CountyScore

Harford County

Maryland · MD

#14 in Maryland
64.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Harford County, Maryland

Harford delivers well above national standard

Harford County's composite score of 64.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 79th percentile. The county offers livability in the top fifth of American communities.

Slightly above Maryland's average

Harford's score of 64.3 edges above Maryland's state average of 63.9, making it one of the stronger performers among the state's 24 counties. It represents a solid, reliable choice for Maryland families.

Health and tax efficiency lead the way

Harford County shines with a health score of 80.8 (among the state's best) and favorable taxes at 0.932% effective rate. These strengths, combined with median household incomes of $111,317, create a healthy, economically stable environment.

Housing costs rising relative to incomes

The cost score of 54.2 reflects median home values of $367,300 and rents at $1,557 monthly, creating a modest affordability squeeze. While not as severe as some counties, housing consumes a meaningful share of household budgets.

Perfect for health-conscious, middle-class families

Harford County appeals to middle-income families and young professionals seeking excellent health care, reasonable taxes, and suburban stability without breaking the bank on housing. If you want community health investment and tax efficiency for a solid middle-class salary, Harford fits well.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.1Cost54.2SafetyComing SoonHealth80.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome56Risk27.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Harford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Highlands County
Florida
64.3
Median income: $55,581
Spalding County
Georgia
64.3
Median income: $60,217
Whitfield County
Georgia
64.3
Median income: $64,262
Comanche County
Kansas
64.3
Median income: $49,417
St. Mary's County
Maryland
64.3
Median income: $114,580

Deep Dives

Harford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.