countyscore
57
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 90.9Schools 89.5

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Maryland

Well Above the National Median

Carroll County earns a strong composite score of 57.0, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. Its high rankings in health and education make it a national standout.

A Top Maryland Performer

Exceeding the state average of 47.4 by nearly ten points, Carroll is one of Maryland's most livable counties. It successfully combines economic prosperity with high-quality public services.

Education and Income Excellence

The county boasts an elite school score of 89.5 and an income score of 98.2. With a median household income of $115,876, residents enjoy a high standard of living and top-tier public education.

Barriers to Entry

Affordability is the main drawback, with a cost score of 6.3. A median home value of $406,400 means that this high-quality lifestyle is increasingly out of reach for lower-income households.

The Premier Suburban Choice

Carroll is ideal for high-earning families who place a premium on education and community health. It is a perfect fit for those who want the best of Maryland’s schools and can afford the price of admission.

Score breakdown

Tax42.1Cost6.3Safety60.7Health90.9Schools89.5Income98.2Risk40.5Water57.8Weather66.7
🏛42.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓89.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.1
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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Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County taxes slightly above median

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 0.944% sits just above the national median of 0.890%, placing it in roughly the 52nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,837 on homes valued at $406,400 reflects moderate taxation on higher-value properties.

Just below Maryland's average rate

Carroll County's effective rate of 0.944% sits just below the state average of 0.957%, ranking it in the middle of Maryland counties. The median property tax of $3,837 exceeds the state median of $3,328, primarily due to higher home values rather than a steep tax rate.

Middle ground among regional peers

Carroll's 0.944% rate sits between Anne Arundel (0.852%) and Cecil (0.981%), offering a middle-of-the-road tax environment for northern Maryland. On a $406,400 median home, residents pay $3,837 annually—more than Anne Arundel but less per capita than Baltimore County.

What you pay on a typical home

On Carroll's median home value of $406,400, the effective tax rate of 0.944% translates to roughly $3,837 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,916 per year, while those owning outright pay around $3,673.

You may be overassessed

Carroll County homeowners should review their property assessments regularly, as inaccurate valuations directly inflate your annual tax bill. The county offers a straightforward appeal process that costs nothing and can result in significant tax savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County's strong affordability

Carroll County boasts Maryland's second-best rent-to-income ratio at 14.2%, significantly below the state average of 18.3% and well above national affordability standards. The county's median household income of $115,876—55% above the national median—makes housing feel genuinely accessible despite solid absolute prices.

Top-tier Maryland value

Carroll County ranks among Maryland's best for affordability, with a 14.2% rent-to-income ratio that reflects strong household incomes supporting moderate housing costs. Only Calvert County (15.5%) surpasses Carroll in the affordability rankings statewide.

Value among affluent suburbs

Carroll's $1,370 median rent is lower than Anne Arundel ($1,990) and Baltimore County ($1,566), while homes at $406,400 offer strong value compared to Anne Arundel's $450,300. The county delivers suburban quality comparable to its neighbors at meaningfully lower prices.

Carroll's healthy balance

Renters pay $1,370 monthly while homeowners carry $1,920 mortgage payments on homes averaging $406,400 in value—solid suburban pricing. With a median household income of $115,876, housing consumes just 14.2% for renters and 19.9% for owners, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Carroll for balanced families

Carroll County suits professionals earning $100,000–$130,000 seeking top-tier schools and strong community without Anne Arundel's premium prices. The county's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio and $406,400 median homes offer excellent value for affluent families prioritizing financial balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County significantly exceeds national average

Carroll County's median household income of $115,876 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 55%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This affluence reflects Carroll's role as an affluent commuter community for Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Third-highest income in Maryland

Carroll County's median household income of $115,876 ranks third statewide, exceeded only by Calvert ($132,059) and Anne Arundel ($120,324), and well above the state average of $94,152. The county's per capita income of $51,465 also ranks near the top of Maryland.

Wealthiest in Baltimore-Washington corridor

Carroll County's median household income of $115,876 trails only Calvert County and Anne Arundel among central Maryland jurisdictions, substantially exceeding Baltimore County ($90,904) and Baltimore City ($59,623). It represents one of the region's premier affluent suburbs.

Excellent affordability for high earners

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% ranks among Maryland's lowest, indicating exceptional housing affordability relative to income. Median home values of $406,400 remain comfortably accessible for households earning the county median income.

Leverage strong income for wealth building

Carroll County's above-average incomes create substantial capacity for retirement savings, investment diversification, and property wealth accumulation. Work with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged accounts, explore real estate opportunities, and develop a comprehensive estate plan.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Among Safest in the Nation

Carroll County earns an impressive safety score of 98.6, placing it far above national averages. With a total crime rate of only 905.8 per 100,000, it is more than twice as safe as the average U.S. county. Residents enjoy a violent crime rate of 170.3, which is less than half the national rate of 369.8.

A Premier Safety Ranking in Maryland

Carroll County significantly exceeds the Maryland state average safety score of 97.4 with its own 98.6 rating. Its total crime rate of 905.8 is nearly half the state average of 1,638.3. Data from eight reporting agencies ensures this high safety ranking is backed by comprehensive local reporting.

Carroll Outshines Urban Neighbors in Safety

While neighboring Baltimore County struggles with higher crime rates, Carroll remains a bastion of safety in the region. Its total crime rate is nearly one-third of Baltimore County's 2,415.6. This makes Carroll a highly attractive location for those prioritizing low-crime environments within commuting distance of major cities.

Low Crime Rates Mean High Peace of Mind

Property crime in Carroll is low at 735.5, and violent crime is even lower at 170.3 per 100,000 residents. These figures represent a very low risk for the average person in their daily life. The county's safety profile is defined by rare occurrences of serious offenses.

Maintaining Carroll’s High Safety Standard

Even in very safe counties, simple precautions like motion-activated lights can deter the occasional property crime. Ensure your home is well-lit and that your neighbors know when you are away. Staying involved in community safety groups helps preserve the county's excellent reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County thrives in health

Carroll County residents live to 78.2 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 78.8 years, with just 13.2% reporting poor or fair health. The county demonstrates strong, consistent health outcomes across its population.

Top-tier health performance

At 78.2 years, Carroll County's life expectancy exceeds Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by 1.2 years. The county's 13.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best, placing Carroll solidly in the top tier of Maryland health outcomes.

Healthy rival to Anne Arundel

Carroll's 78.2-year life expectancy trails only Anne Arundel (78.8 years) and Calvert (78.7 years) in Maryland. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Carroll provides adequate basic care, though residents may travel for specialty services.

Lowest uninsured rate among peers

Carroll County's uninsured rate of 4.3% is among Maryland's lowest, matching Calvert's outstanding coverage. With 44 primary care providers and 272 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Carroll ensures most residents can access the care they need.

Build on Carroll's health success

Carroll County residents can maintain this outstanding health trajectory by ensuring continuous coverage. Visit marylandhealthcare.org to confirm your health plan is current and covers preventive care, screenings, and mental health services year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Suburban Schools

Carroll County operates 44 public schools, including 23 elementary, 9 middle, and 10 high schools. This comprehensive network serves 25,787 students under one unified school district. The infrastructure is designed to accommodate both growing suburban corridors and established rural communities.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Carroll County boasts a phenomenal 96.0% graduation rate, tying for the highest in this group and far exceeding the 87% national average. With a school score of 63.1, it also ranks highest among these counties for overall academic quality. Per-pupil spending remains efficient at $9,986, proving the district maximizes its resources for student achievement.

Consistency Across One Unified District

Carroll County Public Schools manages all 44 campuses, providing a consistent educational experience without charter school alternatives. Westminster High is the district's largest school, enrolling 1,517 students. Manchester Valley High follows closely, serving 1,359 students as a major secondary education hub.

A Suburban and Rural Blend

The county offers a mix of 24 suburban, 16 rural, and 4 town-based schools, giving families a variety of environmental choices. The average school size is 600 students, creating a balanced feel that is neither too small nor overwhelmingly large. Large high schools anchor the suburban areas, while smaller elementary schools dot the rural landscape.

Top-Ranked Schools for Your New Home

With some of the highest graduation rates and school scores in Maryland, Carroll County is a premier destination for education-focused buyers. The district's 96% graduation rate makes it a standout choice for families seeking long-term academic success. Consider this county for its blend of high-performing schools and suburban comfort.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County's risk slightly exceeds national average

Carroll County's composite risk score of 59.51 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, sitting modestly above the national average but reflecting balanced hazard exposure across multiple disaster types. The county's rural northern location provides some protection from coastal and urban concentration effects.

Carroll sits near Maryland's average risk

Carroll County's 59.51 score is nearly identical to Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the middle tier of the state's risk rankings. The county performs better than Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel, but exceeds Calvert and Caroline counties.

Carroll ranks with other northern counties

Carroll County (59.51) faces similar risk to nearby Allegany (58.52) and Cecil (58.56), creating a stable band of moderate hazard exposure across north-central Maryland. All three counties substantially underperform Baltimore-area jurisdictions in overall disaster risk.

Hurricanes and earthquakes lead the list

Carroll County residents face elevated hurricane risk (76.97) and notable earthquake exposure (67.62), reflecting both Atlantic seasonal threats and the region's seismic activity. Flood danger (66.73) and tornado hazard (36.35) pose secondary concerns, while wildfire risk remains low (13.99).

Standard plus coverage provides baseline protection

Carroll County homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage and add earthquake protection, which remains optional but valuable in this region. Flood insurance is recommended for properties near creeks or in mapped flood zones, though county-wide flood risk remains moderate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic four-season climate

Carroll County's 53.6°F average aligns closely with the national median. It experiences a temperate humid climate with distinct seasonal transitions.

Cooler than the state average

The county is cooler than the Maryland average of 55.9°F. Its inland position and slightly higher elevation keep it milder in summer and colder in winter than the coast.

Snowier than neighboring Baltimore

With 34.1 inches of snow, Carroll is much snowier than Baltimore city or Anne Arundel. It also receives 47.9 inches of rain, exceeding the state average of 45.7 inches.

Mild summers and snowy winters

The county only sees 12 days of extreme heat over 90°F, making for pleasant summers. However, winters are cold with a January average of 31.6°F and significant precipitation.

Prepare for wet, snowy years

With nearly 48 inches of rain and 34 inches of snow, residents should prioritize drainage and winter tires. The low number of extreme heat days makes this a great area for outdoor summer activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Maryland's Heartland

Carroll County leads the pack with a soil score of 69.3 and an average pH of 5.85. This pH is significantly higher than the state average of 5.31 and closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of its neighbors. These chemical properties make it some of the most versatile and valuable land in the region.

Silt-Dominant Soils for Smooth Texture

The soil features a high silt content of 45.4% and a moderate sand level of 31.7%. Combined with 16.3% clay, this creates a silty loam texture that is prized for its ability to hold nutrients and provide a smooth seedbed. It is a robust, 'heavy' soil that provides excellent support for large crops.

Strong Yield Potential and Water Storage

At 6.61%, the organic matter is solid and productive, and the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in beats the state average of 0.175. This combination ensures that the soil can sustain growth through the heat of summer. Farmers and gardeners alike benefit from this natural efficiency and nutrient-rich profile.

Consistent Moisture for Healthy Roots

While drainage class data is not specified, the high water capacity and silt levels indicate a soil that stays moist without being swampy. The clay content is high enough to slow down water just enough for plants to drink, but not so much that it prevents air from reaching the roots. It is a stable, high-performing hydrologic environment.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 7a

Carroll County's Zone 7a climate is perfect for classic Maryland orchards and vegetable gardens. The high soil score means you can expect vigorous growth from tomatoes, apples, and peppers with minimal intervention. It is the perfect time to start your garden in some of the state's finest soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Maryland's Top Spot for Lawns

Carroll County leads the pack with an impressive lawn difficulty score of 62.1, the highest in this group. This score is over 12 points higher than the national median, making it a premier location for easy lawn maintenance. The climate in Zone 7a strikes a perfect balance for traditional turfgrass.

Ideal Rainfall and Cool Summers

Carroll enjoys 47.9 inches of annual rain, which sits at the high end of the ideal range for lawns. With only 12 extreme heat days—less than half the state average—your grass avoids the summer dormancy that hits other counties. The 3,441 growing degree days support steady, healthy growth without excessive heat stress.

Balanced Soil for Deep Roots

A soil pH of 5.85 is very close to the ideal range, requiring only minor adjustments to reach perfection. The 16.3% clay content provides good nutrient holding capacity while still allowing for air movement. This is one of the more favorable soil structures for developing deep, drought-resistant root systems.

Monitoring Recent Dry Streaks

Despite the high rainfall average, the county faced 38 weeks of drought last year, and nearly 10% is in severe drought now. Because 100% of the area is currently dry, you should prioritize watering during the current spring growth surge. Your soil's structure will help your lawn bounce back faster than your neighbors' once rains return.

Take Advantage of Early Spring

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in Carroll’s cooler summer climate, though Tall Fescue remains a durable favorite. With the last frost on April 19, now is the time to start your spring fertilization and weed prevention. The October 25 fall frost gives you plenty of time to establish a thick, healthy lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Maryland has a composite county score of 57 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Maryland?
Carroll County ranks #4 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 Carroll County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $3,837, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 42.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Maryland is $115,876 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Maryland a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll 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.