Kent County's composite score of 68.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing it in the 87th percentile. The county delivers livability comparable to top-tier American communities.
2 / 5
Top performer in Maryland
With a score of 68.6, Kent County ranks among Maryland's strongest counties, well above the state average of 63.9. It's one of the best overall livability choices in the state.
3 / 5
Outstanding affordability and strong risk profile
Kent County shines with a cost score of 66.1, median home values of $307,100, and rents at just $1,144 monthly, offering genuine affordability. The risk score of 72.5 (among the highest in the state) reflects strong financial and property stability.
4 / 5
Income opportunities significantly lag
The income score of 32.0 and median household earnings of $74,402 fall well below state and national benchmarks. This limits upward economic mobility for working families and younger professionals.
5 / 5
Excellent for remote workers and retirees
Kent County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and independent professionals who earn elsewhere but want to maximize housing security and minimize taxes. If you can generate income outside the local economy and value stability, affordability, and small-town character, Kent County offers exceptional value.
Kent County's composite score of 68.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing it in the 87th percentile. The county delivers livability comparable to top-tier American communities.
Top performer in Maryland
With a score of 68.6, Kent County ranks among Maryland's strongest counties, well above the state average of 63.9. It's one of the best overall livability choices in the state.
Outstanding affordability and strong risk profile
Kent County shines with a cost score of 66.1, median home values of $307,100, and rents at just $1,144 monthly, offering genuine affordability. The risk score of 72.5 (among the highest in the state) reflects strong financial and property stability.
Income opportunities significantly lag
The income score of 32.0 and median household earnings of $74,402 fall well below state and national benchmarks. This limits upward economic mobility for working families and younger professionals.
Excellent for remote workers and retirees
Kent County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and independent professionals who earn elsewhere but want to maximize housing security and minimize taxes. If you can generate income outside the local economy and value stability, affordability, and small-town character, Kent County offers exceptional value.
Score breakdown
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🏛75.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Kent County taxes track slightly above national median
Kent County's effective tax rate of 0.943% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the moderate-to-upper range of U.S. counties. The median property tax bill of $2,896 is 8% above the national median of $2,690, despite property values remaining close to the national average at $307,100.
Slightly below Maryland's average rate
At 0.943%, Kent County's effective tax rate runs just below Maryland's state average of 0.957%, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 24 counties. Its median tax bill of $2,896 is 13% below the state median of $3,328.
Lower taxes than most Eastern Shore peers
Kent County's 0.943% rate aligns with other Eastern Shore counties, running below Queen Anne's County and comparable to Dorchester County. Homeowners here pay roughly $500 annually less than their Harford County counterparts on similar properties.
Expected annual tax on median home
A home valued at Kent County's median of $307,100 will generate approximately $2,896 in annual property taxes at the 0.943% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate is $2,793; without one, it rises to $3,094.
You may be paying too much
Kent County homeowners should verify their assessments match current market conditions and comparable sales in their neighborhoods. Filing a timely appeal can correct errors and reduce annual tax burdens.
Kent County residents spend 18.4% of income on rent—nearly identical to the national average—while earning a median income of $74,402, almost perfectly matching the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests Kent offers typically American affordability across the board.
Slightly above Maryland's state average
Kent's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Maryland's state average of 18.3% by just 0.1%, positioning it in the middle tier of county affordability. The median rent of $1,144 falls $271 below the state average, reflecting the county's small-town Eastern Shore character.
Eastern Shore middle ground
Kent County's $1,144 median rent sits between rural Garrett ($710) and Dorchester ($959), reflecting its status as a modest Eastern Shore county. Its 18.4% ratio places it above affordability leader Garrett ($12.3%) but below Charles and Montgomery, making it a reasonable middle option for water-focused residents.
Income and rent align closely
Renters pay $1,144 monthly while homeowners spend $1,408 on a $74,402 median income—straightforward housing costs consuming roughly 18-22% of earnings. Combined housing expenses run near 30%, typical for American households.
Kent offers typical Eastern Shore value
Kent County delivers a relatable rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% for those seeking Chesapeake Bay living without premium pricing or small-town sacrifice. Test your relocation: Kent's 18.4% compares closely to state average (18.3%) while undercutting Charles and Montgomery on actual rents.
Kent County's median household income of $74,402 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, positioning it squarely in America's middle class. The county's small-town character and mixed agricultural and service economy create moderate, stable earnings.
Near Maryland's statewide average
Kent County's median household income of $74,402 falls below Maryland's statewide average of $94,152 by $19,750. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions.
Middle-income Eastern Shore county
Kent County's $74,402 income exceeds rural Dorchester County ($60,495) but trails Harford County ($111,317) to the north. On the Eastern Shore, it represents a moderate earnings level between coastal and suburban zones.
Rent affordable despite narrow margins
Kent County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits comfortably within affordability guidelines, though households spending that share have limited flex budgets. Median home values of $307,100 remain accessible for households earning the county average.
Steady progress through consistent saving
Kent County residents with solid, middle-class incomes should prioritize employer-sponsored retirement plans and automatic savings mechanisms. Even modest monthly contributions to investment accounts compound significantly over decades.
Kent County health outcomes align with US averages
At 76.8 years, Kent County residents live about two years shorter than the US average of 78.8 years. The county's 14.4% poor or fair health rate sits slightly below the national average of 15.7%.
Kent County ranks slightly below Maryland average
Kent County's 76.8-year life expectancy trails Maryland's 77.0-year state average by just 0.2 years. The county performs near the state median on health metrics.
Eastern Shore leader with solid health standing
Kent County's 76.8 years tops Dorchester County (74.2) on the Eastern Shore, though it trails Frederick (80.0) and Howard (82.5). As a smaller Eastern Shore county, Kent maintains regional competitiveness.
Above-average uninsured rate; excellent primary care access
Kent County's 7.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.4%, leaving more residents without coverage than peers. However, with 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers strong healthcare access for the insured.
Health coverage shouldn't be hard to find.
One in 14 Kent County residents lacks insurance. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov or call 1-855-642-8572 to explore affordable plans and secure your family's health protection.
Kent County scores 27.51 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national median and indicating significantly lower disaster exposure than average U.S. counties. This very low overall risk reflects reduced exposure to most major hazard types, though hurricane risk reaches 80.81—the county's one notable vulnerability. Kent ranks among the nation's safer jurisdictions for natural disaster preparedness.
Second-Safest County in Maryland
Kent County ranks as Maryland's second-safest jurisdiction with a composite score of 27.51, far below the state average of 60.22 and exceeded in safety only by Garrett County (16.00). This exceptional safety profile makes Kent County one of the most disaster-resilient regions in Maryland. The county benefits from its Upper Eastern Shore location and distance from major seismic and severe weather corridors.
Safer Than Most Regional Peers
Kent County's composite score of 27.51 substantially exceeds nearby Queen Anne's County and significantly outpaces Dorchester, Talbot, and Cecil counties. Only Garrett County (16.00) ranks safer in the broader region. Kent's central Eastern Shore location insulates it from the extreme coastal exposure that affects some neighboring jurisdictions.
Hurricane Risk Only Concern Here
Kent County's sole significant hazard is hurricane risk at 80.81, reflecting the county's location on the Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore. Flood risk remains moderate at 60.00, while earthquake (52.04), tornado (23.51), and wildfire (25.45) risks all present minimal exposure. Overall, hurricane preparation dominates Kent's natural disaster landscape.
Focus Coverage on Hurricane Protection
Kent County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and wind damage coverage given the county's 80.81 hurricane risk score, the only substantial hazard in an otherwise safe region. Standard flood insurance is advisable for properties within one mile of the Chesapeake Bay or mapped floodplains. Earthquake and tornado coverage are optional for most residents given the county's very low exposure to these hazards.