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Prince George's County, Maryland — County Report Card

MD

#23 in Maryland

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
32.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.5Weather & Climate 60.6Health 60.5

County Report Card

About Prince George's County, Maryland

Falling below the national median

Prince George's County holds a composite score of 32.5, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the bottom third of counties nationwide for overall livability metrics.

Behind the Maryland state average

The county's overall score of 32.5 ranks it well below the Maryland state average of 47.4. It stands as one of the more challenging jurisdictions in the state based on the CountyScore composite.

An economic powerhouse with high incomes

The county's primary strength is its Income Score of 95.5, reflecting a robust median household income of $100,708. Residents also benefit from a solid Health Score of 60.5, which outperforms many of its other categories.

Significant cost and safety hurdles

Affordability is a major concern, as evidenced by a Cost Score of 2.3 and median rents reaching $1,761. Additionally, the county faces low scores in Safety at 14.1 and environmental Risk at 6.8.

Best for high-earning urban professionals

This county suits high-income earners who prioritize career opportunities near the capital over housing affordability. It is an ideal fit for those who value economic mobility despite higher living costs and local risks.

2040608010027.92.314.160.548.795.56.858.560.6Tax27.9Cost2.3Safety14.1Health60.5Schools48.7Income95.5Risk6.8Water58.5Weather60.632.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Prince George's County DNA

Foverall

How Prince George's County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Prince George's County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (95.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (2.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.9-24.1
Cost
2.3-45.7
Safety
14.1-40.9
Health
60.5+10.5
Schools
48.7
Income
95.5+44.5
Risk
6.8-40.2
Water
58.5
Weather
60.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$404,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,761/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$404,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$70,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $100,708/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Prince George's County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Prince George's County

via TaxByCounty

Prince George's taxes rank high nationally

At 1.153%, Prince George's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the 73rd percentile—meaning most Americans live in counties with lower tax rates. The median home here costs $404,300, significantly above the national median of $281,900, which amplifies the tax burden.

Third-highest rate in Maryland

Prince George's 1.153% effective rate exceeds Maryland's state average of 0.957% by nearly 20%. Among Maryland's 24 counties and Baltimore City, Prince George's ranks third-highest in effective tax rate, behind only Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County.

Taxing its way above the suburbs

Prince George's taxes hit harder than St. Mary's County (0.868%) and Washington County (0.886%), though it falls below Baltimore's rate. The $4,662 median tax here runs about $1,330 more than St. Mary's County residents pay, despite only a $13,400 difference in median home value.

What that rate means in dollars

A homeowner with the median-priced $404,300 property in Prince George's pays roughly $4,662 annually in property taxes. Over 30 years, that totals nearly $140,000 in property taxes alone—before any interest on a mortgage.

Your assessment might be wrong

Research shows that 15–20% of homeowners are overassessed and don't realize they can appeal. If you haven't reviewed your property assessment in three years, filing a simple appeal could save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prince George's County

via CostByCounty

Prince George's rents outpace national norms

Renters here spend 21.0% of their household income on rent, compared to the national average of 20.0%—putting Prince George's slightly above the national comfort zone. With a median household income of $100,708, residents earn 35% more than the U.S. median, yet housing costs remain notably high.

Above average by Maryland standards

Prince George's rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% ranks above Maryland's statewide average of 18.3%, placing the county in the middle-to-upper range of affordability challenges across the state. However, the county's strong median income of $100,708 helps offset these higher rents.

Pricier than southern Maryland peers

Prince George's median rent of $1,761 significantly exceeds neighboring Queen Anne's ($1,611) and St. Mary's County ($1,692), despite similar household incomes. Median home values are also lower here at $404,300 compared to Queen Anne's $441,800, suggesting rental premiums in the county.

Where Prince George's incomes go

With a median rent of $1,761 and median mortgage payment of $2,160, renters dedicate 21.0% of their $100,708 annual income to rent alone. Homeowners carry even heavier burdens, with mortgage payments consuming 25.7% of median household income.

Consider the rent-to-income trade-off

If you're relocating to Prince George's, factor in that rent absorbs roughly one-fifth of a typical household's income—above both state and national averages. The county's strong median income offers flexibility, but comparing to nearby Queen Anne's or St. Mary's could reveal comparable opportunities with lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prince George's County

via IncomeByCounty

Prince George's outpaces nation

At $100,708, Prince George's median household income runs 35% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the upper tier nationally. This puts the county in the top quartile for American counties, a significant achievement for a Mid-Atlantic suburb.

Third-richest county in Maryland

Prince George's ranks third among Maryland's 24 counties with a median income 7% above the state average of $94,152. Only two other Maryland counties exceed this income level, reflecting the county's strong economic foundation.

Strong showing among peers

Prince George's earns $100,708 compared to neighboring Montgomery County's higher income, but outpaces most other regional peers like Washington County ($74,157) and Talbot County ($84,378). The county's proximity to D.C. jobs and federal employment drives this regional advantage.

Rent remains manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%, Prince George's households spend about one-fifth of income on rent—slightly above the nationally recommended 30% threshold but sustainable. The median home value of $404,300 is within reach for dual-income households at this income level.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

At $100,708 median income, Prince George's households have real capacity to invest in retirement accounts, college savings, and additional income streams. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize 401(k) contributions and explore real estate investment opportunities in this appreciating market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prince George's County

via CrimeByCounty

Prince George's Trends Above National Crime Averages

Prince George's County reports a total crime rate of 2445.7 per 100K, which sits slightly above the national average of 2385.5. Despite this trend, the county maintains a high safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

Evaluating Safety Within the State of Maryland

The county's safety score of 96.1 trails the Maryland state average of 97.4. With 30 reporting agencies, the local crime data provides a comprehensive view of safety challenges compared to smaller jurisdictions.

Comparing Crime Rates to Nearby Maryland Counties

The county's total crime rate of 2445.7 per 100K is significantly higher than neighboring St. Mary's County at 1035.0. It also outpaces the state average total crime rate of 1638.3 by over 800 points.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Figures

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 405.7 per 100K, exceeding the national mark of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, totaling 2040.0 per 100K residents.

Enhance Security for Your Prince George's Home

With property crime rates hovering near 2040.0 per 100K, residents should prioritize home security measures. Installing smart locks and visible cameras can effectively deter potential intruders in higher-traffic areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Prince George's County

via SchoolsByCounty

A massive educational network in Prince George's

The county manages a vast infrastructure of 199 public schools, including 138 elementary, 24 middle, and 25 high schools. This single-district system serves 131,133 students, making it one of the largest in the state. Specialized facilities like seven special education schools and two alternative centers round out the landscape.

Evaluating investment and student outcomes

The county spends $10,864 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $10,395 but trailing the national $13,000 benchmark. While the composite school score of 54.5 sits above the national median, the 76.0% graduation rate remains below the state average of 89.4%. Local leaders continue to work on bridging the gap between investment and these performance metrics.

Prince George's County Public Schools at a glance

Prince George's County Public Schools operates the entire local system with a focus on large-scale enrollment. The district hosts nine charter schools, which represent about 4.5% of the total school count. These schools provide alternative educational pathways within the public framework for over 131,000 students.

A predominantly suburban school experience

With 193 schools located in suburban settings, the county offers a consistent environment for its 669-student average school size. High Point High is the largest facility, housing 3,003 students in a 9-12 setting. While most schools are suburban, six rural schools provide a different pace for families on the county's edges.

Finding your home near top regional high schools

Families often target neighborhoods near high-capacity schools like Charles Herbert Flowers High or Eleanor Roosevelt High. As you explore Prince George's County, consider how proximity to these major secondary institutions fits your lifestyle. High-enrollment schools here offer diverse extracurricular programs that are a major draw for new homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prince George's County

via RiskByCounty

Prince George's faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 93.16, Prince George's County ranks significantly higher than the U.S. average, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. The county's exposure to multiple hazard types—particularly tornadoes (95.13) and floods (94.59)—makes it one of Maryland's most vulnerable areas for natural disasters.

Highest-risk county in Maryland

Prince George's County has the highest composite risk score among all Maryland counties, well above the state average of 60.22. Its tornado and flood risks are especially pronounced, reflecting the county's geography and climate patterns that create compounding hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Prince George's County (93.16) faces far greater disaster risk than neighboring Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties. Its risk profile stands out even in the context of Maryland's coastal and central regions, driven primarily by extreme tornado and flood vulnerability.

Tornadoes and floods dominate your hazard profile

Tornadoes pose your single largest threat with a risk score of 95.13, while floods follow closely at 94.59—both well above typical exposure levels. These two hazards account for the majority of Prince George's elevated overall risk and should be your primary focus for preparation and home protection.

Prioritize comprehensive hazard insurance now

Given your county's extreme tornado and flood risks, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—you need separate flood insurance and should verify tornado coverage in your policy. Consider a safe room or storm shelter installation and review your insurance annually, as Prince George's hazard exposure demands the highest level of preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Prince George's County

via WaterByCounty

Prince George's Maintains High Compliance Standards

The county earns a C grade for drinking water, recording only two health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 7.6 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Maryland state average of 25.7. This record shows a stable performance under the Safe Drinking Water Act compared to national trends.

Sediment and Nutrients Impact Local Watersheds

Approximately 45.3% of the 64 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of the 2022 reporting cycle. Total suspended solids, phosphorus, and nitrogen are the primary drivers of these impairments. This rate sits slightly above the state average of 43.1% for impaired waters.

Robust Monitoring Across Fifty-Six Local Sites

Scientists collected 60,116 measurements across 56 monitoring sites during the past five years. The data primarily tracks physical characteristics, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton. This consistent oversight provides a detailed footprint of the county’s aquatic health.

Western Branch Flows Near Typical Levels

The USGS gauge at Western Branch in Upper Marlboro currently measures 94 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents 89% of the long-term mean, indicating relatively stable water levels for this 90-square-mile drainage area. Residents see a streamflow that closely mirrors historical expectations.

Strategies for Managing Runoff and Nutrients

Because nearly half of assessed water bodies are impaired by solids and nutrients, homeowners should minimize fertilizer use and manage storm runoff. While drinking water compliance is strong, those near impaired streams might consider basic carbon filtration to address local sediment issues. Staying informed about nutrient levels helps protect the broader watershed ecosystem.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prince George's County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Subtropical Conditions

The 56.2°F average temperature puts Prince George's County well above the national median. Annual precipitation remains high at 45.8 inches.

Warmer than the State Average

This county is warmer than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. Its precipitation levels align almost perfectly with the statewide average of 45.7 inches.

Hotter Summers than Montgomery

Prince George's faces 35 days of extreme heat annually, nearly twice the number seen in neighboring Montgomery County. It also sees about half the snowfall of its neighbor to the north.

Steamy Summers and Mild Winters

July heat averages 78.0°F, while January stays above freezing with a 34.2°F average. The county experiences 35 days per year where the temperature hits or exceeds 90°F.

Gear Up for Summer Humidity

Residents should focus on high-efficiency cooling and hydration during the long, hot summer. Snow tires are less of a priority here given the modest 15.9-inch annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prince George's County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils dominate the landscape

The county's soil features an average pH of 4.84, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This high acidity levels suggest that local gardeners may need to amend their plots with lime to balance the chemistry.

High sand content ensures quick drainage

The soil composition is 50.5% sand, 34.3% silt, and 13.1% clay. This sandy mix provides excellent workability for farmers but may require more frequent fertilization due to lower nutrient retention.

Organic matter falls below state averages

Organic matter sits at 4.58%, which is roughly half of the Maryland average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity of 0.177 in/in remains slightly above the state baseline, providing a steady moisture supply for roots.

Heavy runoff potential in Hydrologic Group D

While specific drainage classes and taxonomic orders are not recorded, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D. This indicates very slow infiltration rates, meaning water tends to run off the surface rather than soaking in deeply.

Thriving gardens in Hardiness Zone 7b

With a 7b hardiness rating, Prince George's County is ideal for growing heat-loving vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Gardeners can overcome the low organic matter by mixing in compost to build a thriving backyard oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prince George's County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Prince George's Lawns

With a difficulty score of 47.7, maintaining a lawn here is more demanding than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, requiring grass varieties that can handle both freezing winters and humid summers.

Beating the Intense Summer Heat

The county endures 35 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the Maryland average of 27. While 45.8 inches of rain falls each year, 4020 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy throughout the long season.

Highly Acidic Soils Require Correction

The soil pH of 4.84 is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf. With a composition that is 50.5% sand, you likely need regular lime applications and organic matter to help the ground hold onto nutrients.

Managing Half a Year of Dry Spells

Prince George's County experienced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn, water deeply early in the morning to minimize evaporation during peak heat.

Start Growing After the April Frost

Tall Fescue is the best choice for this zone due to its deep root system and heat tolerance. Plan to seed after the last frost on April 9 but before the first freeze on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince George's County's county score?
Prince George's County, Maryland has a composite county score of 32.5 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 Prince George's County rank among counties in Maryland?
Prince George's County ranks #23 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 Prince George's County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Prince George's County is $4,662, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Prince George's County a tax score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prince George's County?
The median household income in Prince George's County, Maryland is $100,708 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prince George's County earns an income score of 95.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prince George's County, Maryland a good place to live?
Prince George's County scores 32.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Prince George's 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 Prince George's County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.