Talbot County scores 68.7 out of 100, placing it 19 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 76th percentile. It ranks among the most livable counties nationwide based on composite metrics.
2 / 5
Maryland's livability leader
At 68.7, Talbot leads all eight featured counties and exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by nearly 5 points. It stands as one of the state's most desirable places to live.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and strong health
Talbot boasts the lowest effective tax rate of all featured counties at 0.658%, earning a tax score of 83.7, and delivers excellent health outcomes at 77.1. More affordable rents at $1,248/month improve accessibility compared to peer counties.
4 / 5
Income levels below expectations
Despite overall livability strength, Talbot's income score of 38.5 and median household income of $84,378 lag peer counties, suggesting economic opportunities may be limited. This creates a mismatch between lifestyle appeal and earning potential.
5 / 5
For coastal lifestyle-first residents
Talbot appeals to affluent retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle-focused families seeking Chesapeake Bay culture and tax efficiency over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those trading lower incomes for waterfront quality of life.
Talbot County scores 68.7 out of 100, placing it 19 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 76th percentile. It ranks among the most livable counties nationwide based on composite metrics.
Maryland's livability leader
At 68.7, Talbot leads all eight featured counties and exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by nearly 5 points. It stands as one of the state's most desirable places to live.
Tax efficiency and strong health
Talbot boasts the lowest effective tax rate of all featured counties at 0.658%, earning a tax score of 83.7, and delivers excellent health outcomes at 77.1. More affordable rents at $1,248/month improve accessibility compared to peer counties.
Income levels below expectations
Despite overall livability strength, Talbot's income score of 38.5 and median household income of $84,378 lag peer counties, suggesting economic opportunities may be limited. This creates a mismatch between lifestyle appeal and earning potential.
For coastal lifestyle-first residents
Talbot appeals to affluent retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle-focused families seeking Chesapeake Bay culture and tax efficiency over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those trading lower incomes for waterfront quality of life.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Talbot County's 0.658% effective rate ranks among the nation's lowest, falling in the 15th percentile nationwide. Despite a median home value of $398,300—well above the national median of $281,900—this favorable rate keeps tax bills surprisingly affordable.
Lowest rate in all Maryland
At 0.658%, Talbot County has Maryland's lowest effective tax rate, nearly 30% below the state average of 0.957%. This distinction makes Talbot a standout choice for tax-conscious homeowners in Maryland.
Beats every comparable county
Talbot's 0.658% rate demolishes Queen Anne's (0.793%), Worcester County (0.755%), and Wicomico County (0.887%). At $2,623 annually, the median tax is lowest among the Eastern Shore's premium-home-value counties, delivering substantial savings.
Just $2,623 on a premium home
The median Talbot County home, valued at $398,300, generates an annual tax bill of only about $2,623. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $78,700—a significant savings compared to higher-tax Maryland counties.
Even low rates warrant checking
Talbot's low rate doesn't shield homeowners from overassessment—still 15–20% of properties are taxed on inflated values. A quick assessment review could yield hundreds more in annual savings.
Talbot County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits comfortably below the national average of 20.0%, backed by a median household income of $84,378 that significantly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755. This positioning makes Talbot an accessible destination for those seeking Eastern Shore appeal without premium pricing.
Below Maryland's affordability threshold
Talbot's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits below Maryland's state average of 18.3%, placing the county among the more affordable options statewide. The county's median income of $84,378 provides solid income security compared to state peers.
Talbot's Eastern Shore advantage
Talbot's median rent of $1,248 is the lowest among peer Eastern Shore and nearby counties, undercutting Worcester ($1,180 median income advantage) and Wicomico ($1,238). Home values at $398,300 offer strong equity potential on the competitive Eastern Shore.
Rural charm, urban-level income
Talbot renters spend 17.8% of their $84,378 median income on $1,248 monthly rent, leaving ample resources for savings and lifestyle. Homeowners committing $1,580 to monthly mortgage payments allocate 22.5% of income to ownership—a sustainable burden for building equity.
Discover Eastern Shore affordability
Talbot County offers a rare combination: Eastern Shore charm, below-average housing costs, and solid median income that supports comfortable living. Remote workers and retirees relocating here benefit from lower rents than nearby Somerset or Wicomico while maintaining access to quality schools and cultural amenities.
Talbot County's median household income of $84,378 is 13% above the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a prosperous Eastern Shore community. This places Talbot in the upper half of American counties by household income.
Solid middle of Maryland pack
Talbot ranks in Maryland's middle tier with a median income 10% below the state average of $94,152. The county trails higher-income peers like Queen Anne's and St. Mary's, but significantly outpaces struggling counties like Somerset.
Outearns most Eastern Shore peers
Talbot's $84,378 median income leads Somerset County ($52,462) by a substantial margin, though it trails Worcester County ($81,455) slightly and Queen Anne's ($113,347) significantly. The county's tourism and waterfront economy support higher incomes than traditional agricultural peers.
Rents stay well within budget
Talbot's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio is among Maryland's most favorable, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets. The median home value of $398,300 aligns well with median household income, supporting both renting and homeownership.
Invest in Talbot's future
Talbot households have solid capacity to build investment portfolios and fund long-term goals like college savings and retirement. Consider directing savings surplus toward tax-advantaged accounts, real estate investments, or small business ventures that align with the county's growing tourism economy.
Talbot's life expectancy of 78.9 years tops the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.5 years, and just 14.7% report poor or fair health versus 17.3% nationally. This exceptional performance reflects strong primary care access and high-income demographics.
Among Maryland's Healthiest Counties
Talbot's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds Maryland's 77.0-year average by 1.9 years, placing it in the state's top tier. The county's 14.7% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the lowest statewide, signaling well-managed chronic diseases and effective preventive programs.
Eastern Shore's Health Destination
Talbot's 78.9-year life expectancy rivals Queen Anne's (79.6 years) and far outpaces Somerset (74.0 years) and Washington counties (74.5 years). With 492 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the state—Talbot also leads in behavioral health capacity.
Robust Provider Access Fuels Health Success
Talbot's 117 primary care providers per 100,000 is nearly double Maryland's typical availability, enabling residents to access preventive care easily. At 7.5% uninsured, the county still maintains above-average coverage, though some residents lack continuous health security.
Ensure Uninterrupted Access to Care
Talbot's strong provider network means coverage gaps hit hardest—use open enrollment to lock in continuous insurance. Healthcare.gov and your county health department help identify plans that keep you connected to the excellent care infrastructure Talbot has built.
Talbot County's composite risk score of 42.37 places it well below both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22. The county's 'very low' rating reflects moderate but manageable exposure to natural hazards across all major categories.
Among Maryland's safest counties overall
Talbot County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Maryland with a composite score of 42.37, nearly 18 points below the state average. Its favorable position reflects a balanced hazard profile with no single threat reaching extreme levels.
Similar to St. Mary's, safer than Somerset
Talbot County (42.37) shares nearly identical risk exposure with nearby St. Mary's County (42.56), while maintaining substantially lower risk than Somerset County (59.57) and Wicomico County (60.78). Its Eastern Shore location provides comparative protection across multiple hazard types.
Hurricanes and wildfire are your main concerns
Hurricane risk reaches 83.19 in Talbot County, while wildfire risk stands at 71.15—both elevated but manageable compared to your very low overall score. These two hazards account for the majority of your disaster exposure despite your favorable composite rating.
Standard insurance with selective upgrades
Your county's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance covers most potential losses adequately. Add wind damage coverage for hurricane protection and consider flood insurance if you're near coastal areas, but your low-risk position doesn't require extensive additional coverage.