countyscore
48.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.8Health 98.7Schools 84.8

County Report Card

About Howard County, Maryland

Howard County nears the national median

Howard County holds a composite score of 48.8, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. Despite its high individual scores in some areas, regional costs pull the total average toward the center.

Exceeding the Maryland state average

Howard’s 48.8 score is higher than the Maryland average of 47.4. It remains one of the state's most prestigious areas, known for its concentration of wealth and high-quality services.

Elite incomes and world-class health

The county is an economic titan with an income score of 99.8 and a health score of 98.7. With a staggering median household income of $146,982, residents enjoy some of the best lifestyle outcomes in the country.

Severe cost and tax pressures

Livability is hampered by a cost score of 1.1 and a tax score of 26.4. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.182%, and median home values of $576,700 make entry into this market very difficult.

The premier choice for top earners

Howard County is tailored for the high-achieving professional who wants the absolute best in schools and healthcare. If your income supports it, the quality of services and community health are almost unparalleled.

2040608010026.41.134.698.784.899.827.670.666.9Tax26.4Cost1.1Safety34.6Health98.7Schools84.8Income99.8Risk27.6Water70.6Weather66.948.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Howard County DNA

Foverall

How Howard County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Howard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.4-25.6
Cost
1.1-46.9
Safety
34.6-20.4
Health
98.7+48.7
Schools
84.8+30.799999999999997
Income
99.8+48.8
Risk
27.6-19.4
Water
70.6+12.599999999999994
Weather
66.9+10.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$576,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,038/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$576,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$81,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $146,982/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Coke County
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Aroostook County
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Plymouth County
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Nearby counties

Montgomery County
Maryland
46.9
Baltimore city
Maryland
24.8
Carroll County
Maryland
57
Baltimore County
Maryland
38.3
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
41.2
Anne Arundel County
Maryland
45.6
Arlington County
Virginia
44.8
Frederick County
Maryland
49.9

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Howard County

via CrimeByCounty

Howard County Beats National Averages

Howard County maintains a safety score of 97.6, performing better than the typical American county. Its total crime rate of 1520.1 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Safety Than the State Average

With a safety score of 97.6, Howard County is slightly safer than the Maryland average of 97.4. Its crime rate of 1520.1 per 100,000 is lower than the statewide figure of 1638.3.

Safer than Neighbors to the South

Howard County is safer than Montgomery County, which reports 1653.8 crimes per 100,000. However, it experiences more property-related activity than Frederick County, which sits at 1197.9.

Property Incidents Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 1368.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, the primary driver of local totals. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 151.2 is less than half the state average of 311.8.

Keep Your Howard County Home Secure

Since property crime is the most common issue, securing packages and locking vehicles is essential. Home security cameras provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Howard County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Capacity, Diverse Education System

Howard County operates 77 public schools, including 42 elementary, 20 middle, and 13 high schools. A massive student body of 57,676 is supported by a comprehensive system that includes special education and alternative schools. The infrastructure is built to support a densely populated and academically focused community.

Top-Tier Performance and Significant Investment

Howard County earns a stellar school score of 65.3, the highest in the region, alongside a 93.0% graduation rate. The county invests $11,715 per pupil, significantly more than the Maryland state average of $10,395. These numbers demonstrate a direct correlation between high funding and elite academic outcomes.

Excellence in Howard County Public Schools

Howard County Public Schools manages all 77 facilities for its 57,676 students. There are no charter schools in the district, as the traditional public schools consistently rank among the best in the state. This unified district is a primary draw for families moving into the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

A Blend of City and Suburban Life

The district features a balanced mix of 31 suburban and 30 city-based schools, with 13 rural locations. Campus sizes are substantial, averaging 759 students per school. Reservoir High School leads the county in size, hosting 1,837 students in a bustling academic environment.

Invest in a Home Near Premier Schools

Howard County is a premier destination for homebuyers who prioritize elite public education. With the highest school scores in the area, property values near schools like Reservoir or Howard High remain consistently strong. Use these top-tier metrics to justify your move to this high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Howard County

via WaterByCounty

Exceptional Drinking Water Quality in Howard

Howard County earns a top-tier A grade for drinking water compliance with only 2 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people is among the lowest in Maryland and far below the state average of 25.7. These figures reflect a highly reliable public water infrastructure.

Streams Face Sediment and Temperature Stress

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 44.7% of the county's 38 assessed water bodies are impaired. This is slightly higher than the state average of 43.1%. The main environmental stressors are rising stream temperatures and high concentrations of total suspended solids.

Targeted Monitoring at Twenty-Three Sites

A focused network of 23 monitoring sites has produced 9,734 measurements over the last five years. Data collection primarily targets nutrients, physical characteristics, and organics. While the site count is lower than neighbors, the focused data provides a clear snapshot of urban runoff impacts.

Patapsco River Levels Fall Significantly

The Patapsco River near Elkridge reports a discharge of 99 cfs, only 34% of its long-term mean of 291 cfs. This significant drop in flow affects the 312 square mile drainage area it serves. Lower volumes can exacerbate the temperature and sediment issues identified in watershed health assessments.

Support Stream Health and Conservation

Howard County residents enjoy excellent tap water, but local streams need protection from sediment runoff. Planting trees near waterways can help mitigate the high stream temperatures that cause impairments. During the current low-flow period on the Patapsco, reducing outdoor water use helps maintain the health of the local ecosystem.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Howard County

via SoilByCounty

A high-scoring soil profile

Howard County earns an impressive soil score of 67.6, the highest among its immediate neighbors. The average pH of 5.46 is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.31, though still acidic compared to the national 6.5 median. This provides a strong, balanced chemical foundation for agriculture.

Even distribution of sand and silt

The soil contains 37.8% sand and 37.9% silt, creating a very balanced physical structure. With 14.1% clay, this ground offers enough body to hold nutrients without being too heavy to plow. This 'middle of the road' composition is ideal for a wide variety of plants.

Rich organic matter and water storage

Howard boasts 9.46% organic matter, exceeding the state average of 9.10%. The available water capacity is also superior at 0.199 in/in, well above the state average of 0.175. This means your plants have access to more nutrients and a larger water reservoir than in most other counties.

Reliable hydrology for suburban growth

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high soil score of 67.6 indicates very favorable conditions. The balance of sand and silt usually prevents the severe drainage issues found in heavier clay soils. Observation of local runoff patterns will confirm how your specific site handles rain.

Optimal conditions in Zone 7b

Zone 7b and a 67.6 soil score make Howard County a gardener's paradise. The high available water capacity of 0.199 means your garden will be more resilient to summer heat than those in neighboring counties. It is the perfect place to start a high-yield vegetable patch or a lush perennial border.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Howard County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Difficult Turf Conditions in Howard

Howard County faces significant lawn hurdles with a difficulty score of only 25.5, which is roughly half the national average. Homeowners in this 7b zone must work harder than their neighbors to maintain consistent turf health throughout the year.

Adapting to the Regional Growing Cycle

Local climate data is limited, but the regional 7b zone suggests a warm environment that requires careful water management. Residents should look to the state average of 27 heat days as a guide for when to expect peak summer stress.

Amending Acidic Clay for Better Drainage

The soil is naturally acidic at 5.46 pH and contains 14.1% clay, which can lead to drainage and nutrient issues. Amending the soil with lime is critical to move closer to the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range required for healthy grass.

Smart Watering During Extended Droughts

Water stress is a major factor here, with 38 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year. Since 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, utilizing rain barrels and drought-resistant grass varieties is a smart long-term strategy.

Seeding for Resilience in Howard County

Durable grasses like Tall Fescue or Zoysia are best suited for the challenging local environment. Aim to seed in late summer or early fall to give the roots time to establish before the ground freezes for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard County's county score?
Howard County, Maryland has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Howard County rank among counties in Maryland?
Howard County ranks #11 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 Howard County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Howard County is $6,814, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 26.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Maryland is $146,982 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Maryland a good place to live?
Howard County scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Howard 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 Howard County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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