Howard
Maryland

What stands out

If you had to describe Howard County in numbers, start here: the median household income is among the highest in America ($140,971), violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.4 per 1,000), and the typical two-bedroom rent is among the highest in America ($1,907 a month). Within Maryland it ranks 1st of 24 counties for the median household income.

Where you are

You live in Howard County, Maryland. 332,011 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -2,222).

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 $140,971 a year, higher than almost every county in America. Employers pay an average wage of $86,951. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 78% of American counties. 19% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Maryland takes 4.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $6,786 a year.

Home

The median home costs $641K, pricier than 97% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,907 a month. Property tax is 1.21% of home value, roughly $6,650 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 82.5 years, longer than 98% of American counties. There are 2,491 active physicians in the county, about 75.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 4.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 15 points. 83% 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 55°F, highs near 65 and lows near 45, colder than 52% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 80 out of 100, riskier than 80% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 276 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 7 breweries, 7 museums.