Moving to Maryland statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Maryland?

Approximately 162,674 people moved to Maryland in 2023, while 198,764 moved out. This represents a net loss of 36,090 residents. While the state has grown since 2020, domestic migration has not been the primary driver. Instead, the vast majority of those moving to Maryland are international migrants.

In part due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Maryland’s high cost of living has made it difficult to offset out-migration. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Maryland ranked as the 46th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Maryland

Maryland ranks as the 11th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, primarily due to its strong economy and affordable housing for the region. This high ranking is juxtaposed with low inbound migration across most of the central Atlantic coast.

Of those moving to the Old Line State, the majority are choosing smaller cities rather than major urban centers near Baltimore or the capital, Annapolis. Frederick — a smaller city in west-central Maryland — attracted the most new residents, adding 7,603 (9.7% growth) between 2020 and 2023. The similarly located city of Westminster also saw a slight population increase.

The top five cities in Maryland people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Maryland?

There is an overall lack of positive net migration to Maryland, with nearly as many people leaving to neighboring Virginia and Pennsylvania for work as there are people seeking job opportunities in the state. For example, 14% of Maryland’s out-migrants from 2020 to 2022 moved to Virginia, while 15% of Maryland’s positive migration originated from Virginia — leading to a near-equal trade-off.

Despite this, the search for high-quality job opportunities and affordable housing near major urban centers is still the primary reason people move to the state. Maryland offers one of the highest median household incomes in the country ($97,501), which is nearly 30% higher than the national median. The largest industries in the state are government, education and health services, and professional and business services. Collectively, these industries employ roughly 54% of nonfarm workers.

Maryland housing statistics

With a median rent price of approximately $1,809 and a median home sale price of $496,200, Maryland renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 18% more than the national median for housing.

Maryland has the 20th highest property taxes in the country, at 1.05%. While the tax rate here is still roughly half that of the most expensive states — Illinois and New Jersey — it's still higher than many other options.

Taxes paid in Maryland vary greatly by county. In 2021, the average property owner in Howard County paid $6,845 in annual property taxes, while residents in Allegany County paid as little as $1,565 the same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Maryland

Maryland's cost-of-living index is 119.5, making it the sixth most expensive state in the nation. Gas prices in the state follow this trend — 8.6% higher than the national average ($3.26) at $3.54 per gallon. Compared to its neighbor, West Virginia, Maryland lacks oil and gas production. However, the lack of CO2 emissions and investment in alternative energy sources ranks it as the 10th most green state in the country.

Though Maryland has a higher-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income of $97,501 helps offset the cost. The typical household here earns approximately 30% more than the national median of $75,358. The unemployment rate of 2.8% is also considerably lower than the national average of 4.2%.

Overall, Maryland’s high cost of living is largely offset by one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S., elevating it as a desirable relocation destination.

Who lives in Maryland?

An estimated 6,180,253 people live in Maryland as of 2023, making it the 18th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 16,272 people compared to 2022.

Maryland’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 51.4% of the population and men accounting for 48.6%. In 2023, around 3.18 million Maryland residents were female, and 3 million were male.

On average, Maryland’s population is also older (39.7 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 25 to 44 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 26.7% of the population, or 1.65 million people.

Maryland is one of the most diverse U.S. states. While White residents account for the largest share of Marylanders — approximating 57.2% of the population (3.5 million people) — this proportion is much smaller than many other states. The Old Line State has one of the largest Black populations in the U.S., at 31.6% of the population (1.95 million people). This is followed by Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 12.6% and 7.1% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Maryland

Not sure how to start your move to Maryland? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

Maryland has the sixth highest cost of living in the nation, meaning that it’s important to prepare for the potential of higher housing costs, utility bills and grocery expenses. However, the cost of living will still vary by location, with suburban areas surrounding Baltimore and D.C. having much higher costs than rural regions. Before relocating, research your desired area using resources like Maryland.gov.

2. Explore the job market

With proximity to Washington, D.C., and several thriving cities of its own, Maryland offers some of the most diverse job opportunities in the country. Find careers in government, education, health care and more — all offering salaries above the national average. We recommend using resources like the Maryland Department of Labor and online job boards to research roles in your desired field.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

Maryland experiences all four seasons, with snowy conditions common in mountainous, inland regions. While its weather is generally milder than that of New England or Southern states, investing in appropriate HVAC systems and preparing your vehicle for winter driving is still crucial. Check local weather updates using the National Weather Service website to stay ahead of seasonal changes.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

Natural disasters to watch out for will depend on which part of Maryland you move to. Coastal regions are prone to hurricanes and flooding between June and November, while mountainous areas can experience winter storms and landslides. Use the Maryland Department of Energy Management website to stay updated and learn important tips to help you stay safe.

5. Review transportation options

Access to several major cities gives Maryland some of the best public transportation in the United States. When traveling around Baltimore and D.C., you can utilize buses, MARC trains and Metro systems. However, the more rural coastal and mountainous portions of the state may require a personal vehicle. Research transit accessibility in your desired area using resources like the Maryland Department of Transportation.

6. Embrace Maryland’s rich history

Part of the original 13 Colonies and at the center of the nation’s capital, Maryland is steeped in rich culture and history. Try world-class seafood while you look out on the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay, or visit historic landmarks like Fort McHenry. There’s always somewhere new to explore and something new to learn here!

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Maryland, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.