MarylandPop. 58,137Smaller cities
Is Bel Air South a Good Place to Live? Bel Air South, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bel Air South ranks #183 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.9%, #13 of 524) and high household income ($123,653, #75 of 524), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #426 of 524).
Bel Air South by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bel Air South's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Bel Air South: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Bel Air South safe?
What is the cost of living in Bel Air South?
Bel Air South'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 $1,757/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $405,900.
| Measure | Bel Air South | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.5#923 of 1,308 | 105 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $405,900#799 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,757/mo#926 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.1%#163 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Is Bel Air South safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Bel Air South alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Bel Air South crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Bel Air South?
The median household in Bel Air South earns $123,653, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Maryland ($102,905). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Bel Air South | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $123,653#135 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 3.9%#43 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bel Air South?
The median resident of Bel Air South is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #277 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 81.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bel Air South | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 49.4%#277 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 81.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bel Air South's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Bel Air South to describe its public schools. 34% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bel Air South | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34%#702 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.1%#156 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Bel Air South?
The average commute in Bel Air South is 30.5 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 0.4% of workers take transit and 19.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bel Air South scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.8°F and winters 35.7°F, with 47.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bel Air South | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.7%#1042 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.5% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 19.2% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.8#713 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 41.5 | 25.3 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 44.1 | 27.1 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 52.5 | 33.1 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 64.8 | 43.2 | 3.5 |
| May | 73.2 | 52.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 82.1 | 62.4 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 67.7 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 65.8 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 78.2 | 58.8 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 66.9 | 46.5 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 36.8 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 45.8 | 30.2 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aberdeen Phillips Fld.
| Measure | Bel Air South | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aberdeen Phillips Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bel Air South?
Harford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harford County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Bel Air South | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#40 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Harford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0068% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 12% 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 Bel Air South compare with similar-size cities?
Bel Air South is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,137.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #183 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data | 30.5 min |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #686 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 | 20.5 min |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #819 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 | 15.9 min |
| Midwest City, OKPop. 58,297 | #942 | 51.1 | $57,520 | $1,091/mo | 345 | 22.8 min |
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #104 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 | 19 min |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #434 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 | 31.3 min |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #1303 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 | 21.2 min |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #511 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 | 26.7 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #171 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 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 Bel Air South compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bel Air South ranks #10 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 20% above the Maryland median.
| 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 Bel Air South's score calculated?
Bel Air South scores 64.9 out of 100, #183 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bel Air South. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
77.1 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bel Air South. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Bel Air South's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.7 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bel Air South. Similar-size median 56.1.
86.9 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bel Air South. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bel Air South's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.9 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Bel Air South alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Bel Air South.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Bel Air South.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bel Air South's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bel Air South 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 Bel Air South
Is Bel Air South, MD a good place to live?
Bel Air South ranks #183 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.9%, #13 of 524) and high household income ($123,653, #75 of 524), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #426 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bel Air South?
Bel Air South'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 $1,757/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $405,900.
Is Bel Air South safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Bel Air South alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Bel Air South crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Bel Air South?
The median household in Bel Air South earns $123,653, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Maryland ($102,905). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Bel Air South?
Median rent in Bel Air South is $1,757/mo (Census), #926 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bel Air South?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Bel Air South is $405,900, #799 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Bel Air South?
We have too few school records for Bel Air South to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Bel Air South?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 9.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bel Air South?
Bel Air South averages 55.2°F over the year, 74.8°F in summer and 35.7°F in winter, with 47.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bel Air South walkable?
Bel Air South scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 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 Bel Air South at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harford County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bel Air South?
Harford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bel Air South?
Bel Air South has 58,137 residents. The median resident of Bel Air South is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #277 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 81.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bel Air South compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bel Air South ranks #10 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 20% above the Maryland median.
What cities are similar in size to Bel Air South?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bel Air South's population of 58,137 are Carson City, NV (#686 overall), Lake Havasu City, AZ (#819 overall), Midwest City, OK (#942 overall), Bentonville, AR (#104 overall), and Apopka, FL (#434 overall). Bel Air South is #183.