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Most affordable counties in Maryland

Ranking of counties in Maryland by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Maryland AMI (4-person)
$131,700
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
24
of 24 total
30%+ cost burdened
43.1%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
19.7%

Maryland vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Allegany County
    $1,160/mo
  2. 2.Somerset County
    $1,365/mo
  3. 3.Garrett County
    $1,541/mo
  4. 4.Wicomico County
    $1,555/mo
  5. 5.Dorchester County
    $1,627/mo
  6. 6.Caroline County
    $1,654/mo
  7. 7.Baltimore city
    $1,674/mo
  8. 8.Washington County
    $1,686/mo
  9. 9.Worcester County
    $1,762/mo
  10. 10.Kent County
    $1,781/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
0 affordable

No counties in Maryland fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
2 affordable
Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
16 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
24 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
24 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$2,000
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$90,906
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Maryland are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 2 out of 24 Maryland counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Maryland households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 43.1% of Maryland households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 19.7% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Maryland?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Maryland is $131,700 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $104,200; 50% AMI: $65,850.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.