Best Cities for Families in Maryland

Maryland is a middle-of-the-pack state for families, ranking #20 out of 50. With strong schools, a higher-than-average violent crime rate of 415 per 100K residents, and a median household income of $98,461, the state offers a solid foundation for raising children. Housing costs track close to the national average with a cost-of-living index of 104.

Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Maryland shows mixed results on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 88%, roughly in line with national norms. School quality has been a consistent strength, reflected in an education score of 67/100. At $14,124 per year for infant care, childcare is a significant budget item that families need to plan for.

Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Maryland faces elevated crime rates that families should factor into neighborhood selection at 415 incidents per 100,000 residents. The higher cost of living (index: 104) means families typically need above-average incomes to maintain a comfortable standard of living.