Frederick County's composite score of 61.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county offers livability that beats three-quarters of American counties.
2 / 5
Solid middle-tier performer in Maryland
Frederick's 61.1 score sits just below Maryland's state average of 63.9, positioning it solidly in the middle of the state's 24 counties. It's a dependable choice without ranking among the very strongest.
3 / 5
Exceptional health and strong incomes
Frederick County leads in health outcomes with an impressive 80.1 health score, reflecting excellent medical access and community wellness. With median household incomes of $120,458 and a 73.6 tax score, the county delivers the economic stability that supports a robust quality of life.
4 / 5
High housing costs limit accessibility
The county's cost score of 46.0 masks significant housing pressure, with median home values reaching $437,700 and rents averaging $1,706 monthly. These costs present a real barrier for younger or lower-income households seeking to establish roots here.
5 / 5
Ideal for healthy, affluent professionals
Frederick County suits established professionals and affluent families who prize health services, strong incomes, and reasonable taxes over housing bargains. If you can afford the home prices and prioritize medical excellence and economic stability, Frederick delivers.
Frederick County's composite score of 61.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county offers livability that beats three-quarters of American counties.
Solid middle-tier performer in Maryland
Frederick's 61.1 score sits just below Maryland's state average of 63.9, positioning it solidly in the middle of the state's 24 counties. It's a dependable choice without ranking among the very strongest.
Exceptional health and strong incomes
Frederick County leads in health outcomes with an impressive 80.1 health score, reflecting excellent medical access and community wellness. With median household incomes of $120,458 and a 73.6 tax score, the county delivers the economic stability that supports a robust quality of life.
High housing costs limit accessibility
The county's cost score of 46.0 masks significant housing pressure, with median home values reaching $437,700 and rents averaging $1,706 monthly. These costs present a real barrier for younger or lower-income households seeking to establish roots here.
Ideal for healthy, affluent professionals
Frederick County suits established professionals and affluent families who prize health services, strong incomes, and reasonable taxes over housing bargains. If you can afford the home prices and prioritize medical excellence and economic stability, Frederick delivers.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Frederick County taxes rank in top tier nationally
Frederick County's effective rate of 1.020% exceeds the national median of 0.84% by more than 20%, placing it in the upper quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax bill here is $4,463, 66% higher than the national median of $2,690, driven by both tax rates and property values averaging $437,700.
Ninth highest rate among Maryland counties
Frederick County ranks ninth in Maryland by effective tax rate at 1.020%, above the state average of 0.957%. Its median tax bill of $4,463 runs 34% above Maryland's state median of $3,328.
Comparable to Washington County alternatives
Frederick County's 1.020% rate aligns closely with its neighbors; it trails Charles County's 1.039% but leads Howard County's rate in the state's central corridor. The $4,463 median tax bill represents a $689 annual premium over Harford County's median.
Expected annual tax on median home
A home valued at Frederick County's median of $437,700 will generate approximately $4,463 in annual property taxes at the 1.020% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate rises to $4,535; without one, it drops to $4,245.
You may be paying too much
In a high-growth county like Frederick, outdated assessments and valuation errors are common as the market shifts rapidly. Frederick County homeowners should verify their assessment and file an appeal if their property value appears inflated compared to recent sales in their area.
Frederick County residents dedicate just 17.0% of income to rent—well below the national average and among Maryland's best ratios—while earning a strong median income of $120,458. This combination means Frederick renters enjoy both lower costs and higher paychecks than the typical American household.
Frederick leads Maryland on affordability
With a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, Frederick beats Maryland's state average of 18.3% and ranks among the county's most affordable options for renters. The county's median rent of $1,706 runs $291 above the state average, but strong local incomes make this manageable.
Balanced growth town north of Baltimore
Frederick's median rent of $1,706 falls between rural Garrett ($710) and wealthy Howard County ($2,038), reflecting its role as a mid-sized regional hub. Its 17.0% rent ratio edges out nearby Harford County ($16.8%) but stays ahead of Montgomery ($18.9%), offering smart positioning for job seekers and families.
Housing stays below one-third of income
Renters pay $1,706 monthly while homeowners spend $2,033—both well-balanced against the $120,458 median income. Combined housing costs hover around 30%, leaving healthy room for savings and discretionary spending.
Frederick balances growth and affordability
Frederick County delivers Maryland's best rent-to-income ratio among affluent counties, making it ideal for professionals seeking suburban living without D.C. price tags. Test your relocation math: Frederick's 17.0% ratio beats Charles ($18.9%) and Montgomery ($18.9%) while keeping you close to both Baltimore and Washington corridors.
Frederick County's median household income of $120,458 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 61%, placing it solidly in America's upper-income tier. The county's blend of federal employees, healthcare workers, and tech professionals drives this strong earnings profile.
Third-highest income in Maryland
Frederick County ties with Charles County for the third-highest median household income in Maryland at $120,458, behind only Howard and Montgomery counties. The county surpasses Maryland's statewide average of $94,152 by a substantial margin.
Economic powerhouse of western Maryland
Frederick County's $120,458 median far exceeds surrounding rural counties like Garrett ($69,031) and rural neighbors across the region. The county's position along the I-270 corridor and proximity to Washington, D.C., fuels higher wages and professional employment.
Housing affordability requires caution
Despite strong incomes, Frederick County's median home value of $437,700 and rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% signal tight housing markets. High earners here should carefully assess mortgage obligations relative to their household income before purchasing.
Leverage income to diversify investments
Frederick County residents benefit from incomes well above national averages, creating opportunity to invest beyond primary residences. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts, real estate investment trusts, and diversified stock portfolios to compound wealth.
At 80.0 years, Frederick County residents live 1.2 years longer than the US average of 78.8 years. With just 14.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county beats the national average of 15.7%.
Frederick County ranks among Maryland's healthiest
Frederick County's 80.0-year life expectancy outpaces Maryland's 77.0-year state average by three years. The county consistently ranks in the top tier of Maryland health metrics.
Frederick dominates regional health competition
Frederick County's 80.0 years life expectancy far exceeds Garrett County (76.8) and Charles County (76.7) to the west. Montgomery County (83.2) to the east remains the only regional peer surpassing Frederick's strong performance.
Strong coverage, excellent provider access
Frederick's 5.2% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 6.4%, ensuring most residents access care. With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Frederick offers above-average healthcare availability.
Keep your coverage strong year-round.
Frederick County's excellent insurance rates show what's possible when coverage is accessible. Even in this healthy county, marylandhealthconnection.gov helps you find plans that keep your family protected.
Frederick County scores 74.20 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the higher end compared to the national median and indicating above-average disaster exposure. The county's elevated tornado risk (67.21), hurricane risk (79.27), and earthquake risk (74.59) all exceed national norms significantly. Flood risk of 81.58 rounds out a multi-hazard profile that demands comprehensive preparedness.
Among Maryland's Higher-Risk Counties
Frederick County ranks in the upper tier of Maryland counties with a composite score of 74.20, well above the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67) and Harford County (72.46) and Howard County (72.42) approach Frederick's risk level in Maryland. Frederick's elevated tornado, flood, and earthquake scores reflect its central Maryland location and varied topography.
Riskier Than Most Adjacent Counties
Frederick County's composite score of 74.20 exceeds neighboring Washington, Carroll, and Baltimore counties, though it closely trails Harford and Howard counties to the east. Frederick's tornado risk (67.21) is notably higher than regional peers, while its flood risk (81.58) aligns with other central Maryland counties. The county's convergence of multiple hazard types distinguishes it within the region.
Tornadoes, Floods, Hurricanes Matter Most
Frederick County's top three hazards are flood risk (81.58), hurricane risk (79.27), and earthquake risk (74.59), creating a complex hazard landscape. Tornado risk reaches 67.21, markedly higher than most Maryland counties and reflecting Frederick's position in a convergence zone for severe thunderstorms. Wildfire risk is relatively low at 27.64, offering one pocket of mitigation focus.
Prepare for Tornadoes and Floods
Frederick County residents should prioritize a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection, as the county's 67.21 tornado risk score far exceeds state averages and demands active family drills. Flood insurance is essential for properties near streams and floodplains; the county's 81.58 flood score affects broad areas. Add earthquake and hurricane riders to your homeowners policy to cover Frederick's 74.59 and 79.27 risks respectively.