Cost of Living in Caroline County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caroline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Caroline County ranks #2,377 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caroline County, Maryland
Caroline County's rural affordability
Caroline County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% is slightly above Maryland's 18.3% state average but remains affordable compared to urban and premium suburban markets. With a median household income of $66,368 and $1,070 median rent, the county offers accessible housing for working-class families.
Below-average costs, below-average income
Caroline County ranks toward the bottom of Maryland's income distribution but maintains reasonable housing affordability through proportionally low rents at $1,070 per month. The county's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio reflects a balance between modest wages and modest housing costs.
Affordable rural alternative
Caroline's $1,070 median rent is lower than neighboring Cecil County ($1,367) and considerably less than Baltimore County ($1,566) and Anne Arundel ($1,990). However, Caroline's lower median income of $66,368 means residents have fewer overall resources compared to wealthier neighboring counties.
Caroline's working-family reality
Renters pay $1,070 monthly while homeowners pay $1,314 for mortgages on homes averaging $272,400 in value—accessible prices for rural Maryland. With a median household income of $66,368, housing consumes 19.4% for renters and 23.7% for owners, manageable for families with stable employment.
Caroline for rural seekers
Caroline County appeals to families earning $60,000–$80,000 who prioritize low housing costs and rural living over urban amenities. Compare Caroline's $1,070 rents and $272,400 homes to Baltimore City or Anne Arundel to appreciate the county's affordability advantage for budget-conscious relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: Caroline County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Caroline County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,070/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Caroline County is $1,070/month, while owner costs run $1,314/month. Renting saves approximately $244/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,314/year. With a median household income of $66,368, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Caroline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kent County where rent averages $1,144/month, Caroline County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caroline County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,549
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.8%
of gross income
The median home in Caroline County may be a stretch
Median home value is $272,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,175 vs. your max of $1,549.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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