Somerset County scores 65.7 out of 100, placing it 16 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 72nd percentile. This strong showing reflects solid livability across several measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Competitive in Maryland
At 65.7, Somerset exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by nearly 2 points, ranking among the state's more livable counties. Its profile is distinctive for prioritizing affordability over income levels.
3 / 5
Exceptional affordability leadership
Somerset's greatest asset is housing affordability, with a cost score of 76.6—the highest among these eight counties—and a median home value of just $164,300. Monthly gross rent averages $938, making it deeply accessible for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Limited income and economic opportunity
The county's income score of 17.6 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $52,462—less than half of Queen Anne's. Economic development and wage growth are critical areas where Somerset lags its peers.
5 / 5
For retirees and budget seekers
Somerset excels for fixed-income retirees, rural families, and those prioritizing lowest possible housing costs over job opportunities. It's a strong fit for anyone willing to trade higher incomes for dramatically lower cost of living.
Somerset County scores 65.7 out of 100, placing it 16 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 72nd percentile. This strong showing reflects solid livability across several measured dimensions.
Competitive in Maryland
At 65.7, Somerset exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by nearly 2 points, ranking among the state's more livable counties. Its profile is distinctive for prioritizing affordability over income levels.
Exceptional affordability leadership
Somerset's greatest asset is housing affordability, with a cost score of 76.6—the highest among these eight counties—and a median home value of just $164,300. Monthly gross rent averages $938, making it deeply accessible for budget-conscious families.
Limited income and economic opportunity
The county's income score of 17.6 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $52,462—less than half of Queen Anne's. Economic development and wage growth are critical areas where Somerset lags its peers.
For retirees and budget seekers
Somerset excels for fixed-income retirees, rural families, and those prioritizing lowest possible housing costs over job opportunities. It's a strong fit for anyone willing to trade higher incomes for dramatically lower cost of living.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Somerset County's 0.976% effective rate sits just above the national median of 0.87%, but its median home value of $164,300 is far below the U.S. median of $281,900. The combination means Somerset homeowners pay some of the smallest tax bills in absolute dollars nationally.
Close to Maryland's state average
Somerset's 0.976% rate nudges just above Maryland's 0.957% state average, positioning it in the middle tier of Maryland's 24 counties. It's the state's most affordable county by median home value, keeping tax burdens manageable despite a slightly above-average effective rate.
Lower homes, lower absolute taxes
Somerset's median home value of $164,300 is notably lower than adjacent St. Mary's County ($390,900) and Worcester County ($348,100), so despite a slightly higher tax rate, the median tax bill of $1,603 is the lowest in the region by far.
The lowest tax bill in Maryland
The median Somerset homeowner pays approximately $1,603 annually in property taxes, by far the lowest median in Maryland. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $48,000—less than half what Prince George's County homeowners pay.
Even small savings add up here
With a low baseline, any successful assessment appeal could save you $200–$300 per year—meaningful money in a county where wages tend to be lower. Filing an appeal costs nothing and takes less than an hour.
Somerset County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average of 20.0%, but the real challenge is the county's median household income of just $52,462—30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap creates affordability pressure despite relatively low absolute rents of $938 monthly.
Maryland's affordability challenge
Somerset's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Maryland, surpassing the state average of 18.3% by a significant margin. The county faces a structural affordability crisis driven more by low wages than high rents.
Cheapest rents, tightest budgets
Somerset's median rent of $938 is the lowest among comparable counties—$323 less than Wicomico and $310 less than Washington County. However, with the lowest median income in the region at $52,462, residents spend a disproportionate share of earnings on housing.
The Somerset income crunch
Although Somerset renters pay just $938 monthly—the region's lowest—this consumes 21.5% of their $52,462 annual median income. Homeowners face a steeper challenge, with $977 monthly mortgage payments eating 22.3% of household income, leaving limited room for other essentials.
Relocate only if income follows
Somerset offers the region's lowest housing costs, but wages lag significantly behind state and national averages, making relocation viable only with remote work or employer transfers. If your job supports a competitive salary, Somerset provides genuine affordability; without it, the low cost of living won't offset income constraints.
Somerset County's median household income of $52,462 sits 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. This Eastern Shore county faces significant income headwinds compared to typical American households.
Lowest income county in Maryland
Somerset ranks last among Maryland's 24 counties, with a median income 44% below the state average of $94,152. The gap between Somerset and wealthier Maryland counties like Queen Anne's ($113,347) exceeds $60,000.
Lagging peers on the Shore
Somerset's $52,462 median income trails nearby Wicomico County ($72,861) by $20,000 and Worcester County ($81,455) by nearly $29,000. Limited job diversity and agricultural dependence constrain earning potential across the region.
Housing costs strain budgets
Somerset's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio pushes toward the affordability danger zone, leaving limited room in household budgets for emergencies. The median home value of $164,300 is lower countywide, but still represents a significant burden for median-income families.
Maximize every opportunity to save
Somerset households should prioritize building emergency savings of 3–6 months expenses before investing aggressively. Explore employer 401(k) matches, individual retirement accounts, and side income opportunities to accelerate wealth building despite modest primary income.
Somerset's life expectancy of 74.0 years lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.4 years, and 23.5% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national 17.3%. These gaps signal limited access to preventive care and higher disease burden in this rural county.
Maryland's Lowest Life Expectancy County
Somerset's 74.0-year life expectancy falls 3.0 years below Maryland's 77.0-year average, placing it at the bottom of the state's health rankings. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate further underscores the county's health crisis and urgent need for targeted interventions.
Struggling Compared to Eastern Shore Peers
Somerset's 74.0-year life expectancy trails Queen Anne's (79.6 years) by 5.6 years and Talbot County (78.9 years) by nearly 5 years. Despite strong mental health provider availability at 329 per 100,000, the county's broader health outcomes lag, suggesting systemic barriers beyond provider density alone.
Low Uninsured Rate Masks Deeper Access Gaps
While Somerset's 6.1% uninsured rate matches Maryland's state average, only 37 primary care providers serve 100,000 residents—indicating geographic or logistical barriers to care. Rural isolation and economic constraints compound these structural challenges, leaving many unable to access preventive services.
Don't Go Without Coverage—Act Now
If you're part of Somerset's uninsured population, healthcare.gov makes it easy to find plans during open enrollment. Medicaid also covers many county residents; contact your local health department to learn if you qualify and to connect with primary care providers despite distance or transportation barriers.
Somerset's risk mirrors Maryland's statewide average
Somerset County's composite risk score of 59.57 sits just below Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk profile is notably shaped by extreme water hazards rather than wind or seismic threats.
Mid-range risk among Maryland counties
Somerset County ranks in the middle tier of Maryland's risk landscape, with its 59.57 score placing it safely below Prince George's County (93.16) but above several other Eastern Shore counties. Its risk is concentrated in specific hazard types rather than distributed across multiple threats.
Riskier than Talbot and St. Mary's, similar to Wicomico
Somerset County (59.57) faces greater overall risk than nearby Talbot County (42.37) and St. Mary's County (42.56), but closely mirrors Wicomico County (60.78) and Worcester County (68.19). The Somerset Peninsula's unique geography creates a distinct risk profile among Eastern Shore counties.
Floods and hurricanes drive your hazard exposure
Somerset County's flood risk reaches 93.20 and hurricane risk stands at 88.78—both extreme levels that reflect the county's low-lying coastal and peninsula geography. These water-related threats vastly outweigh tornado risk (16.86) and wildfire exposure, making water hazards your dominant concern.
Flood and hurricane insurance are essential
Somerset County's extreme flood (93.20) and hurricane (88.78) risks make separate flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage non-negotiable protections. Evaluate your home's elevation and proximity to water, and consider mitigation investments like improved drainage or storm shutters to reduce vulnerability.