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Maryland

Maryland

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Demographics

DiverseSimpson's Diversity Index: 67
Population6,170,738
Foreign Born7.4%
Population Density635people per mi²
Median Age39.3 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2000, this state has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

142/100

42% above national average

B
Affordability Ratio

89%

The Real Cost of Living in Maryland

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $27k$50k
Comfortable $77k$114k
Luxury $180k+$278k+
Elite (Top 5%) $211k+$327k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
B
Good

Solid upper-middle-class performance. The area runs slightly ahead of national economic benchmarks.

Median HHI
$102k+3.2%
35% above US avg
Avg Net Worth
$949k
45% above US avg
WFH
17.2%
20% above US avg
Homeownership
67.5%
3% above US avg
Median Home
$398k
41% above US avg
Avg HH Debt
$39k
117% above US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
19% below US avg
Public Assistance
11.9%
2% above US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
32% above US avg
Median Rent
$2k
43% above US avg

Crime

WARNING: The crime statistics are unreliable for this jurisdiction. Local authorities have either not reported or under reported their data to the FBI. This could be due to bad intentions, incompetence or technical issues. Regardless, we suggest skepticism.

Overall Crime Grade
D
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 71% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
21.7
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+74.4%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+42.7%
Homicide
0.05 / 1k Residents17% below US avg
Robbery
0.84 / 1k Residents27% above US avg
Aggravated Assault
2.34 / 1k Residents13% below US avg

Property Crime

5yr+106.0%
Burglary
1.64 / 1k Residents39% below US avg
Larceny-Theft
13.30 / 1k Residents5% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
3.15 / 1k Residents11% above US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+17Solidly Liberal
State Legislature of Maryland
Maryland Senate34D · 13R
Maryland House102D · 39R
Presidential Voting Trends for Maryland
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
D+
Poor11.3% of income
Property Rights
D
WeakIJ Grade D
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (8% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
F
ProhibitedIllegal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season224 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall53.9"statewide average
Elevation475 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Maryland

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-18T22:47:10.000Z

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