CountyScore

Howard County

Maryland · MD

#21 in Maryland
58.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Howard County, Maryland

Howard scores solidly above national median

Howard County's composite score of 58.9 outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 68th percentile. The county delivers better-than-average livability for most of America.

Slightly below Maryland's competitive average

Howard's 58.9 score falls short of Maryland's state average of 63.9, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 24 counties. Strong competitors nearby make the county less distinctive within Maryland.

Highest incomes and excellent health in Maryland

Howard County boasts the state's highest median household income at $146,982 (income score 79.3) and the best health score at 86.6. These dual strengths position it as Maryland's economic and health powerhouse for affluent families.

Exceptional housing costs overwhelm the package

The cost score of 33.3 masks the starkest livability constraint: median home values of $576,700 and rents at $2,038 monthly. Housing costs consume a larger share of income here than in nearly any other Maryland county.

Only for the highest-earning Maryland families

Howard County suits only affluent professional families earning six-figure incomes who can absorb premium housing costs while accessing the best schools, health care, and income-earning opportunities in the state. If money is no object and you want Maryland's absolute best institutions, Howard delivers—at a steep price.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69Cost33.3SafetyComing SoonHealth86.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome79.3Risk27.6WaterComing Soon
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤86.6
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 Howard County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
58.9
Median income: $84,722
Washtenaw County
Michigan
58.9
Median income: $87,156
Cape May County
New Jersey
58.9
Median income: $88,046
Navarro County
Texas
58.9
Median income: $59,310
Chittenden County
Vermont
58.9
Median income: $94,310

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Howard County

via TaxByCounty

Howard County ranks among highest tax counties

At 1.182%, Howard County's effective property tax rate ranks in the top 5% nationally, well above the U.S. median of 0.84%. The median property tax bill of $6,814 is 154% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both elevated tax rates and the state's highest median property values at $576,700.

Highest effective rate in Maryland

Howard County's 1.182% rate is the highest among Maryland's 24 counties, towering 23% above the state average of 0.957%. Its median tax bill of $6,814 is 105% above the state median of $3,328, making it Maryland's most expensive county for property taxes.

Substantially higher than surrounding counties

Howard County's 1.182% rate far exceeds Montgomery County's 0.868% and Baltimore County's rates, reflecting the county's affluence and high property valuations. The $6,814 median tax bill is roughly $2,600 more than comparable Frederick County properties.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Howard County's median of $576,700 will generate approximately $6,814 in annual property taxes at the 1.182% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill is $6,821; without one, it drops to $6,795.

You may be paying too much

High-value Howard County properties are frequently overassessed relative to market conditions and recent comparable sales. Homeowners should request a detailed assessment review and file an appeal if their valuation appears inflated—the potential savings are substantial.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Howard County

via CostByCounty

Howard County: affluence meets affordability

Howard County residents spend just 16.6% of income on rent—below the national average—while boasting Maryland's highest median income at $146,982, nearly double the national median. This exceptional combination makes Howard the state's premier option for high-income renters seeking reasonable housing costs.

Best ratio for Maryland's wealthiest county

Howard's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Maryland's lowest despite the county's median rent of $2,038—the highest profiled here. The county's extraordinary median income of $146,982 transforms even premium housing costs into a manageable expense.

Highest prices, strongest incomes

Howard County's median rent of $2,038 and home value of $576,700 dwarf nearby Harford and Frederick, yet its superior household income ($146,982) delivers the best actual affordability ratio at 16.6%. This reflects Howard's status as Maryland's most economically dominant county, attracting corporate headquarters and top earners.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Renters pay $2,038 monthly while homeowners spend $2,458 against the $146,982 median income—consuming just 16.6% and 20% respectively. Housing accounts for roughly 30-35% of typical household budgets, leaving substantial income for savings, investment, and lifestyle spending.

Howard: affluent yet affordable

Howard County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio—the state's best—makes it ideal for high earners willing to invest in quality schools and commute corridors. Compare Howard's premium pricing ($2,038 rent) against Charles County's ($1,897) to see how income, not just rent, determines true affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Howard County

via IncomeByCounty

Howard County: Maryland's wealthiest county

Howard County leads Maryland with a median household income of $146,982—97% above the national median of $74,755. The county's position between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., along with top-tier educational institutions, drives exceptional earning power.

Richest county in all of Maryland

Howard County's median household income of $146,982 ranks first across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, $52,830 above the statewide average. The county consistently outpaces all peers in both median household and per capita income metrics.

Outearns every Maryland peer

Howard County's $146,982 median household income surpasses Montgomery County ($128,733) and exceeds all other Maryland counties by significant margins. The county's tech, healthcare, and professional services sectors generate the state's highest wages.

High incomes offset high home costs

Howard County's median home value of $576,700 is Maryland's highest, yet the 16.6% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable. Strong household incomes enable sustainable homeownership despite premium housing costs in this desirable county.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Howard County residents with among the nation's highest household incomes should aggressively fund retirement accounts, college savings plans, and diversified investments. Consider working with financial advisors to optimize tax strategies and estate planning at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Howard County

via HealthByCounty

Howard County leads the nation in health outcomes

At 82.5 years, Howard County residents live 3.7 years longer than the US average of 78.8 years. With just 10.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county dramatically outperforms the national average of 15.7%.

Howard County ranks second best in Maryland

Howard County's 82.5-year life expectancy ranks second only to Montgomery County (83.2) in Maryland. The county's exceptional 10.7% poor/fair health rate reflects strong population wellness statewide.

Suburban hub with unmatched regional health advantage

Howard County's 82.5 years life expectancy far surpasses nearby Charles (76.7), Frederick (80.0), and Harford (77.9) counties. The county's advantage reflects its affluent, highly educated population concentrated in the Baltimore metro area.

Exceptional provider density and near-universal coverage

Howard County's 4.3% uninsured rate ranks among the state's lowest, giving residents near-universal healthcare access. With 184 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than triple the state average—the county ensures abundant care availability.

Maintain your health advantage with solid coverage.

Howard County's excellent health metrics reflect strong insurance uptake. If coverage gaps exist in your household, marylandhealthconnection.gov connects you with plans that sustain your family's wellness.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Howard County

via RiskByCounty

Howard County Faces Elevated National Risk

Howard County scores 72.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and indicating significantly higher disaster exposure than average U.S. counties. The county's hurricane risk (81.18), earthquake risk (77.51), and flood risk (78.12) all exceed national norms substantially. This multi-hazard profile demands comprehensive preparation from Howard County residents.

Upper-Tier Risk Among Maryland Counties

Howard County ranks in the upper tier of Maryland counties with a composite score of 72.42, well above the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67), Frederick County (74.20), and Harford County (72.46) rank higher in Maryland. Howard's central Maryland location and proximity to seismic zones drive this elevated profile.

Similar Risk to Adjacent Counties

Howard County's composite score of 72.42 closely mirrors Harford County (72.46) and Frederick County (74.20) to the north and west. Montgomery County (91.67) to the south presents notably higher risk, while Anne Arundel and Carroll counties rank lower. Howard's hazard profile reflects its transition zone between coastal and inland Maryland dynamics.

Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods Priority

Howard County's primary hazards are hurricane risk (81.18), earthquake risk (77.51), and flood risk (78.12)—all well above national and state averages. Tornado risk reaches 42.24, moderate but significant compared to many Maryland counties. Wildfire risk remains low at 15.55, offering one mitigation advantage in the county's disaster landscape.

Secure Multiple Hazard Coverage Now

Howard County residents should immediately obtain homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane, earthquake, and wind damage riders, as the county's 81.18 hurricane and 77.51 earthquake scores demand enhanced coverage. Flood insurance is essential for properties within mapped floodplains or near the Patapsco River and tributaries; the county's 78.12 flood risk affects broad areas. Consider reinforcing your home's roof, windows, and foundation to withstand the county's multi-hazard 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.