Cost of Living in Wicomico County, Maryland
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wicomico County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wicomico County ranks #2,589 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wicomico County, Maryland
Wicomico fights affordability headwinds
Wicomico County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the national average of 20.0%, driven by a median household income of $72,861 that trails the U.S. median of $74,755. Despite modest absolute rents of $1,238, residents face tighter affordability pressures than national norms.
Above Maryland's affordability average
Wicomico's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Maryland's state average of 18.3%, placing the county among the state's more strained housing markets. The median income of $72,861 sits below statewide averages, compounding affordability challenges.
Mid-range Eastern Shore pricing
Wicomico's median rent of $1,238 positions it between Somerset ($938) and Talbot ($1,248) on the Eastern Shore, while its median income of $72,861 lags both. Home values at $238,900 offer some equity advantage, but income constraints limit buying power.
Tight quarters in Wicomico
Wicomico renters spend 20.4% of their $72,861 median income on $1,238 monthly rent—above comfortable thresholds and leaving limited savings capacity. Homeowners allocating $1,245 to monthly mortgage payments commit 20.5% of income, straining budgets for families with children or other obligations.
Relocate with income stability in mind
Wicomico's housing costs consume a above-average share of household income, making relocation feasible only with stable employment or remote work arrangements. The county's lower home values offer entry points for first-time buyers, but wage growth opportunities should anchor any relocation decision.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wicomico County
Affordability Verdict
Wicomico County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,238/month — about 20.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wicomico County pay $1,238/month on average, compared to $1,245/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,357/year. With a median household income of $72,861, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Wicomico County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Baltimore city where rent averages $1,290/month, Wicomico County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wicomico County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,700
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.5%
of gross income
The median home in Wicomico County may be a stretch
Median home value is $238,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,907 vs. your max of $1,700.
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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