countyscore
50.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.8Health 90.3Schools 66.3

County Report Card

About Harford County, Maryland

Harford County leads the national median

Harford County achieves a composite score of 50.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable and consistent quality of life that exceeds national standards.

A strong contender in Maryland

At 50.1, Harford outperforms the Maryland state average of 47.4. It serves as a pillar of stability for the state, offering high-level services and economic opportunities.

Wealthy households and exceptional health

Harford excels with an income score of 97.8 and a health score of 90.3. The median household income of $111,317 supports a population that prioritizes wellness and has access to high-quality healthcare.

Affordability and environmental risk concerns

Housing costs remain a challenge with a cost score of 5.6, as rents average $1,557. Additionally, the risk score of 27.6 indicates that the county faces more environmental or economic exposure than the average jurisdiction.

A balanced home for health-conscious families

This county is a great fit for active families and professionals who want high incomes and great health infrastructure. It provides a solid suburban foundation for those who can manage the higher-than-average cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax42.9Cost5.6Safety47.3Health90.3Schools66.3Income97.8Risk27.6Water60.8Weather59.4
🏛42.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.3
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

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42.2
Baltimore County
Maryland
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Baltimore city
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Kent County
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Deep Dives

Harford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harford County

via TaxByCounty

Harford County taxes slightly above national average

At 0.932%, Harford County's effective tax rate edges above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the moderate-to-high range nationally. The median property tax bill of $3,424 is 27% above the national median of $2,690, reflecting higher property values that average $367,300.

Slightly below Maryland's average rate

Harford County's 0.932% effective tax rate runs just below Maryland's state average of 0.957%, positioning it near the midpoint of the state's 24 counties. Its median tax bill of $3,424 is 3% above the state median of $3,328.

Mid-range taxes in the Baltimore corridor

Harford County's 0.932% rate sits between Anne Arundel County's lower rate and Carroll County's comparable figures, making it a stable option in the region. The $3,424 median tax bill runs roughly $750 lower than Howard County's high-tax communities.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Harford County's median of $367,300 will generate approximately $3,424 in annual property taxes at the 0.932% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate is $3,429; without one, it drops to $3,412.

You may be paying too much

Harford County homeowners, particularly those in fast-growing areas, should verify their assessments against recent market sales. Filing a timely appeal can correct overvalued properties and reduce tax burdens significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harford County

via CostByCounty

Harford rents stay below national norm

Harford County residents dedicate 16.8% of income to rent, below the national average, while earning a healthy median income of $111,317. This strong income-to-rent ratio positions Harford as one of the nation's more affordable suburban counties for renters.

Harford beats Maryland's affordability average

With a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio, Harford outpaces Maryland's state average of 18.3%, ranking among the county's better values. The median rent of $1,557 runs $142 above the state average, but the strong local income makes this easily manageable.

Competitive with Frederick, beats Charles

Harford's median rent of $1,557 sits between nearby Frederick ($1,706) and affluent Howard County ($2,038), while its 16.8% ratio nearly matches Frederick's 17.0%. This northeastern Baltimore suburb positions itself as an affordable alternative to both D.C. suburbs and further-north options.

Housing costs align with strong income

Renters pay $1,557 monthly while homeowners spend $1,680 against a $111,317 median income—both well within comfort zones. Combined housing expenses stay near 30% of gross income, preserving financial flexibility.

Harford offers Baltimore-area value

Harford County delivers a strong rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% with solid regional job options and Baltimore proximity, ideal for those seeking suburban stability. Compare Harford's 16.8% against wealthier Howard ($16.6%) to weigh affordability gains against commuting preferences.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harford County

via IncomeByCounty

Harford County incomes exceed U.S. average

With a median household income of $111,317, Harford County residents earn 49% above the national median of $74,755. The county's proximity to Baltimore and the Aberdeen Proving Ground military installation anchor a diversified economic base.

Fourth-highest in Maryland

Harford County ranks fourth among Maryland's 24 jurisdictions for median household income at $111,317, comfortably above the statewide average of $94,152. Only Howard, Montgomery, and Charles/Frederick counties earn more.

Strong performer in the Baltimore region

Harford County's $111,317 median household income exceeds Kent County ($74,402) to the east but trails wealthier Howard County ($146,982) to the south. Its position on the I-95 corridor and military employment create stable, higher-wage opportunities.

Housing costs within healthy range

Harford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating healthy rental markets. Median home values of $367,300 align well with county incomes, supporting sustainable homeownership for most households.

Build generational wealth systematically

Harford County's strong, stable incomes from military and Baltimore-region employment create ideal conditions for long-term wealth accumulation. Prioritize maxing out retirement accounts and exploring education investment vehicles for children's financial futures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harford County

via CrimeByCounty

Harford County's Impressive Safety Record

Harford County holds a safety score of 98.1, indicating a high level of security relative to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 1182.9 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier County for Safety in Maryland

The county's total crime rate is about 28% lower than the Maryland state average of 1638.3 per 100,000. This earns Harford a safety score of 98.1, beating the state average of 97.4.

Regional Comparisons Favor Harford

Harford County is safer than Howard County, which reports 1520.1 crimes per 100,000 residents. It maintains a similar safety profile to Frederick County, which shares an identical score of 98.1.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Harford is 243.6 per 100,000, well below the state average of 311.8. Property crime makes up most local activity at a rate of 939.3 per 100,000 residents.

Defending Your Harford County Home

Property crime remains the most likely threat to homeowners in this area. Vigilance and modern home security features like alarm systems are your best defense against local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harford County

via HealthByCounty

Harford County outperforms US health averages

At 77.9 years, Harford County residents live just shy of a year longer than the US average of 78.8 years. The county's 12.6% poor or fair health rate beats the national average of 15.7%, indicating above-average wellness.

Harford County ranks above Maryland state average

Harford County's 77.9-year life expectancy exceeds Maryland's 77.0-year state average, placing it in the top tier of Maryland counties. The 12.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's lowest.

Strong regional health performer in northern Maryland

Harford County's 77.9 years edges out Charles County (76.7) and matches Garrett County (76.8). Only Howard County (82.5) and Montgomery County (83.2) substantially outpace Harford in the Baltimore-DC corridor.

Best uninsured rate, solid primary care access

Harford's 4.6% uninsured rate ranks among Maryland's lowest, nearly two points below the state average of 6.4%. With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, healthcare access is strong and readily available.

Keep your family's coverage optimized.

Harford County residents show strong insurance uptake; if you're among the few uninsured, marylandhealthconnection.gov makes finding affordable coverage simple and quick.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Suburban Schools

Harford County features 55 public schools, including 33 elementary and 11 high schools. The district supports 38,037 students across a mix of traditional, special education, and alternative facilities. This infrastructure is designed to serve a growing suburban population with varied educational needs.

Solid Academic Foundation and Strong Graduation

The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $9,357 is lower than the state's $10,395 average, the county still maintains a respectable school score of 58.6. This reflects a system that delivers consistent results through efficient resource management.

Centralized Management via Harford County Public Schools

The Harford County Public Schools district manages all 55 facilities and 38,037 students. There are no charter schools in the county, making the traditional public system the primary choice for all local residents. This single-district model provides stability and clear expectations for families throughout the county.

Suburban Focus with Room to Grow

With 42 schools located in suburbs and 13 in rural areas, the county offers a classic residential feel. Average school size is 692 students, providing a vibrant but manageable campus environment. Aberdeen High School is currently the largest in the county, enrolling 1,495 students.

Established Communities and Reliable Schools

Harford County remains a popular choice for families seeking a suburban lifestyle near high-performing high schools like Bel Air or Aberdeen High. The 90% graduation rate makes it a safe bet for long-term educational stability. Consider home options in the suburban corridors to stay close to the county's major academic hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harford County

via RiskByCounty

Harford County Above National Risk Average

Harford County scores 72.46 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and indicating significantly higher disaster exposure than the typical U.S. county. The county's hurricane risk (81.64), earthquake risk (76.08), and flood risk (78.37) all exceed national norms substantially. These multi-hazard exposures demand serious preparedness investment from residents.

Among Maryland's Riskier Jurisdictions

Harford County ranks among Maryland's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 72.46, exceeding the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67) and Frederick County (74.20) and Howard County (72.42) rank notably higher in the state. Harford's position in North-Central Maryland exposes it to multiple convergent hazard types.

Elevated Risk vs. Regional Peers

Harford County's composite score of 72.46 exceeds neighboring Cecil, Kent, and eastern counties but trails Montgomery (91.67) and Howard (72.42) counties. Baltimore County presents a similar risk profile, while Anne Arundel County ranks lower. Harford's elevated earthquake (76.08) and hurricane (81.64) scores reflect its coastal and seismic exposure.

Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods Loom

Harford County faces exceptional hurricane risk (81.64) and earthquake risk (76.08), both significantly above state and national averages. Flood risk reaches 78.37, threatening low-lying areas near the Chesapeake Bay and river systems. Tornado and wildfire risks remain modest at 35.66 and 18.96 respectively, offering some relief in the county's hazard portfolio.

Hurricane and Earthquake Coverage Critical

Harford County residents must obtain comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane, wind, and earthquake coverage given the county's 81.64 hurricane and 76.08 earthquake risk scores. Flood insurance is essential for properties within one mile of the Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna River, or mapped floodplains. Retrofit your home with storm shutters, reinforced roofing, and impact-resistant windows to withstand the county's significant coastal storm exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harford County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Humid Subtropical Profile

Harford County's 55.3°F average annual temperature sits comfortably above the national median. The region receives 47.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly wetter than the average American county.

Cooler Than the Maryland Average

The county is slightly cooler than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It maintains a more temperate profile compared to the warmer counties on the Eastern Shore.

Similar to Central Maryland Neighbors

Harford's climate closely mirrors Montgomery County, which averages 55.1°F. However, Harford experiences 31 days of extreme heat, nearly double the 18 days seen in Montgomery.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

July brings an average high of 77.5°F, while January temperatures dip to a 33.0°F average. Residents face about 31 days each year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Humidity and Heat

Ensure your HVAC system is ready for a full month of extreme summer heat. Because snowfall data is limited, maintain a flexible winter kit for variable coastal conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harford County

via SoilByCounty

A unique profile in Northern Maryland

Specific data on Harford County's taxonomic order and average pH are not currently recorded in this central dataset. Most Maryland soils trend acidic, often falling near the state average of 5.31. Local gardeners are encouraged to perform a home test to find their specific starting point.

Awaiting local soil composition data

The exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for Harford County are currently unavailable. Despite the data gap, the county is known for its diverse Piedmont and Coastal Plain transition zones. You will likely find a mix of loamy textures depending on your proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.

Monitoring organic health and water

Organic matter and available water capacity metrics are not provided for this region. With a state average soil score of 55.2, Harford remains a productive agricultural hub despite the missing specific figures. Focusing on adding organic amendments is a safe bet for any Maryland garden.

Local drainage requires on-site testing

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is specified in the current records. Because Harford spans from rocky hills to coastal flats, drainage can vary wildly from one mile to the next. Check for signs of erosion or standing water on your property to determine your hydrologic needs.

Ready for growth in Zone 7b

Harford County's Zone 7b designation offers a versatile climate for everything from ornamentals to vegetables. The long growing season allows for early spring planting and late fall harvests. Join the local gardening community and start your first plot to see what your soil can do.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harford County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Lawn Conditions in Harford County

Harford County is one of the easier places in Maryland to grow a lawn, boasting a strong difficulty score of 57.3. This score sits well above the state average of 49.8, thanks to its accommodating 7b hardiness zone.

Healthy Precipitation Supports Quick Growth

The county receives a healthy 47.7 inches of annual precipitation, though it faces 31 extreme heat days. This combination supports a long, productive growing season of 3,825 growing degree days for local turf.

Preparing Your Soil Foundation for Success

While specific soil texture data is limited for this region, most local lawns benefit from a professional soil test to check for acidity. Generally, Maryland soils in this zone require monitoring for compaction and pH balance to ensure deep root growth.

Deep Watering for Abnormally Dry Spells

Harford has navigated 29 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, the entire county is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep watering twice a week rather than daily sprinkles to encourage more resilient, deep-reaching root systems.

Optimal Planting Windows for Zone 7b

Turf-type tall fescue is the most recommended choice for Harford’s climate and 7b zone. Plan to get your lawn started between the April 10 spring frost and the November 6 fall frost to maximize the growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harford County's county score?
Harford County, Maryland has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Harford County rank among counties in Maryland?
Harford County ranks #8 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 Harford County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Harford County is $3,424, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Harford County a tax score of 42.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harford County?
The median household income in Harford County, Maryland is $111,317 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harford County earns an income score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harford County, Maryland a good place to live?
Harford County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Harford 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 Harford 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.