Cost of Living in Harford County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Harford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harford County ranks #2,961 of 3,142 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Sourced county brief
Harford County Median Renter Household Income Reaches $59,458
The median renter-household income in Harford County was $59,458 according to ACS table B25119. The official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI) was 29.6%, which is 0.6 percentage points below the Maryland unweighted county mean of 30.2%. Median gross rent in the county was $1,586 per month, exceeding the state unweighted county mean of $1,459. Homeownership costs included a median home value of $386,400, which is above the Maryland unweighted county mean of $370,017. Median selected monthly owner costs were $1,698, differing from the state unweighted county mean of $1,660 by $38. These figures provide a static observation of housing costs and income levels from the 2020-2024 ACS period and do not constitute financial advice. See ACS table B25119 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: Harford County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 29.6% of renter household income in Harford County, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $1,586 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $1,698. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $63,440 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The Maryland unweighted mean of county median rents is $1,459 per month. Harford County's $1,586 median is 8.7% above that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harford County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,620
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Harford County may be a stretch
Median home value is $386,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,085 vs. your max of $2,620.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Harford County, Maryland?
What is the median rent in Harford County?
Is Harford County affordable?
How does Harford County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Harford County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Harford County, Maryland? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Harford County
Whether you're buying in Harford County, Maryland, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.