Howard County

MD · Pop. 182,243 · Mixed County

5Homestead Score

Howard County is a mixed county in MD with a population of approximately 182,243.

$/Acre: $10,180

Property Tax: 1.09%

Growing Season: 174 days

Broadband: 63%

Safety: 5/10

Density: 125.9/sq mi

Pros

Rural setting

Cons

Expensive land, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.09%

Local Sales Tax0.15%

Combined Sales Tax6.15%

Cost of Living Index106

Median Household Income$85,995

Poverty Rate9.9%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$10,180

Median Home Price$536K

Acres for Sale52

Building CodeBasic

Permit Required

Zoning TypeNo Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone9

Growing Season174 days

Annual Rainfall41.3 inches

Avg Summer High85°F

Avg Winter Low28°F

Soil TypeLoam

Soil Quality7/10

Elevation2,124 ft

Top CropsCorn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10

Wildfire2/10

Tornado1/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal

Well Depth (avg)285 ft

Water AvailabilityAdequate

Solar (Avg PSH)4

Wind Potential6/10

Electric Rate$0.16/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceRare

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceAllowed

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K627

Property Crime /100K466

Overall Safety5/10

Sheriff Response46 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital32.4 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities5

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage63%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town6 miles

Nearest City65 miles

School District6/10

Farmers Markets2

Public Land Nearby0%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.1%

Ag EconomyWeak