MarylandPop. 573,243Large cities
Is Baltimore a Good Place to Live? Baltimore, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Baltimore ranks #1088 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #29 of 37 large cities and #19 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($229,600, #6 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,351 per 100,000, #33 of 36) and low household income ($62,177, #31 of 37).
Baltimore by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Baltimore's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Baltimore?
Baltimore's cost of living index is 104.5, 4% above the US level of 100 and #923 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,331/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,741, 56% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Baltimore | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 104.5#923 of 1,308 | 105 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $186,741#92 of 1,187 | $428,308 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,802/mo#577 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $229,600#324 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,331/mo#572 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Baltimore housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Baltimore is in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Baltimore safe?
Baltimore recorded 1,351 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.1 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times Maryland's 358. That ranks #1072 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Baltimore Police Department. Property crime runs 4,009 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Baltimore | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 1,351#1072 of 1,085 | 358 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 4,009#1045 of 1,085 | 1,820 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Baltimore?
The median household in Baltimore earns $62,177, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Baltimore | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $62,177#997 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 19.7%#1102 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Baltimore?
The median resident of Baltimore is 36.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 36.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #579 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Baltimore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 36.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 36.1%#579 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 47.5% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Baltimore's schools and health?
Baltimore's 141 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $22,873 spent per pupil. 38.1% of adults are obese and 14.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Baltimore | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 81.7%#836 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $22,873#96 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 38.1%#1019 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 14.4%#1117 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 70,032 students are enrolled in Baltimore's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Baltimore?
The average commute in Baltimore is 29.1 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 10.3% of workers take transit and 17.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Baltimore scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.1°F and winters 39.2°F, with 43.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Baltimore | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 29.1 min#1060 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 10.3%#1073 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 55.5% | 66.4% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 10.3% | 5% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 5.6% | 2.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.8% | 15.6% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.7 | 30 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 46.8 | 31.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 55.2 | 38.7 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 66.8 | 48.2 | 3.6 |
| May | 75.9 | 58 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 85.4 | 67.7 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 90.1 | 72.9 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 87.3 | 71 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 64.5 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 68.8 | 52.6 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 57.6 | 42.6 | 3 |
| Dec | 48 | 34.6 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Maryland Sci Ctr.
| Measure | Baltimore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 59.1°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 79.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 39.2°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 43.7 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Maryland Sci Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Baltimore?
Baltimore city's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Baltimore city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Baltimore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.07%#28 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Baltimore city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Baltimore city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0081% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 22% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.044% | 7% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Baltimore compare with similar-size cities?
Baltimore is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #29 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 573,243.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #1297 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 | 21.1 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Tucson, AZPop. 547,073 | #1001 | 50.0 | $57,073 | $1,145/mo | 368 | 21.9 min |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #1184 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 | 22.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Baltimore compare with the rest of Maryland?
Baltimore ranks #19 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 48 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 40% below the Maryland median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical Maryland home.
| City | Rank in MD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #1 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #2 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #3 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #4 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #5 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #6 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #7 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #8 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #9 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data |
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #10 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #11 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #12 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #13 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #14 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #15 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #16 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #17 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #18 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #19 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #20 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data |
All 20 Maryland cities we track, by overall score. Maryland statewide: median income $102,905, violent crime 358 per 100,000.
How is Baltimore's score calculated?
Baltimore scores 48 out of 100, #1088 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Maryland's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Baltimore. Similar-size median 50.4.
40.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Baltimore's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
14.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Baltimore. Similar-size median 52.4.
39.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Baltimore's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
68.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Baltimore's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
69.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Baltimore. Similar-size median 43.4.
30.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Baltimore. Similar-size median 40.4.
36.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Baltimore. Similar-size median 56.6.
63.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Baltimore's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
76.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Baltimore's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Baltimore has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Baltimore
Is Baltimore, MD a good place to live?
Baltimore ranks #1088 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #29 of 37 large cities and #19 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($229,600, #6 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,351 per 100,000, #33 of 36) and low household income ($62,177, #31 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Baltimore?
Baltimore's cost of living index is 104.5, 4% above the US level of 100 and #923 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,331/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,741, 56% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
What is the crime rate in Baltimore?
Baltimore recorded 1,351 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.1 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times Maryland's 358. That ranks #1072 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Baltimore Police Department. Property crime runs 4,009 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Baltimore?
The median household in Baltimore earns $62,177, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Baltimore?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,331/mo (Census), #572 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,802/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Baltimore?
The typical home value in Baltimore is $186,741, down 3.4% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $229,600.
How are the public schools in Baltimore?
Baltimore's 141 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $22,873 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Baltimore?
The average commute is 29.1 minutes, #1060 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 10.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Baltimore?
Baltimore averages 59.1°F over the year, 79.1°F in summer and 39.2°F in winter, with 43.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Baltimore walkable?
Baltimore scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Baltimore at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Baltimore city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Baltimore?
Baltimore city's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Baltimore?
Baltimore has 573,243 residents. The median resident of Baltimore is 36.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 36.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #579 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Baltimore compare with the rest of Maryland?
Baltimore ranks #19 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 48 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 40% below the Maryland median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Baltimore?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Baltimore's population of 573,243 are Portland, OR (#736 overall), Detroit, MI (#1310 overall), Louisville, KY (#1000 overall), Memphis, TN (#1297 overall), and Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall). Baltimore is #1088.