MarylandPop. 65,969Smaller cities
Is Dundalk a Good Place to Live? Dundalk, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dundalk ranks #1187 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #486 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($212,700, #81 of 524), and trails on high poverty (17.4%, #422 of 524) and low household income ($64,520, #400 of 524).
Dundalk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dundalk'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 Dundalk: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Dundalk safe?
What is the cost of living in Dundalk?
Dundalk'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 $1,473/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,991, 48% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Dundalk | 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 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $221,991#177 of 1,187 | $428,308 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,485/mo#325 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $212,700#269 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,473/mo#704 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% | 27.4%#1161 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.
Dundalk 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. Dundalk is in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Dundalk safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Dundalk alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Dundalk 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 Dundalk?
The median household in Dundalk earns $64,520, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Maryland ($102,905). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Dundalk | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $64,520#940 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.4%#1006 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 Dundalk?
The median resident of Dundalk is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dundalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 15.7%#1252 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.6% | 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 Dundalk's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Dundalk to describe its public schools. 37.8% of adults are obese and 14.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Dundalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.8%#995 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.6%#1136 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13%#955 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 Dundalk?
The average commute in Dundalk is 25.3 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 3.2% of workers take transit and 10.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dundalk scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 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 | Dundalk | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.3 min#799 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.1% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.2% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.1% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.7#374 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 | 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 | Dundalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.7 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 Maryland Sci Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dundalk?
Baltimore County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 65% 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 Baltimore County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Dundalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 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% | 0.06%#18 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 Baltimore County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Baltimore County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0081% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 58% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.039% | 4% 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 Dundalk compare with similar-size cities?
Dundalk is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #486 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 65,969.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #1187 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data | 25.3 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #707 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 | 29.7 min |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #91 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 | 27.9 min |
| Port Charlotte, FLPop. 66,133 | #1219 | 44.3 | $63,844 | $1,553/mo | no data | 24.6 min |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #321 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 | 21.9 min |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #378 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 | 24.8 min |
| Pflugerville, TXPop. 65,971 | #286 | 62.3 | $117,799 | $1,932/mo | 186 | 27.4 min |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #218 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 | 34.4 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 Dundalk compare with the rest of Maryland?
Dundalk ranks #20 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 45.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 37% below the Maryland median. Homes are 48% 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 Dundalk's score calculated?
Dundalk scores 45.5 out of 100, #1187 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Dundalk. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
25.7 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dundalk. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Dundalk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
68.4 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dundalk. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dundalk. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dundalk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
74.5 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Dundalk alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Dundalk.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Dundalk.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dundalk'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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
Is Dundalk, MD a good place to live?
Dundalk ranks #1187 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #486 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($212,700, #81 of 524), and trails on high poverty (17.4%, #422 of 524) and low household income ($64,520, #400 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Dundalk?
Dundalk'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 $1,473/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,991, 48% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Dundalk safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Dundalk alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Dundalk 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 Dundalk?
The median household in Dundalk earns $64,520, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Maryland ($102,905). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Dundalk?
Median rent in Dundalk is $1,473/mo (Census), #704 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,485/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dundalk?
The typical home value in Dundalk is $221,991, down 1.5% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $212,700.
How are the public schools in Dundalk?
We have too few school records for Dundalk to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Dundalk?
The average commute is 25.3 minutes, #799 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dundalk?
Dundalk 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 Dundalk walkable?
Dundalk scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Dundalk at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Baltimore County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dundalk?
Baltimore County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Dundalk?
Dundalk has 65,969 residents. The median resident of Dundalk is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dundalk compare with the rest of Maryland?
Dundalk ranks #20 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 45.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 37% below the Maryland median. Homes are 48% below the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Dundalk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dundalk's population of 65,969 are Sammamish, WA (#210 overall), Commerce City, CO (#707 overall), Skokie, IL (#91 overall), Port Charlotte, FL (#1219 overall), and Janesville, WI (#321 overall). Dundalk is #1187.