calvert ranks among the state's healthiest counties.

Rivals Anne Arundel in health

Calvert's 78.7-year life expectancy rivals Anne Arundel (78.8 years) and far exceeds most Maryland peers. However, with 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Calvert has fewer providers than Anne Arundel, requiring some residents to travel for care.

Lowest uninsured rate statewide

Calvert County boasts the lowest uninsured rate in Maryland at just 4.4%, well below the state average of 6.4%. While primary care availability is modest at 48 providers per 100,000, the highly insured population ensures strong care-seeking behavior.

Maintain your excellent coverage

Calvert residents benefit from exceptional health coverage rates. Visit marylandhealthcare.org annually to review your plan and confirm you have the preventive and specialty care access that supports this county's outstanding health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Calvert County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network with High Standards

Calvert County supports 15,461 students through a refined network of 25 public schools. This includes 12 elementary, 6 middle, and 4 high schools, alongside 3 specialized centers. The system is entirely contained within one district, serving a student body that is significantly smaller than its neighbors to the north.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Efficiency

Calvert County leads the pack with a stellar 96.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the 89.4% state average. Most impressively, it achieves these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,446, well below national spending levels. The county maintains a school score of 59.8, proving that efficiency and academic excellence can go hand-in-hand.

Unified District Excellence

Calvert County Public Schools operates the entire local education system without any charter school presence. The district's high schools are the primary enrollment hubs, led by Northern High with 1,493 students. This centralized model allows for a clear, high-performing pathway from kindergarten through graduation.

Community Schools in a Rural Setting

Reflecting the county's geography, 20 of the 25 schools are located in rural areas, creating a localized community feel. The average school size is 644 students, which is surprisingly robust for a rural-heavy district. High schools like Huntingtown and Calvert High are the largest, while middle schools like Windy Hill serve around 737 students.

Rural Charm Meets Academic Success

For those seeking top-tier graduation rates in a rural environment, Calvert County is an ideal choice for home buyers. The school system's 96% graduation rate is a powerful indicator of future success for resident families. Explore homes in this high-performing district where educational efficiency is a point of pride.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calvert County

via RiskByCounty

Calvert County sits well below national risk averages

Calvert County's composite risk score of 28.91 earns a "Very Low" rating—among the safest counties in the nation for natural disasters. Despite modest exposure to select hazards, the county's overall vulnerability remains minimal compared to national trends.

Maryland's safest county by far

Calvert County's 28.91 score is the lowest in Maryland, less than half the state average of 60.22 and dramatically safer than urban peers Baltimore City (95.01) and Baltimore County (93.99). The county's geographic isolation and rural character minimize compounded hazard exposure.

Calvert outpaces all nearby counties

Calvert County (28.91) is far safer than Anne Arundel (81.87), Caroline (45.71), and Charles County neighbors to the south and west. Its isolated peninsula location and lower development density create a protective buffer against the hazard concentrations affecting more connected regions.

Hurricane and flood risks warrant attention

Calvert County's main hazards are hurricane exposure (81.73) and flood danger (59.40), both notable but manageable compared to statewide peers. Tornado (17.33), earthquake (50.06), and wildfire (52.58) risks remain secondary concerns in this low-risk jurisdiction.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Calvert County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider flood coverage if in a mapped flood zone, given the county's low overall risk. Compared to state peers, insurance costs should reflect this favorable risk profile—shop around to ensure competitive rates.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calvert County

via WeatherByCounty

One of Maryland's warmest spots

Calvert County averages 58.9°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This Southern Maryland peninsula enjoys a mild, humid subtropical climate.

Leading the state in warmth

The county is 3 degrees warmer than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It is consistently one of the warmest counties in Maryland due to its southern latitude and bay influence.

Warmer than northern bay counties

Calvert is warmer than Anne Arundel and significantly warmer than central Maryland counties like Carroll. Its July average of 80.3°F represents some of the highest summer temperatures in the region.

Hot summers and mild winters

Residents experience 31 days of extreme heat annually, with July averaging 80.3°F. Winters are among the state's mildest, featuring a January average of 37.7°F.

Prioritize summer cooling needs

The primary climate challenge is the 31 days of 90-degree weather, requiring efficient HVAC systems. While snowfall data is limited, the mild 39.7°F winter average suggests minimal snow disruption.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calvert County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Plain Soils of Calvert

Calvert County's soil profile is characterized by an average pH of 5.36, which is very close to the Maryland state average of 5.31. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, typical of coastal plain regions. No dominant taxonomic order is recorded, but the chemistry is consistent with sandy, weathered environments.

High Sand for Easy Aeration

At 56.6% sand, this soil is exceptionally light and well-aerated, allowing roots to expand with ease. Silt makes up 30.5% of the soil, while clay is low at 10.2%, resulting in a texture that resists compaction. This mix is perfect for plants that require sharp drainage and cannot tolerate 'wet feet'.

Average Water Retention and Organic Matter

Organic matter content is 4.87%, which is lower than the high state average of 9.10% but sufficient for many native species. The available water capacity is 0.172 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.175. This suggests that despite the high sand content, the soil manages to retain moisture reasonably well.

Coastal Water Movement Patterns

Detailed hydrologic and drainage data are not available for this county's dominant types, but the sandy composition usually indicates rapid infiltration. Gardeners should watch for nutrient leaching, as high-sand soils allow minerals to wash away more quickly than clay-heavy soils. Adding organic amendments is the best way to stabilize this environment.

Bountiful Bay Growing in Zone 7b

Zone 7b offers a long, warm season that is perfect for heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. The sandy soil is a dream for gardeners who hate digging through heavy clay, making it easy to start a new patch. Get growing this spring and enjoy the productivity of Calvert's unique coastal earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calvert County

via LawnByCounty

Calvert Challenges the Average Lawn

Calvert County's lawn difficulty score of 44.2 is lower than both the state and national averages, indicating a more difficult growing environment. As a Hardiness Zone 7b region, the winters are mild, but the soil and drought factors add complexity to your routine. Expect to spend more time troubleshooting than a typical Maryland homeowner.

Extremely Long Growing Windows

With 4,559 growing degree days, Calvert has one of the most active biological seasons in the state. The growing season stretches from a very early last frost on March 22 to late November, necessitating a longer mowing schedule. While local precipitation data is missing, 31 heat days suggest that summer stress is a major factor.

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

The soil is predominantly sandy at 56.6%, which provides excellent drainage but poor nutrient retention. Combined with an acidic pH of 5.36, your lawn likely needs regular applications of lime and slow-release fertilizer. Adding organic matter is the best way to keep your grass fed in this sandy environment.

Consistent Dryness Requires Smart Watering

Calvert has endured 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. Since sandy soil drains quickly, your lawn will show signs of drought stress sooner than those in clay-heavy counties. Focus on deep soaking to encourage roots to search for moisture further underground.

Heat-Ready Grass is Essential

Because of the high heat and long season, Turf-Type Tall Fescue or even warm-season grasses like Zoysia are recommended for Calvert. You have a massive window for fall planting, as the first frost usually waits until November 26. Get a head start on your soil testing now to fix those pH levels before seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calvert County's county score?
Calvert County, Maryland has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Calvert County rank among counties in Maryland?
Calvert County ranks #2 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 Calvert County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Calvert County is $3,858, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Calvert County a tax score of 47.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calvert County?
The median household income in Calvert County, Maryland is $132,059 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calvert County earns an income score of 99.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calvert County, Maryland a good place to live?
Calvert County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Calvert 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 Calvert County 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.