countyscore
42
County Score
Soil Quality 68.9Weather & Climate 65.4Schools 62.7

County Report Card

About Caroline County, Maryland

A Steady National Contender

Caroline County holds a composite score of 42.0, which is below the national median of 50.0. While it faces some headwinds, it maintains a respectable profile compared to many rural peers.

Slightly Below Maryland Norms

The county’s score of 42.0 is just under the Maryland state average of 47.4. It offers a different lifestyle than the state's urban centers, trading high incomes for a more stable risk profile.

Strong Schools and Low Risk

Caroline provides a solid foundation for families with a school score of 62.7. It also avoids many natural hazards, evidenced by a risk score of 54.3, which is better than many neighboring counties.

Water Infrastructure and Costs

The water score of 27.7 suggests a need for infrastructure improvements. Despite its rural nature, the cost score of 18.2 indicates that housing remains relatively expensive for the local income level.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

This county is a great fit for families seeking decent schools and a low-risk environment away from the coastal hazards. It suits those looking for a predictable, community-focused lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax43.5Cost18.2Safety40.7Health42.9Schools62.7Income57.8Risk54.3Water27.7Weather65.4
🏛43.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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

Queen Anne's County
Maryland
58.9
Talbot County
Maryland
56.9
Sussex County
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50.4
Kent County
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Kent County
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Dorchester County
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Wicomico County
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Anne Arundel County
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45.6

Deep Dives

Caroline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caroline County

via TaxByCounty

Caroline County taxes near national median

Caroline County's effective tax rate of 0.922% sits just above the national median of 0.890%, placing it in roughly the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,513 on homes valued at $272,400 represents a balanced tax burden close to national norms.

Slightly below Maryland's average

Caroline County's effective rate of 0.922% sits just below the state average of 0.957%, ranking it in the middle range of Maryland counties. The median property tax of $2,513 falls well below the state median of $3,328, reflecting both lower home values and a modest tax rate.

Favorable compared to nearby counties

Caroline's 0.922% rate beats Cecil (0.981%) and Allegany (1.078%) but trails Anne Arundel (0.852%) and Calvert (0.876%). On home values similar to state median, Caroline residents pay significantly less in annual property taxes than most Maryland jurisdictions.

What you pay on a typical home

On Caroline's median home value of $272,400, the effective tax rate of 0.922% comes to roughly $2,513 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,536 per year, while those owning outright pay around $2,478.

You may be overassessed

Caroline County homeowners should verify that their property assessments reflect current market values, as overvaluation occurs even in modest housing markets. Filing an appeal is free and straightforward, and successful challenges can meaningfully reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caroline County

via CostByCounty

Caroline County's rural affordability

Caroline County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% is slightly above Maryland's 18.3% state average but remains affordable compared to urban and premium suburban markets. With a median household income of $66,368 and $1,070 median rent, the county offers accessible housing for working-class families.

Below-average costs, below-average income

Caroline County ranks toward the bottom of Maryland's income distribution but maintains reasonable housing affordability through proportionally low rents at $1,070 per month. The county's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio reflects a balance between modest wages and modest housing costs.

Affordable rural alternative

Caroline's $1,070 median rent is lower than neighboring Cecil County ($1,367) and considerably less than Baltimore County ($1,566) and Anne Arundel ($1,990). However, Caroline's lower median income of $66,368 means residents have fewer overall resources compared to wealthier neighboring counties.

Caroline's working-family reality

Renters pay $1,070 monthly while homeowners pay $1,314 for mortgages on homes averaging $272,400 in value—accessible prices for rural Maryland. With a median household income of $66,368, housing consumes 19.4% for renters and 23.7% for owners, manageable for families with stable employment.

Caroline for rural seekers

Caroline County appeals to families earning $60,000–$80,000 who prioritize low housing costs and rural living over urban amenities. Compare Caroline's $1,070 rents and $272,400 homes to Baltimore City or Anne Arundel to appreciate the county's affordability advantage for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caroline County

via IncomeByCounty

Caroline County trails national income average

Caroline County's median household income of $66,368 runs 11% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the economic constraints of rural Eastern Shore communities. The county's per capita income of $33,898 also lags national benchmarks.

Lower-middle tier in Maryland income rankings

Caroline County's median household income of $66,368 ranks in the lower-middle tier of Maryland counties, trailing the state average of $94,152 by nearly $28,000. The county's per capita income of $33,898 falls well below the state average of $46,948.

Comparable to other rural Eastern Shore counties

Caroline County's median household income of $66,368 exceeds only Allegany County ($57,393) among Maryland's smaller jurisdictions, but trails Cecil County ($91,146) and other northern counties. Eastern Shore communities generally face steeper income challenges than Baltimore region or Western Maryland.

Affordable housing supports household budgets

Caroline County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% indicates manageable housing costs, well below the 30% cost-burden threshold. With median home values of $272,400, the county offers relatively affordable homeownership for regional standards.

Start small, build steadily over time

Caroline County's lower incomes require disciplined financial planning, but affordable housing creates opportunities for savings and investment. Open a high-yield savings account, contribute even modest amounts to retirement accounts, and explore employer benefits that match or enhance your contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Caroline County

via CrimeByCounty

Caroline County Enjoys High Safety Ratings

Caroline County features a strong safety score of 97.9, outperforming national safety benchmarks. The total crime rate of 1,347.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This rural county offers a secure environment that is notably safer than many other regions in the U.S.

Surpassing Maryland’s Average Safety Score

Caroline County's safety score of 97.9 sits comfortably above the Maryland state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,347.6 is also lower than the state average of 1,638.3 per 100,000 residents. Five reporting agencies contribute to this data, reflecting a transparent and well-monitored local environment.

A Secure Choice on the Eastern Shore

Compared to more industrial neighbors like Cecil County, Caroline maintains a much lower total crime rate. At 1,347.6 crimes per 100,000, it provides a quieter alternative to Maryland’s western and northern counties. The county’s violent crime rate of 183.1 is also significantly lower than the state average of 311.8.

Property Offenses Comprise Most Local Crime

Violent crime is quite low in Caroline County at 183.1 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is 1,164.5. This indicates that while crime is infrequent, theft and burglary are the most likely issues residents might face. Practical safety efforts should focus on securing assets and outbuildings.

Rural Security for Caroline Residents

In a rural setting, perimeter lighting and secure gate locks are excellent ways to protect your property. Since property crime is the most common offense, tracking deliveries and securing tools can prevent opportunistic theft. Keeping your community connected through neighborhood apps further enhances local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Caroline County

via HealthByCounty

Caroline faces serious health gaps

Caroline County residents live to just 74.5 years, 4.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.8 years. More than 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health—among the highest rates nationally—signaling a county in health crisis.

Worst health outcomes in Maryland

At 74.5 years, Caroline County's life expectancy ranks among Maryland's lowest, trailing the state average of 77.0 years by 2.5 years. The county's 21.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the state by a significant margin.

Severe provider shortage

Caroline County has the fewest primary care providers in Maryland at just 30 per 100,000 residents—compared to Cecil's 40 and Allegany's 53. Mental health support is critically sparse at 69 providers per 100,000, creating a dual crisis of health need and scarcity of providers.

Uninsured rate compounds crisis

Caroline's uninsured rate of 8.7% is the highest in Maryland and 2.3 percentage points above the state average. Combined with severe provider shortages and a rural geography, residents struggle to access basic primary and mental health care.

Get covered—don't delay

If you're uninsured in Caroline County, health coverage is essential and available. Call 1-855-642-8572 or visit marylandhealthcare.org to enroll in an affordable plan and connect with the primary care and mental health support your community desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Caroline County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Learning on the Eastern Shore

Caroline County features a small, focused educational system of just 10 public schools. This landscape includes 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools serving a total of 5,667 students. All schools operate under a single county-wide district, providing a close-knit environment for local youth.

Competitive Results on a Tight Budget

The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87%. Spending is efficient at $9,952 per pupil, keeping costs below the state average while maintaining a 58.8 composite school score. These figures show a system that is effectively preparing students for life after high school.

Traditional Focus Without Charter Schools

Caroline County Public Schools is the sole provider of public education in the area, with no charter schools in operation. North Caroline High School is the largest institution in the county, enrolling 1,226 students. Lockerman Middle School follows as the second largest, serving 866 students in the heart of the district.

Rural Roots and Consolidated Campuses

The county’s schools are split between 7 rural locations and 3 town settings, emphasizing the area's agricultural identity. While the total student count is low, the average school size of 630 students indicates that facilities are fairly large for the population. Attendance here feels personal yet provides the scale needed for diverse programming.

Quality Education in a Quiet Setting

Caroline County is a great fit for families looking for a smaller school system with graduation rates that outpace national benchmarks. Home buyers often find the consolidated nature of these 10 schools helps build strong local community ties. Invest in a home where the local high school remains the heart of the town.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caroline County

via RiskByCounty

Caroline County's risk falls modestly below national norms

Caroline County's composite risk score of 45.71 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it safely below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's Eastern Shore location insulates it from some—but not all—major hazard types.

Mid-pack safety within Maryland

Caroline County's 45.71 score sits substantially below Maryland's state average of 60.22, ranking it in the safer half of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions. The county avoids the extreme risk levels of Baltimore City and County while facing greater hazards than Calvert County (28.91).

Caroline ranks safer than most regional peers

Caroline County (45.71) faces lower overall risk than Anne Arundel (81.87), Baltimore County (93.99), and Baltimore City (95.01), but higher risk than Calvert County (28.91). Its Eastern Shore position creates geographic insulation from the worst urban and coastal concentrations.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose main threats

Caroline County residents face elevated hurricane risk (88.15) and significant wildfire exposure (63.74), reflecting its Eastern Shore location and forested terrain. Earthquake (52.77) and flood (53.40) hazards remain moderate, while tornado danger is minimal (24.14).

Focus on wind and forest fire protection

Caroline County homeowners should prioritize windstorm coverage for hurricane season and verify adequate protection for wildfire risk, particularly in forested areas. Flood insurance is advisable for properties in designated zones, and periodic policy reviews ensure coverage stays current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Caroline County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Soil Quality on the Shore

Caroline County boasts a high soil score of 68.9, reflecting its excellent agricultural heritage. The average pH of 5.61 is one of the most balanced in the state, exceeding the Maryland average of 5.31. While still below the national median of 6.5, these soils are highly productive for a wide range of crops.

A Gritty and Productive Mix

The soil is comprised of 48.8% sand and 23.8% silt, creating a texture that is easy to manage and promotes healthy root growth. With only 7.8% clay, the soil is very light and does not suffer from the heavy, sticky characteristics of more clay-dense counties. This allows for early-season planting as the ground warms up quickly.

Rich Organic Matter and High Capacity

The organic matter in Caroline County is impressive at 13.66%, well above the state average of 9.10%. This is paired with an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.175. These numbers represent a soil that is both fertile and excellent at surviving periods of low rainfall.

Naturally Efficient Water Storage

Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the combination of high organic matter and high water capacity points to a very efficient system. The low clay content prevents waterlogging, while the organic matter holds on to the moisture needed for plant health. It is a stable foundation for the county's thriving farm economy.

Agricultural Excellence in Zone 7b

Zone 7b and high-quality soil make Caroline County a gardener's paradise for everything from corn to specialty vegetables. The high organic content means you'll need less fertilizer to achieve great yields in your backyard. Whether you are planting a small bed or a large field, this soil is ready to produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caroline County

via LawnByCounty

Eastern Shore Success for Lawns

Caroline County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 55.8, making it one of the easier places in Maryland to keep a lawn green. This score comfortably beats the national median of 50.0 and is significantly better than the state average. If you live in this Zone 7b county, you have a natural advantage for turf growth.

Abundant Rain and High Heat

Caroline receives a healthy 46.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 45.8. However, the 32 days of extreme heat mean you must monitor your lawn closely during the peak of July. This extra rain helps offset the stress from the high temperature spikes.

Low Clay Content Aids Growth

With a very low clay content of 7.8%, your soil is less likely to suffer from the heavy compaction found elsewhere in Maryland. The pH of 5.61 is slightly acidic but more manageable than the extreme levels found in Baltimore city. A light lime application should be enough to bring your soil into the ideal range.

Regional Leader in Drought Resilience

Caroline County is currently the most drought-resilient on this list, with only 18.4% of its area considered abnormally dry. Over the last year, it saw only 19 weeks of drought conditions, much lower than the state's typical 30+ weeks. This natural moisture consistency is a major factor in your high lawn success score.

Perfect Conditions for Fall Seeding

The combination of high rainfall and manageable soil makes Caroline an ideal spot for Tall Fescue blends. Since specific frost dates are not recorded locally, follow the regional 7b standard and aim to seed in late September. Your yard is already in a great position for a lush, green season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caroline County's county score?
Caroline County, Maryland has a composite county score of 42 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 Caroline County rank among counties in Maryland?
Caroline County ranks #19 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 Caroline County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Caroline County is $2,513, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Caroline County a tax score of 43.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caroline County?
The median household income in Caroline County, Maryland is $66,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caroline County earns an income score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caroline County, Maryland a good place to live?
Caroline County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Caroline 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 Caroline 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.