Cost of Living in Cecil County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cecil County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cecil County ranks #2,354 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cecil County, Maryland
Cecil County's solid affordability
Cecil County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% matches Maryland's 18.3% state average almost perfectly, indicating balanced housing costs relative to local incomes. With a median household income of $91,146 and $1,367 median rent, Cecil offers stable, middle-ground affordability.
Average Maryland affordability
Cecil County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio places it virtually at the state average, making it a representative Maryland housing market. The county ranks in the middle tier of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions for affordability metrics.
Between affordable and premium
Cecil's $1,367 median rent sits between affordable Caroline County ($1,070) and costlier Anne Arundel ($1,990), positioning it as a moderate-price option. Home values at $311,800 offer reasonable entry points compared to premium suburban counties while remaining affordable for working professionals.
Cecil's middle-ground profile
Renters pay $1,367 monthly while homeowners carry $1,596 mortgage payments on homes averaging $311,800—solid middle-market pricing. With a median household income of $91,146, housing consumes 18.0% for renters and 21.0% for owners, within comfortable ranges for working families.
Cecil for practical relocators
Cecil County appeals to families earning $80,000–$110,000 seeking steady, predictable housing costs without surprise affordability shocks. The county's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio and $311,800 median homes provide reliable value in the regional housing market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cecil County
Affordability Verdict
Cecil County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,367/month — about 18.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cecil County pay $1,367/month on average, compared to $1,596/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $54,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $68,400/year. With a median household income of $91,146, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cecil County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Baltimore city where rent averages $1,290/month, Cecil County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cecil County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,127
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.0%
of gross income
The median home in Cecil County may be a stretch
Median home value is $311,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,489 vs. your max of $2,127.
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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