CountyScore

Prince George's County

Maryland · MD

#24 in Maryland
54.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Prince George's County, Maryland

Above the national middle

Prince George's County scores 54.1 out of 100, putting it 8 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 58th percentile nationally. This modest but meaningful edge means the county outperforms more than half of all U.S. counties on overall livability.

Below Maryland's bar

At 54.1, Prince George's ranks below Maryland's state average of 63.9, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. The 10-point gap to the state average reflects regional disparities in livability metrics.

Strong tax and health foundation

The county excels in tax climate (69.8) with an effective rate of just 1.15%, and in health (70.8). Residents also enjoy a solid median household income of $100,708, well above the national median, supporting a middle-to-upper-class lifestyle.

Housing costs and income inequality

Housing affordability is the primary challenge, with a cost score of just 43.0 and median home values reaching $404,300. While average incomes are healthy, the income score of 49.1 suggests uneven distribution, and limited safety and school data leaves critical gaps in the full picture.

For higher-earning families seeking stability

Prince George's suits established professionals and families with solid incomes who prioritize tax efficiency and health outcomes over housing affordability. The county works best for those who can absorb higher home prices and benefit from strong institutional support.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.8Cost43SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome49.1Risk6.8WaterComing Soon
🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.8
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 Prince George's County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266
Dutchess County
New York
54.1
Median income: $97,273
Ventura County
California
54
Median income: $107,327
Bronx County
New York
54
Median income: $49,036
Putnam County
New York
54.2
Median income: $127,405

Deep Dives

Prince George's County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Prince George's County

via HealthByCounty

Prince George's Life Expectancy Edges Above U.S. Average

At 77.6 years, Prince George's residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, signaling better-than-typical health outcomes. However, 17.0% of the population reports being in poor or fair health, placing it near the national average of 17.3%.

County Outperforms Maryland on Longevity

Prince George's life expectancy of 77.6 years exceeds Maryland's state average of 77.0 years by 0.6 years, ranking the county in the healthier half of the state. This advantage reflects better access to preventive care and consistent health management across its diverse population.

Stronger Health Profile Than Southern Neighbors

Prince George's 77.6-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Somerset (74.0 years) and Washington counties (74.5 years) by 3–4 years. The county also leads in mental health provider density with 237 per 100,000 residents, compared to Washington's 325, indicating robust behavioral health infrastructure.

Uninsured Rate a Growing Challenge

Prince George's 10.9% uninsured rate significantly exceeds Maryland's 6.4% average, meaning roughly 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage. With 50 primary care providers per 100,000 population—below the state's capability—residents in underserved areas may face long waits to establish care.

Explore Health Coverage Options Now

If you're among the 10.9% of uninsured Prince George's residents, open enrollment offers a chance to find affordable coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer benefits that protect your family's health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.