Cost of Living in Frederick County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Frederick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Frederick County ranks #1,611 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Frederick County, Maryland
Frederick offers genuine rent relief
Frederick County residents dedicate just 17.0% of income to rent—well below the national average and among Maryland's best ratios—while earning a strong median income of $120,458. This combination means Frederick renters enjoy both lower costs and higher paychecks than the typical American household.
Frederick leads Maryland on affordability
With a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, Frederick beats Maryland's state average of 18.3% and ranks among the county's most affordable options for renters. The county's median rent of $1,706 runs $291 above the state average, but strong local incomes make this manageable.
Balanced growth town north of Baltimore
Frederick's median rent of $1,706 falls between rural Garrett ($710) and wealthy Howard County ($2,038), reflecting its role as a mid-sized regional hub. Its 17.0% rent ratio edges out nearby Harford County ($16.8%) but stays ahead of Montgomery ($18.9%), offering smart positioning for job seekers and families.
Housing stays below one-third of income
Renters pay $1,706 monthly while homeowners spend $2,033—both well-balanced against the $120,458 median income. Combined housing costs hover around 30%, leaving healthy room for savings and discretionary spending.
Frederick balances growth and affordability
Frederick County delivers Maryland's best rent-to-income ratio among affluent counties, making it ideal for professionals seeking suburban living without D.C. price tags. Test your relocation math: Frederick's 17.0% ratio beats Charles ($18.9%) and Montgomery ($18.9%) while keeping you close to both Baltimore and Washington corridors.
Cost of Living Advisory: Frederick County
Affordability Verdict
Frederick County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,706/month — about 17.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Frederick County pay $1,706/month on average, compared to $2,033/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $68,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $87,129/year. With a median household income of $120,458, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Frederick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Frederick County sits 3% less expensive than Prince George's County ($1,761/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Frederick County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,811
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.3%
of gross income
The median home in Frederick County may be a stretch
Median home value is $437,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,494 vs. your max of $2,811.
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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