Carroll
Maryland

What stands out

Against every county in America, Carroll County is unusual in three ways: the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (4.4%), the median household income is in the top 2% of American counties ($111,672), and the average commute is in the top 6% of American counties (31 minutes). Within Maryland it ranks 3rd of 24 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Carroll County, Maryland. 173,225 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +944).

Maryland is the only state that levies both an estate tax and an inheritance tax, and its counties add their own income taxes of up to 3.2% on top of the state rate. Household income is the highest in the country, concentrated in the Washington suburbs of Montgomery and Howard counties. Social Security is not taxed and there is a pension exclusion for residents 65 and over.

Money

The typical household here brings in $111,672 a year, higher than 98% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,405. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 77% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 31 minutes each way.

Maryland takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $5,281 a year.

Home

The median home costs $498K, pricier than 93% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,313 a month. Property tax is 0.96% of home value, roughly $3,751 a year on that median home, higher than 57% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 92% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.3 years, longer than 78% of American counties. There are 252 active physicians in the county, about 14.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 4.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 78% of eligible voters turned out. Under Maryland law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 64 and lows near 44, colder than 57% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 63% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 281 Mbps down, faster than 90% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 10 breweries.