countyscore
52.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 77.4Schools 72.8

County Report Card

About St. Mary's County, Maryland

Stronger than the national average

St. Mary's County carries a composite score of 52.3, edging out the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly above the typical American county experience.

Outperforming the Maryland average

With a 52.3 composite, the county beats the Maryland state average of 47.4. It serves as a strong example of Maryland's high-performing coastal jurisdictions.

Wealthy residents and healthy living

The Income Score is an elite 98.2, supported by a high median household income of $114,580. A Health Score of 77.4 and a School Score of 72.8 round out a very strong profile for public services.

Steep prices for local housing

The Cost Score is a low 3.7, as median home values sit at $390,900 and rents average $1,692. While safer than many urban areas, its Safety Score of 54.2 suggests some room for improvement.

Best for established professional families

St. Mary's is a great fit for high-earners who want good schools and a healthy environment. It is particularly attractive for those who value high income potential and can manage higher property costs.

2040608010047.83.754.277.472.898.257.555.670.7Tax47.8Cost3.7Safety54.2Health77.4Schools72.8Income98.2Risk57.5Water55.6Weather70.752.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

St. Mary's County DNA

Foverall

How St. Mary's County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

St. Mary's County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Income (98.2/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (3.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.8
Cost
3.7-44.3
Safety
54.2
Health
77.4+27.400000000000006
Schools
72.8+18.799999999999997
Income
98.2+47.2
Risk
57.5+10.5
Water
55.6
Weather
70.7+14.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$390,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,692/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$390,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$67,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $114,580/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare St. Mary's County with Little River County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Westmoreland County
Virginia
55.4
Calvert County
Maryland
59.1
Richmond County
Virginia
62.9
Northumberland County
Virginia
66.8
Dorchester County
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47
Charles County
Maryland
48.2
Essex County
Virginia
51.1
King George County
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54.7

Deep Dives

St. Mary's County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Mary's County

via TaxByCounty

St. Mary's sits slightly below national median

St. Mary's County's 0.868% effective rate falls just below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the 45th percentile. With a median home value of $390,900—well above the national median of $281,900—the combination yields a moderate tax burden for homeowners.

Below Maryland's average rate

At 0.868%, St. Mary's effective rate runs about 9% lower than Maryland's state average of 0.957%, ranking it among Maryland's more tax-friendly counties. The $3,392 median tax bill sits just above the state average of $3,328, despite homes here being pricier than average.

Competitive with southern Maryland peers

St. Mary's 0.868% rate edges slightly higher than Talbot County (0.658%) but remains below Prince George's (1.153%) and Washington County (0.886%). The $3,392 median tax is moderate compared to similar-priced homes in neighboring Prince George's County.

About $3,392 per year on average

A homeowner with St. Mary's median property value of $390,900 pays roughly $3,392 annually in property taxes. Over 30 years, that amounts to approximately $101,000 in cumulative property taxes.

Assessment appeals could help significantly

If your home has appreciated faster than county assessments reflect, you may be paying on an outdated value. Filing a simple reassessment challenge could reduce your annual tax by several hundred dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Mary's County

via CostByCounty

St. Mary's affords housing comfortably

St. Mary's County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits below the national average of 20.0%, with a median household income of $114,580 that towers 53% above the U.S. median. This strong income-to-housing balance makes St. Mary's one of the nation's more affordable mid-Atlantic counties.

Above-average Maryland affordability

St. Mary's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Maryland's 18.3% state average, ranking the county among the state's more affordable options. The county's high median income of $114,580 provides significant financial cushion.

Competitive pricing across Southern Maryland

St. Mary's median rent of $1,692 falls between Queen Anne's ($1,611) and Prince George's ($1,761), while matching one of the highest median incomes in the state. Home values at $390,900 offer decent equity potential compared to peer counties.

Favorable income-to-housing math

St. Mary's renters dedicate 17.7% of their $114,580 median income to a $1,692 monthly rent, preserving substantial income for savings and investments. Homeowners allocating $1,884 to monthly mortgage payments commit 19.8% of income to ownership—a healthy ratio for long-term wealth building.

Balance and stability in Southern Maryland

St. Mary's delivers one of Maryland's strongest combinations of high income and below-average affordability ratios, making it ideal for families seeking stability. The county's proximity to federal employers (Naval Air Station Patuxent River) supports solid wage prospects for relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Mary's County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Mary's ranks among nation's richest

St. Mary's County's median household income of $114,580 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 53%, placing it in the nation's top 5% by household earnings. This Southern Maryland community rivals the wealthiest suburban counties nationwide.

Second-wealthiest Maryland county

St. Mary's ranks second statewide with a median income 22% above Maryland's $94,152 average, trailing only Queen Anne's County by $955. Federal employment at Naval Station Point Lookout anchors the county's strong economic performance.

Dominates Southern Maryland earnings

St. Mary's $114,580 median income far exceeds neighboring Charles and Calvert counties and surrounding regions. The presence of federal employment creates a stable, high-wage job base unavailable to most peer counties.

Housing remains comfortably affordable

St. Mary's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, offering households substantial financial flexibility. A median home value of $390,900 is readily accessible for households earning this income level.

Leverage federal employment stability

St. Mary's households benefit from federal job security and generous retirement benefits—key wealth-building advantages over private-sector earners. Maximize Thrift Savings Plan contributions, invest surplus income in diversified portfolios, and consider real estate investment to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Mary's County

via CrimeByCounty

St. Mary's County Maintains High Safety Marks

With a total crime rate of 1035.0 per 100K, St. Mary's is significantly safer than the national average of 2385.5. This low incidence rate earns the county a safety score of 98.4.

A Top Safety Performer in Maryland

St. Mary's safety score of 98.4 exceeds the state average of 97.4. It ranks as a notably secure jurisdiction among Maryland's southern counties.

St. Mary's vs Regional Crime Trends

The county's crime rate of 1035.0 per 100K is much lower than Prince George's County at 2445.7. It also remains well below the state average of 1638.3.

Low Rates for Both Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is low at 213.5 per 100K, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime is similarly contained at a rate of 821.5 per 100K.

Simple Ways to Secure Your St. Mary's Home

Though the property crime rate is low at 821.5, residents should still lock all entry points consistently. Community awareness and basic security systems help keep these numbers down.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Mary's County

via SchoolsByCounty

A diverse educational map in St. Mary's

St. Mary's County features 28 public schools, including 19 elementary, four middle, and three high schools. A single district manages this system, which supports 17,493 students. The county also offers specialized paths through one alternative school and one charter school.

Strong graduation rates with efficient spending

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 89.4% and the national 87.0% mark. This success is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,045, which is lower than both the state and national averages. A school score of 59.0 indicates that the county performs competitively within the Maryland landscape.

St. Mary's County Public Schools at the helm

St. Mary's County Public Schools is the sole district, overseeing everything from the largest high schools to the local charter school. The single charter school represents about 3.6% of the county's total schools, providing a unique option for families. Total enrollment stands at 17,493, with a clear focus on secondary school success.

From rural landscapes to city centers

The school locale mix is diverse, with 15 rural, seven suburban, five city, and one town school. Leonardtown High is the largest school in the county, serving 2,039 students. Despite these large high schools, the countywide average school size remains at 673 students.

Proximity to high-performing secondary schools

Homebuyers often look for properties near Leonardtown or Great Mills to access the county’s largest high schools. With a 92% graduation rate, the area is a strong draw for families who prioritize academic completion. Explore the various rural and suburban neighborhoods that feed into these successful educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Mary's County

via RiskByCounty

St. Mary's maintains very low disaster risk

St. Mary's County's composite risk score of 42.56 sits comfortably below both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22. The county's 'very low' risk rating reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories with no single threat reaching extreme levels.

Among Maryland's lowest-risk counties

St. Mary's County ranks among the safest counties in Maryland with a composite risk score of 42.56, significantly outperforming the state average. Only a few Maryland counties maintain comparably low overall disaster risk profiles.

Comparable risk to Talbot, lower than Somerset

St. Mary's County (42.56) closely matches Talbot County (42.37) in overall risk exposure, while remaining substantially safer than neighboring Somerset County (59.57) and Wicomico County (60.78). The southern Maryland location provides relative protection compared to higher-risk central and northern regions.

Hurricanes pose your greatest threat

Hurricane risk dominates St. Mary's hazard profile at 85.11, substantially higher than flood risk (63.00) or any other single threat. While your overall disaster risk remains very low, Atlantic hurricane season brings meaningful coastal wind and surge exposure despite your favorable comparative position.

Basic coverage with hurricane consideration

Your county's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection for most hazards. However, ensure your policy includes robust wind damage coverage for hurricane season, and add flood insurance if your home sits in a coastal area or near significant water features.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Mary's County

via WaterByCounty

St. Mary's Maintains Steady Compliance Rate

The county holds a C grade with nine health violations over the last five years. Despite the count, the violation rate of 9.9 per 100,000 residents is much better than the state average of 25.7. This indicates that while violations occur, the system serves the population with fewer per-capita issues than many neighbors.

Bacteria Leads Local Watershed Impairments

Assessments from 2022 reveal that 42.2% of the county's 83 water bodies fail to meet health standards. Fecal coliform and suspended solids are the primary reasons for these impairments across the peninsula. This rate falls just below the Maryland state average of 43.1%.

Expansive Monitoring Network Tracks Coastal Health

With 174 monitoring sites, the county maintains a dense data network that has recorded 74,738 measurements recently. Investigators prioritize physical data, nutrients, and microbiological indicators to safeguard the local environment. This high site density provides excellent spatial coverage for tracking water quality trends.

St. Marys River Sees Reduced Discharge

The USGS gauge at Great Mills reports a current flow of 3 cubic feet per second. This is only 13% of the long-term mean, indicating a significant departure from typical seasonal levels. Low flow in the St. Marys River reduces the dilution of runoff and impacts local fish habitats.

Monitoring Bacterial Risks in Low Flow

While drinking water compliance is relatively strong, the prevalence of fecal coliform in local waters warrants caution during recreational use. Low streamflow levels may concentrate these bacteria and other sediments in the river system. Residents using private wells should consider regular testing to ensure local ground conditions remain safe.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Mary's County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Subtropical Environment

A 57.3°F average annual temperature puts St. Mary's County far above the national median. It receives 46.6 inches of precipitation annually, typical of the East Coast.

A Leader in Maryland Warmth

The county is significantly warmer than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. Its southern coastal location provides one of the mildest winters in the state.

Milder Extremes than Prince George's

St. Mary's is warmer overall than Prince George's County but has 11 fewer extreme heat days. This coastal influence keeps the climate more tempered and stable.

Mild Winters and Warm Summers

Winters are gentle with only 13.8 inches of snow and a 36.6°F January average. July is warm at 78.0°F, though the county only hits 90°F about 24 times a year.

Light Winter Gear Required

With only 13.8 inches of annual snow, heavy winter equipment is rarely needed. Focus on maintaining property against humidity and moderate summer heatwaves.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Mary's County

via SoilByCounty

Gravelly silt loam on the peninsula

St. Mary's County soil belongs to the Entisols order and maintains an average pH of 5.30. This pH level is almost identical to the Maryland state average of 5.31.

A gritty mix of sand and silt

The soil composition includes 49.1% sand and 35.8% silt, creating a texture known as gravelly silt loam. With 11.6% clay, the soil offers a firm structure that resists excessive erosion.

Lower organic levels require active management

Organic matter is lower here at 2.96%, compared to the 9.10% state average. The available water capacity of 0.169 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.175 in/in, requiring careful irrigation planning.

Predictable drainage for building and farming

The soil is classified as moderately well drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B. This means it has a moderate infiltration rate, making it versatile for both agricultural use and construction.

Warm Zone 8a climate for gardening

The mild winters of Zone 8a allow for a diverse range of planting options. You can easily jumpstart your garden by adding compost to increase the relatively low organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Mary's County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Baseline for Southern Maryland

St. Mary’s County scores a 53.6 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the state average of 49.8. Its Zone 8a classification indicates a warm climate where the growing season starts earlier than most of the state.

Generous Rains and Moderate Heat

The county enjoys 46.6 inches of rain and only 24 extreme heat days, which is lower than the Maryland average of 27. This combination reduces the risk of summer dormancy and heat-related turf diseases.

Gravelly Loam Provides Good Drainage

The soil is classified as gravelly silt loam and is moderately well-drained, which helps prevent root rot. However, the pH of 5.30 is quite low, so you will need to amend the soil to improve nutrient availability.

Staying Green Through Dry Months

Despite 25 weeks of drought last year, no part of the county is currently in severe drought status. Because 100% of the area is abnormally dry, stick to a strict irrigation schedule to maintain color.

Spring Planting for Zone 8a

With the last frost occurring around March 30, April is the ideal time to establish new growth. Warm-season grasses are highly recommended for this region to capitalize on the 4149 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Mary's County's county score?
St. Mary's County, Maryland has a composite county score of 52.3 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 St. Mary's County rank among counties in Maryland?
St. Mary's County ranks #7 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 St. Mary's County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in St. Mary's County is $3,392, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns St. Mary's County a tax score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Mary's County?
The median household income in St. Mary's County, Maryland is $114,580 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Mary's County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Mary's County, Maryland a good place to live?
St. Mary's County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate St. Mary'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 St. Mary'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.