RANK #816 / 996 NAT · #9 / 18 MD · POP 584,548
1YR FORECAST: -1.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
Known as "Charm City," Baltimore, Maryland, is recognized for its distinct neighborhoods and rich history. The city is an independent entity, not part of any county, and sits about an hour north of Washington, D.C. Commuters have various public transportation options, including buses, light rail, and the Metro SubwayLink, with MARC train service connecting to Washington, D.C. in as little as 35 minutes. Baltimore offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, from kayaking in the Inner Harbor to exploring parks like Druid Hill Park and Federal Hill Park, which provide scenic views and walking trails.
Life in Baltimore features a mix of urban and community living, with many residents residing in row homes. The city's economy is undergoing transformation, with significant investments in commercial and residential sectors. Educational institutions like Johns Hopkins University are major employers. Baltimore City Public Schools offer various options, including traditional, charter, and private schools. While economic concerns regarding housing and utility costs are present, initiatives are underway to foster development and support local businesses.
Below national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Baltimore Peninsula Development
Various (including Under Armour, Rye Street Tavern, Sagamore Spirit distillery, Roost hotel)
|
$18,000M | Under Construction |
|
Penn Station Revitalization and Expansion
Amtrak, Cross Street Partners, Beatty Developers
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Pimlico Race Course Redevelopment
State of Maryland
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Tradepoint Atlantic Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Key Highway South Urban Renewal Plan Redevelopment
Baltimore Development Corporation (seeking proposals)
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Baltimore city scores just 17/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #816 of 996 counties. Job growth at +1.3% and median household income of $58,349 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Baltimore city is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $202,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,235/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
It's a mixed picture in Baltimore city. The population is declining (-1.3% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +1.3%. Home values moved -1.2% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.56% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Baltimore city has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.