Cost of Living in Smithsburg, MD

Population 3,069 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

90
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Smithsburg is a smaller Maryland community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $86,065 and housing costs ($318,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Smithsburg is about 50 miles northwest of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Columbia's $480,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 104
Rent 68

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Smithsburg

The median home value in Smithsburg is $317,600 — 4% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $899/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,065/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Smithsburg has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$317,600
4% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$360,073
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$899/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 66.0%
Renter-occupied 34.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$899
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,513/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
38.6 min
43% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.3%
Carpooled
3.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
6.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$86,065
15% above avg
Per Capita Income
$37,819
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
38% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Labor Force Participation
67.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.9%
Graduate degree 8.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.2
Male median age 33.9
Female median age 34.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
75.2%
Good air days/yr
172
Max AQI recorded
170
PM2.5 days
185
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Smithsburg, MD?

Smithsburg has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.

What is average rent in Smithsburg, MD?

The median gross rent in Smithsburg is $899 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Smithsburg?

The median home value in Smithsburg is $317,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Smithsburg?

The median household income in Smithsburg is $86,065 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Smithsburg, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Smithsburg is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Smithsburg, MD affordable?

Smithsburg is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).