CountyScore

Queen Anne's County

Maryland · MD

#8 in Maryland
66.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Queen Anne's County, Maryland

Well above national median

Queen Anne's County scores 66.2, placing it 16 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 73rd percentile. This strong performance puts it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Maryland's strong performer

At 66.2, Queen Anne's exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by more than 2 points, ranking among the state's top performers. It's one of the state's most livable counties across measured dimensions.

Tax advantage and high incomes

The county boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.793%, earning a tax score of 80.0, and a median household income of $113,347. Strong health outcomes (79.2) round out a balanced profile that supports quality of life.

Moderate housing and income gaps

While housing costs are more reasonable than some peer counties, the cost score of 48.9 reflects median rents of $1,611 and home values of $441,800. Income inequality remains an issue, though less severe than in lower-scoring counties.

For families wanting suburban balance

Queen Anne's appeals to affluent families seeking lower taxes, decent health infrastructure, and manageable commutes to urban centers. It's ideal for those who value a quieter, more rural character while maintaining professional incomes and services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80Cost48.9SafetyComing SoonHealth79.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome57.4Risk64.4WaterComing Soon
🏛80
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.4
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 Queen Anne's County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Benton County
Arkansas
66.2
Median income: $89,879
Phillips County
Arkansas
66.2
Median income: $38,874
Sumter County
Florida
66.2
Median income: $73,297
Carroll County
Georgia
66.2
Median income: $72,327
Plaquemines Parish
Louisiana
66.2
Median income: $82,874

Deep Dives

Queen Anne's County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Queen Anne's County

via TaxByCounty

Queen Anne's taxes are below average

Queen Anne's effective rate of 0.793% falls below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. Despite a high median home value of $441,800—well above the U.S. median of $281,900—the lower rate keeps actual tax bills moderate.

Below-average taxes for Maryland

At 0.793%, Queen Anne's rate sits comfortably below Maryland's 0.957% average, ranking it among the lower-taxing counties in the state. This favorable rate makes Queen Anne's a relatively tax-friendly choice within Maryland's 24-county system.

Cheapest in the Eastern Shore cluster

Queen Anne's 0.793% rate beats all nearby Eastern Shore competitors: Talbot County (0.658%), Worcester County (0.755%), and Wicomico County (0.887%). The median tax of $3,503 is lower than most comparable counties, even with a higher home value.

A $3,503 annual property tax bill

The median Queen Anne's home, valued at $441,800, generates an annual property tax bill of about $3,503. Over a 30-year homeownership span, that's roughly $105,000 dedicated to property taxes.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, roughly one in six homeowners are overassessed and unaware of their appeal rights. A single successful challenge could reduce your annual bill by $500 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Queen Anne's County

via CostByCounty

Queen Anne's beats national affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.1%, Queen Anne's residents spend considerably less on housing than the national average of 20.0%. The county's median household income of $113,347—51% above the U.S. median—provides substantial breathing room for other expenses.

Maryland's most affordable county option

Queen Anne's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among Maryland's counties, sitting well below the state average of 18.3%. This positions the county as one of Maryland's most housing-secure regions for renters and homeowners alike.

Lowest rents in the region

Queen Anne's median rent of $1,611 undercuts Prince George's ($1,761) and St. Mary's ($1,692), while supporting one of the highest median incomes in the state at $113,347. Home values at $441,800 reflect the county's strong appeal and relative stability.

Income-to-housing balance

Queen Anne's renters allocate just 17.1% of their $113,347 median income to monthly rent of $1,611, leaving substantial income for savings and living costs. Homeowners investing $1,961 monthly in mortgage payments dedicate 20.8% of income to ownership—well-managed compared to state peers.

A relocation sweet spot in Maryland

If you're weighing Maryland counties, Queen Anne's offers the strongest affordability ratio and highest median income—a rare combination that maximizes financial flexibility. The county's Eastern Shore location and stable housing market make it an attractive option for remote workers and families seeking stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Queen Anne's County

via IncomeByCounty

Queen Anne's leads Maryland

Queen Anne's County's median household income of $113,347 is 52% higher than the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's wealthiest counties. This Eastern Shore community ranks among the top 10% of American counties by income.

Maryland's wealthiest county

Queen Anne's holds the top income spot among all Maryland counties, with a median of $113,347—20% above the state average of $94,152. This Bay-area county consistently outperforms both state and national benchmarks.

Outearns Eastern Shore neighbors

Queen Anne's $113,347 median income substantially exceeds nearby Talbot County ($84,378) and Worcester County ($81,455), though Talbot's per capita income of $53,527 runs close behind. Queen Anne's economic strength reflects its mix of waterfronts, commuter ties, and affluent retirees.

Housing costs stay reasonable

Queen Anne's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is among Maryland's lowest, well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $441,800 is accessible for households earning this income level, supporting long-term wealth building.

Prime opportunity to invest aggressively

Queen Anne's top income level creates exceptional capacity to fund investment portfolios, second homes, or business ventures. Households here should prioritize tax-advantaged retirement savings, diversified brokerage accounts, and estate planning to preserve and grow their substantial wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Queen Anne's County

via HealthByCounty

Queen Anne's Residents Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Queen Anne's life expectancy of 79.6 years ranks well above the U.S. average of 76.4 years, with only 14.5% reporting poor or fair health versus 17.3% nationally. This advantage suggests strong preventive care and lower chronic disease burden in the county.

Maryland's Second-Healthiest County by Longevity

At 79.6 years, Queen Anne's life expectancy tops Maryland's 77.0-year state average by 2.6 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 14.5% poor/fair health rate also beats the state profile, indicating consistently strong population wellness.

Eastern Shore Leader in Health Outcomes

Queen Anne's 79.6-year life expectancy significantly outpaces nearby Somerset (74.0 years) and Washington counties (74.5 years). With only 14.5% of residents in poor health, Queen Anne's demonstrates the Eastern Shore's capacity for excellent health when infrastructure and resources align.

Strong Coverage, Room for Provider Growth

Queen Anne's 6.0% uninsured rate sits below Maryland's 6.4% average, ensuring most residents have health coverage. However, primary care providers number only 32 per 100,000—the lowest among profiled counties—suggesting residents may need to travel for routine care.

Protect Your Health With Insurance Coverage

While Queen Anne's boasts strong overall coverage, the 6% of uninsured residents should explore options during open enrollment. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to confirm you have a plan that meets your family's preventive and emergency care needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Queen Anne's County

via RiskByCounty

Queen Anne's enjoys very low disaster risk

Queen Anne's County has a composite risk score of just 35.62, placing it well below both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22. The county's 'very low' risk rating reflects relatively modest exposure across most major hazard categories.

Among Maryland's safest counties

Queen Anne's ranks near the bottom of Maryland's risk scale with a score of 35.62, making it one of the state's least vulnerable counties. Only a handful of Maryland counties share similarly low composite risk profiles.

Lower risk than Talbot, higher than Somerset

Queen Anne's (35.62) sits between Talbot County (42.37) and Somerset County (59.57) in the regional risk hierarchy. Its position reflects its Eastern Shore geography, which offers relative protection from some hazards while remaining exposed to hurricane-driven coastal threats.

Hurricanes are your primary exposure

Hurricane risk dominates Queen Anne's hazard profile at 78.51, significantly outpacing other threat categories like flood risk (67.20). While your overall disaster risk remains low, coastal storm surge and wind from Atlantic hurricanes warrant attention despite your generally favorable risk position.

Standard coverage plus hurricane readiness

Your county's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance generally provides adequate protection for most hazards. However, given your hurricane exposure, ensure your policy includes wind damage coverage and consider flood insurance if your home is in a coastal zone or near water.

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.