Calvert County

Maryland · MD

#6 in Maryland
67
County Score

County Report Card

About Calvert County, Maryland

Calvert significantly exceeds national average

Calvert County's composite score of 67.0 towers 34% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's stronger-performing counties. This top-tier ranking reflects consistent excellence across income, health, and tax dimensions.

Among Maryland's strongest performers

At 67.0, Calvert ranks well above Maryland's 63.9 state average, positioning it as one of the state's top-performing counties. The county delivers livability that rivals Maryland's most successful jurisdictions.

Exceptional income and health outcomes

Calvert boasts a median household income of $132,059 and a health score of 82.2, among the state's highest across both metrics. The effective tax rate of 0.876% is among the most competitive in Maryland, enabling strong household wealth accumulation.

Housing costs and risk require consideration

The cost score of 46.1 reflects median home values of $440,200 and rents of $1,701, placing housing among the state's most expensive. A risk score of 71.1—the county's highest dimension—suggests notable environmental or economic vulnerabilities.

Perfect for affluent families seeking quality

Calvert suits affluent families and high-earning professionals who prioritize excellent schools, health outcomes, and tax efficiency. It's a premium destination for those who can absorb housing costs in exchange for top-tier livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost46.1SafetyComing SoonHealth82.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome69.6Risk71.1WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠46.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼69.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
82.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
71.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Calvert County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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