Charles
Maryland

What stands out

Three things set Charles County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the median household income is among the highest in America ($116,882), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 2% of American counties ($1,701 a month), and the uninsured rate is in the bottom 3% of American counties (4.9%). Within Maryland it ranks 4th of 24 counties for the median household income.

Where you are

You live in Charles County, Maryland. 167,035 people live here with you. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,174).

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 $116,882 a year, higher than almost every county in America. Employers pay an average wage of $60,436. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 53% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Maryland takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $5,542 a year.

Home

The median home costs $453K, pricier than 91% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,701 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $4,071 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.0 years, longer than 64% of American counties. There are 182 active physicians in the county, about 10.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 4.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 28 points. 75% 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 58°F, highs near 68 and lows near 48, warmer than 60% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 73 out of 100, riskier than 73% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 273 Mbps down, faster than 85% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.