St. Mary's County scores 64.3 out of 100, placing it 14 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 70th percentile. This competitive position reflects balanced strength across multiple livability factors.
2 / 5
Slightly above Maryland average
At 64.3, St. Mary's exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by less than half a point, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of state counties. It's a mainstream performer by Maryland standards.
3 / 5
High incomes and good health
The county features the highest median household income in this group at $114,580, earning an income score of 58.2. Health outcomes are strong at 75.9, and the effective tax rate of 0.868% is among the state's lowest.
4 / 5
Moderate housing affordability gap
With a cost score of 48.5 and median home values of $390,900, St. Mary's presents housing challenges for middle-income earners despite strong overall household incomes. This suggests wealth concentration and affordability strains for non-professional workers.
5 / 5
For professional families with resources
St. Mary's suits dual-income professional families and established retirees drawn to stable government employment, military presence, and good health infrastructure. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those with six-figure household incomes.
St. Mary's County scores 64.3 out of 100, placing it 14 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 70th percentile. This competitive position reflects balanced strength across multiple livability factors.
Slightly above Maryland average
At 64.3, St. Mary's exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by less than half a point, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of state counties. It's a mainstream performer by Maryland standards.
High incomes and good health
The county features the highest median household income in this group at $114,580, earning an income score of 58.2. Health outcomes are strong at 75.9, and the effective tax rate of 0.868% is among the state's lowest.
Moderate housing affordability gap
With a cost score of 48.5 and median home values of $390,900, St. Mary's presents housing challenges for middle-income earners despite strong overall household incomes. This suggests wealth concentration and affordability strains for non-professional workers.
For professional families with resources
St. Mary's suits dual-income professional families and established retirees drawn to stable government employment, military presence, and good health infrastructure. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those with six-figure household incomes.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
St. Mary's life expectancy of 77.0 years matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while 16.5% of residents report poor or fair health—slightly below the national 17.3%. The county maintains solid population health despite regional disparities elsewhere in the state.
Right in Line With Maryland's Health Profile
St. Mary's 77.0-year life expectancy precisely equals Maryland's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's health rankings. This alignment suggests the county balances health resources and challenges similarly to the broader state.
Solid Performance Among Southern Counties
St. Mary's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds Somerset (74.0 years) and Washington counties (74.5 years) by 2.5–3 years, reflecting better chronic disease management. With 152 mental health providers per 100,000, St. Mary's offers moderate behavioral health access, though below Talbot County's 492 per 100,000.
Excellent Coverage, Modest Provider Access
St. Mary's boasts Maryland's lowest uninsured rate at 5.3%, meaning 95% of residents have health coverage. However, 37 primary care providers per 100,000 suggests some residents, particularly in rural areas, may face travel times or scheduling challenges for routine appointments.
Maintain Continuity in Your Health Care
St. Mary's strong coverage rate reflects residents' commitment to staying insured, but the 5.3% still uninsured should act during enrollment periods. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm you're in the right plan, and work with your provider to establish preventive care routines that keep you healthy long-term.
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.