countyscore
48.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.6Schools 82.6Health 78.8

County Report Card

About Charles County, Maryland

Charles County nears the national median

With a composite score of 48.2, Charles County sits just below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is very competitive with the typical American county.

Outperforming the Maryland state average

Charles County’s 48.2 composite score exceeds the Maryland state average of 47.4. It holds its own in a high-performing state, offering a balanced profile compared to its regional neighbors.

Exceptional incomes and high-performing schools

The county boasts an elite income score of 98.6, fueled by a high median household income of $120,592. Educational quality is also a major draw, with a school score of 82.6 that ranks among the state's best.

High costs impact local affordability

Housing affordability is a significant hurdle, reflected in a cost score of just 1.8. Residents face high monthly expenses, with median gross rents reaching $1,897 and home values averaging over $400,000.

The ideal home for high-earning families

This county is best suited for established professionals who prioritize top-tier public schools and high earning potential. While living costs are steep, the educational and financial returns remain strong for those who can afford the entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax35.3Cost1.8Safety37.2Health78.8Schools82.6Income98.6Risk55.9Water62.3Weather60.7
🏛35.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱12.1
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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Nearby counties

King George County
Virginia
54.7
Alexandria city
Virginia
39.3
Prince George's County
Maryland
32.5
Calvert County
Maryland
59.1
Fairfax County
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Westmoreland County
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Arlington County
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District of Columbia
District of Columbia
41.2

Deep Dives

Charles County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Charles County

via TaxByCounty

Charles County taxes run above the national norm

At 1.039%, Charles County's effective property tax rate outpaces the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The median property tax bill here is $4,179, well above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher tax rates and property values that exceed the national median of $281,900.

Eighth highest tax rate in Maryland

Charles County ranks eighth among Maryland's 24 counties by effective tax rate at 1.039%, above the state average of 0.957%. Its median tax bill of $4,179 is 25% higher than the state median of $3,328.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Charles County's 1.039% rate exceeds Calvert County's 0.848% and Prince George's County's 0.912%, though it trails Frederick County's 1.020% in the region. Homeowners here pay roughly $780 more annually than their Calvert County counterparts on a comparable property.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Charles County's median of $402,300 will generate approximately $4,179 in annual property taxes at the current 1.039% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate rises to $4,252; without one, it drops to $3,950.

You may be paying too much

Across Maryland, thousands of homeowners carry outdated assessments that don't reflect market conditions or recent improvements. Charles County residents should request a free assessment review or file a formal appeal if they believe their home's value has been overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charles County

via CostByCounty

Charles County rents eat 18.9% of income

Charles County residents spend 18.9% of their median household income on rent, slightly above the national average of roughly 18%. With a median household income of $120,592—well above the national median of $74,755—Charles County renters enjoy stronger purchasing power than most Americans, even as rents climb.

Above Maryland's affordability average

Charles County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Maryland's state average of 18.3%, meaning housing costs consume a touch more of residents' paychecks than typical for the state. However, the county's strong median income of $120,592 keeps it competitive across Maryland's housing landscape.

Pricier than nearby Southern Maryland

Charles County's median rent of $1,897 significantly exceeds nearby Dorchester County ($959) and Garrett County ($710), reflecting its proximity to Washington D.C. and stronger local economic growth. Homebuyers face similar patterns: Charles County's median home value of $402,300 tops most rural neighbors, though it trails affluent Howard County ($576,700).

Income covers both rents and mortgages

Renters pay $1,897 monthly while homeowners spend $2,170 on mortgage costs—both manageable on the county's $120,592 median income. Together, housing consumes roughly 30% of a typical household's gross income, leaving room for other expenses.

Consider Charles for D.C. commuters

If you're weighing relocation, Charles County offers strong income levels and reasonable housing costs compared to closer-in Maryland suburbs. Compare its 18.9% rent ratio against Howard ($16.6%) and Frederick ($17.0%) to find your affordability sweet spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charles County

via IncomeByCounty

Charles County earns 61% above U.S. average

With a median household income of $120,592, Charles County residents earn significantly more than the national median of $74,755. This $45,837 advantage reflects a prosperous labor market driven by federal employment and proximity to Washington, D.C.

Third-richest county in Maryland

Charles County ranks third among Maryland's 24 jurisdictions for median household income, trailing only Howard and Montgomery counties. The county's $120,592 median substantially exceeds Maryland's statewide average of $94,152.

Outpaces rural and coastal neighbors

Charles County's $120,592 median household income towers over Dorchester County ($60,495) to the east and Garrett County ($69,031) to the west. This income advantage stems from its proximity to federal employment centers and suburban development patterns.

Housing costs are manageable

Renters in Charles County spend just 18.9% of their income on rent, comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. However, median home values of $402,300 require household incomes like those common here to sustain homeownership.

Build on your strong income foundation

Charles County's high earning power creates an opportunity to accelerate wealth-building through consistent investing and retirement contributions. Consider directing the income advantage over national averages into long-term investment accounts to compound your prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Charles County

via CrimeByCounty

Charles County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 97.7, Charles County is significantly more secure than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 1452.4 per 100,000 residents sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Performer in the Old Line State

The county's safety score exceeds the Maryland state average of 97.4. Residents experience total crime at a rate 11% lower than the statewide average of 1638.3 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Safety Across Southern Maryland

Charles County maintains a lower crime rate than Montgomery County, which reports 1653.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. However, it faces more activity than neighboring Frederick County, where the rate drops to 1197.9.

Property Concerns Lead the Local Crime Profile

Property crime makes up the majority of local incidents with 1139.9 offenses per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 312.5 is nearly identical to the Maryland state average of 311.8.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Charles County Home

Most local incidents involve property, making visible deterrents like video doorbells highly effective. Stay vigilant by securing all entry points and keeping outdoor areas well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Charles County

via HealthByCounty

Charles County life expectancy slightly below US average

At 76.7 years, Charles County residents live roughly a year shorter than the US average of 78.8 years. The county's 16.0% poor or fair health rate aligns closely with national patterns, suggesting health outcomes here reflect broader American trends.

Charles County ranks mid-tier among Maryland counties

Charles County trails Maryland's state average life expectancy of 77.0 years by a small margin. With a poor/fair health rate of 16.0%, the county sits in the middle of the state's performance range.

Healthy neighbors to the north and south

Frederick County to the north boasts 80.0 years life expectancy, while Charles County sits at 76.7. Nearby Harford County (77.9 years) and Howard County (82.5 years) also outpace Charles County, though all share Charles's suburban Maryland corridor.

Insurance coverage strong, but primary care sparse

Charles County's 4.9% uninsured rate beats the state average of 6.4%, indicating most residents have healthcare access. However, the county has just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state average—making appointments potentially harder to secure.

Already covered? Check your plan and options.

Nearly 95% of Charles County residents carry health insurance, a strong showing. If you're among the uninsured or underinsured, visit marylandhealthconnection.gov to explore plans that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Charles County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Suburban Education Infrastructure

Charles County operates 39 public schools, including 22 elementary, 8 middle, and 7 high schools. A single unified district manages the education of 27,598 students across the region. Two alternative schools supplement the core academic facilities to support diverse learning needs.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county achieves an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Maryland average of 89.4% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure is $9,564, the county maintains a competitive school score of 61.2. This performance indicates high efficiency and strong student outcomes despite spending below the national average.

Charles County Public Schools Leads the Way

Charles County Public Schools serves as the sole provider for the area, enrolling all 27,598 students in the system. The district contains no charter schools, focusing its resources entirely on its traditional public school network. This centralized structure ensures consistent standards across every neighborhood.

Large Suburban Schools with Rural Reach

The landscape features 24 suburban schools and 15 rural locations, creating a blend of residential and open-country settings. Schools here are relatively large, with an average enrollment of 746 students. North Point High School stands as the largest campus, hosting 1,867 students in a modern facility.

Find a Home in a Top-Performing District

Families looking for high graduation rates and stable suburban environments should explore homes near La Plata or Waldorf. With schools like North Point High setting high standards, education quality remains a primary driver for local real estate value. Use these performance metrics to guide your home search in this established Maryland community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charles County

via RiskByCounty

Charles County's Risk: Below National Average

Charles County scores 44.15 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national median and significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This relatively low rating reflects lower exposure to most hazard types across the board. However, the county faces elevated hurricane risk at 78.01, a critical concern in Maryland's coastal and near-coastal regions.

Safest Counties in Maryland

Charles County ranks among Maryland's safest jurisdictions with a composite risk score of 44.15, more than 16 points below the state average of 60.22. Only Garrett County and Kent County present lower overall risk profiles in the state. This relatively favorable standing offers residents some reassurance, though hurricane and earthquake hazards still warrant preparation.

Charles County Outpaces Regional Peers

Charles County's risk score of 44.15 is substantially lower than neighboring Calvert and St. Mary's counties and significantly safer than Howard County (72.42) and Montgomery County (91.67) to the north. Among Southern Maryland counties, only Charles maintains this advantage in overall risk mitigation. However, all region counties share elevated hurricane exposure due to Chesapeake Bay proximity.

Watch for Hurricanes and Earthquakes

Charles County's top hazards are hurricane risk (78.01) and earthquake risk (68.26), both well above national norms and reflecting the region's coastal vulnerability and position on seismic zones. Flood risk stands at 52.40, moderate but manageable with proper drainage and elevation planning. Tornado and wildfire risks remain relatively low at 29.17 and 19.24 respectively.

Secure Hurricane and Flood Coverage Now

Charles County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and wind damage coverage, as standard policies often exclude these perils. Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if your property lies within 5 miles of the Potomac River or Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Earthquake coverage is available as a rider and warrants evaluation given the county's 68.26 seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Charles County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols define the Charles landscape

This county features a dominant silt loam texture belonging to the Alfisols taxonomic order. With an average pH of 4.64, these soils are much more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.31. This high acidity requires careful management for sensitive crops.

A balanced mix of sand and silt

The soil composition consists of 46.8% sand, 38.1% silt, and 11.4% clay. This specific ratio creates a silt loam that is relatively easy to work while maintaining structural integrity. The moderate clay content ensures the soil doesn't crumble as easily as pure sand.

Superior water capacity boosts growing potential

With an organic matter content of 6.08%, this soil far exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 9.10%. Crucially, its available water capacity of 0.198 in/in beats the state average of 0.175 in/in. This high capacity helps plants thrive during dry spells by holding moisture longer.

Well-drained land for versatile use

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water efficiently. This makes the land excellent for diverse farming and reliable for residential building projects. You rarely find standing water here compared to poorly drained coastal areas.

Success in Zone 7b's humid climate

Charles County sits in hardiness zone 7b, which pairs perfectly with its well-drained silt loam. Vegetables like tomatoes and peppers thrive in this environment with proper lime application to balance the 4.64 pH. Start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable water-retaining soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Charles County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Significant Challenges in Charles County

Charles County faces a tough road with a lawn difficulty score of 12.1, which is far below the Maryland average of 49.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, homeowners here find it much harder to maintain lush turf than the national median of 50.0.

Managing a Lawn with Limited Climate Data

While specific local temperature and precipitation records are limited for this region, the 7b hardiness zone suggests a typical Maryland growing cycle. Residents should monitor local weather closely and follow state guidelines of 45.8 inches of annual rain to manage their mowing schedules.

Correcting Highly Acidic Silt Loam Soils

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.64, well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. Despite being well-drained silt loam with 46.8% sand, these lawns require significant lime amendments to balance the foundation and allow for nutrient uptake.

Fighting Persistent Dry Spells in the South

Drought is a major hurdle here, as the county spent 33 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. With 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, deep and infrequent watering is essential to help your grass survive these long dry stretches.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Local Success

Tall fescue and bermudagrass are excellent choices for this 7b zone due to their heat tolerance and deep root systems. Aim to seed in the early fall when temperatures begin to cool, allowing the lawn to establish before the first winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charles County's county score?
Charles County, Maryland has a composite county score of 48.2 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 Charles County rank among counties in Maryland?
Charles County ranks #13 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 Charles County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Charles County is $4,179, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Charles County a tax score of 35.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Charles County?
The median household income in Charles County, Maryland is $120,592 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Charles County earns an income score of 98.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Charles County, Maryland a good place to live?
Charles County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Charles 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 Charles 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.