Cost of Living in Wicomico County, Maryland

$1,238/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$238,900

Median Home Value

13% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,238/mo

13% below state average

Median Home Value

$238,900

15% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Wicomico County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Wicomico County$1,238/mo

Maryland Average$1,415/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,238/mo

Median Gross Rent

$238,900

Median Home Value

$1,245/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Wicomico County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio20.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wicomico County, Maryland?

Wicomico County, Maryland has a median monthly rent of $1,238/mo and a median home value of $238,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Wicomico County?

The median gross rent in Wicomico County is $1,238/mo. This is 13% below state average for Maryland.

Is Wicomico County affordable?

Wicomico County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Wicomico County's rent compare to the state average?

Wicomico County's median rent of $1,238/mo is 13% below state average of $1,415/mo for Maryland.

What is the median home value in Wicomico County?

The median home value in Wicomico County, Maryland is $238,900. This is 15% below the national median home value of $281,900.