Cost of Living in Carroll County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #865 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Maryland
Carroll County's strong affordability
Carroll County boasts Maryland's second-best rent-to-income ratio at 14.2%, significantly below the state average of 18.3% and well above national affordability standards. The county's median household income of $115,876—55% above the national median—makes housing feel genuinely accessible despite solid absolute prices.
Top-tier Maryland value
Carroll County ranks among Maryland's best for affordability, with a 14.2% rent-to-income ratio that reflects strong household incomes supporting moderate housing costs. Only Calvert County (15.5%) surpasses Carroll in the affordability rankings statewide.
Value among affluent suburbs
Carroll's $1,370 median rent is lower than Anne Arundel ($1,990) and Baltimore County ($1,566), while homes at $406,400 offer strong value compared to Anne Arundel's $450,300. The county delivers suburban quality comparable to its neighbors at meaningfully lower prices.
Carroll's healthy balance
Renters pay $1,370 monthly while homeowners carry $1,920 mortgage payments on homes averaging $406,400 in value—solid suburban pricing. With a median household income of $115,876, housing consumes just 14.2% for renters and 19.9% for owners, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.
Carroll for balanced families
Carroll County suits professionals earning $100,000–$130,000 seeking top-tier schools and strong community without Anne Arundel's premium prices. The county's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio and $406,400 median homes offer excellent value for affluent families prioritizing financial balance.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Carroll County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,370/month — about 14.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carroll County is $1,370/month, while owner costs run $1,920/month. Renting saves approximately $550/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $54,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $82,286/year. With a median household income of $115,876, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carroll County sits 6% more expensive than Baltimore city ($1,290/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,704
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in Carroll County may be a stretch
Median home value is $406,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,244 vs. your max of $2,704.
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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