#2Walkersville
Frederick County · 6,501 peopleStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living B
BCost–SafetyA−SchoolsA−HealthA+JobsA−WalkA−Hazards
Walkersville, #1 on this list · Photo: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Maryland rankings · 2026
Best small towns in Maryland
Walkersville ranks first of Maryland’s 121 graded small towns (2,500–9,999 residents), with an A+: jobs & income (A+) and hazard risk (A−) are its strongest grades; cost of living (B) is its lowest. 54 of the 121 (45%) grade A− or better nationally, against 25% of U.S. towns.
The overall grade, sorted: cost of living, safety, schools, health, jobs & income, walkability and hazard risk, from Census, FBI, state, CDC, EPA and FEMA data. How grades work
#2A+
#3Owings
unincorporated, Calvert County · 2,643 peopleStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living B−
B−Cost–SafetyA−SchoolsAHealthA+JobsBWalkAHazards
#4Ashton-Sandy Spring
unincorporated, Montgomery County · 5,630 peopleStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C+
C+Cost–SafetyB+SchoolsAHealthA+JobsAWalkA+Hazards
Where they are: Four of the top 10 are in Frederick County.
All 121 small towns
Overall score, highest first. The score (0–100) blends the seven livability grades and sets the order; the letter places that score among every U.S. town of 2,500+, and A+ is the top 5%, so neighbors on the list often share a letter. Each town links to its page, where the grade sheet shows every subject. The rank is the town’s place among all 259 Maryland towns.
121 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.
#TownScoreGradeWhat drives it
2WalkersvilleFrederick County · 6,501 people76.5top 0.8%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living B
3Owingsunincorporated, Calvert County · 2,643 people76.1top 0.9%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living B−
4Ashton-Sandy Springunincorporated, Montgomery County · 5,630 people75.6top 1.1%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C+
5Riversideunincorporated, Harford County · 6,585 people75.5top 1.1%A+Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: schools B
6Spring Ridgeunincorporated, Frederick County · 5,922 people74.9top 1.5%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living B−
7Forest Glenunincorporated, Montgomery County · 6,840 people74.9top 1.5%A+Strongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C+
8BrunswickFrederick County · 9,380 people74.8top 1.5%A+Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living B+
9Jeffersonunincorporated, Frederick County · 3,314 people74.8top 1.6%A+Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: walkability C
10North Kensingtonunincorporated, Montgomery County · 8,954 people74.5top 1.7%A+Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C
11Four Cornersunincorporated, Montgomery County · 8,150 people74.3top 1.9%A+Strongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living C
12ThurmontFrederick County · 6,337 people74.3top 1.9%A+Strongest: hazard risk A−, safety A−·lowest: health B
13Lusbyunincorporated, Calvert County · 2,595 people73.9top 2.3%A+Strongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk A·lowest: walkability D
14ManchesterCarroll County · 5,426 people72.9top 3.0%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A·lowest: walkability C−
15PoolesvilleMontgomery County · 5,942 people72.3top 3.6%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C
16Fultonunincorporated, Howard County · 5,677 people72.3top 3.7%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
17Brookmontunincorporated, Montgomery County · 3,671 people72.2top 3.8%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C−
20SykesvilleCarroll County · 4,602 people71.8top 4.3%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living C
21MiddletownFrederick County · 5,056 people71.6top 4.5%A+Strongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: walkability C+
22HampsteadCarroll County · 6,281 people71.5top 4.6%A+Strongest: hazard risk A, schools A·lowest: walkability B−
24Chesapeake BeachCalvert County · 6,466 people71.2top 5.0%A+Strongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living B−
25Chevy ChaseMontgomery County · 2,804 people71.2top 5.0%A+Strongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
27EmmitsburgFrederick County · 2,910 people71.1top 5.2%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A−·lowest: health B−
30Chesapeake Ranch Estatesunincorporated, Calvert County · 9,241 people70.5top 6.1%AStrongest: hazard risk A, schools A−·lowest: walkability B−
32Huntingtownunincorporated, Calvert County · 2,689 people70.2top 6.5%AStrongest: hazard risk A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living B
35Friendship Heights Villageunincorporated, Montgomery County · 4,002 people70.0top 6.8%AStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C−
41Layhillunincorporated, Montgomery County · 5,497 people69.3top 7.8%AStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C
44Chevy Chaseunincorporated, Montgomery County · 9,445 people69.0top 8.4%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
47South Kensingtonunincorporated, Montgomery County · 8,148 people68.8top 8.9%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
51Golden Beachunincorporated, St. Mary's County · 3,830 people68.4top 9.5%AStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A−·lowest: walkability C
52Bartonsvilleunincorporated, Frederick County · 3,282 people68.3top 9.7%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: walkability C−
55Fountainhead-Orchard Hillsunincorporated, Washington County · 6,567 people67.4top 11.5%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living B−
56KensingtonMontgomery County · 2,652 people67.4top 11.5%AStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
57Braddock Heightsunincorporated, Frederick County · 2,892 people67.3top 11.7%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: walkability D
61Savageunincorporated, Howard County · 8,239 people67.1top 12.2%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living C−
63Monroviaunincorporated, Frederick County · 3,568 people66.9top 12.6%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: walkability D
64Wildewoodunincorporated, St. Mary's County · 7,552 people66.8top 12.7%AStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C+
68Pleasant Hillsunincorporated, Harford County · 3,836 people66.2top 14.0%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C
69St. Jamesunincorporated, Washington County · 4,824 people66.2top 14.1%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C+
70TaneytownCarroll County · 8,259 people66.0top 14.6%AStrongest: schools A, hazard risk A·lowest: health C+
71Maugansvilleunincorporated, Washington County · 3,624 people65.8top 14.8%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living B−
74Darnestownunincorporated, Montgomery County · 7,051 people65.6top 15.5%A−Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
75Prince Frederickunincorporated, Calvert County · 2,955 people65.4top 15.9%A−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living B−
81Drum Pointunincorporated, Calvert County · 3,589 people64.7top 17.4%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, schools A−·lowest: walkability C−
82Stevensvilleunincorporated, Queen Anne's County · 8,802 people64.5top 17.8%A−Strongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
83Mount AiryCarroll County · 9,857 people64.4top 18.1%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C
84CentrevilleQueen Anne's County · 4,782 people64.3top 18.3%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living C
85SmithsburgWashington County · 3,212 people64.1top 18.7%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, safety A−·lowest: health B−
88BoonsboroWashington County · 3,867 people63.8top 19.6%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, safety A·lowest: walkability C−
90Chesterunincorporated, Queen Anne's County · 4,797 people63.2top 20.9%A−Strongest: hazard risk A+, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D
92La Valeunincorporated, Allegany County · 4,196 people63.0top 21.3%A−Strongest: cost of living A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: schools C+
93LeonardtownSt. Mary's County · 5,033 people62.9top 21.6%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C
95Leisure Worldunincorporated, Montgomery County · 8,882 people62.8top 21.9%A−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: jobs & income C+
97Jarrettsvilleunincorporated, Harford County · 2,560 people62.0top 23.9%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, health A·lowest: walkability C−
101West Ocean Cityunincorporated, Worcester County · 5,198 people61.7top 24.9%A−Strongest: schools A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living C−
103BerlinWorcester County · 5,335 people61.7top 25.1%B+Strongest: schools A+, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living C−
105Edgewaterunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 8,519 people61.4top 25.8%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
106Abingdonunincorporated, Harford County · 5,019 people61.3top 26.0%B+Strongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living C+
108FrostburgAllegany County · 6,979 people61.3top 26.1%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, safety A+·lowest: jobs & income C−
110Luthervilleunincorporated, Baltimore County · 6,574 people61.0top 26.9%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: schools C−
111Burnt Millsunincorporated, Montgomery County · 3,751 people61.0top 26.9%B+Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living D
113Cape St. Claireunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 9,236 people60.3top 28.8%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
117Hamptonunincorporated, Baltimore County · 5,372 people59.3top 31.1%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: schools C−
118Hillandaleunincorporated, Montgomery County · 5,060 people59.3top 31.3%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living C
120Cresaptownunincorporated, Allegany County · 5,121 people59.2top 31.5%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, cost of living A·lowest: health D
121Paramount-Long Meadowunincorporated, Washington County · 2,569 people59.2top 31.5%B+Strongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living C
124Grasonvilleunincorporated, Queen Anne's County · 3,564 people58.7top 32.8%B+Strongest: schools A−, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living C−
126Rivaunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 4,976 people58.1top 34.4%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C−
127Dealeunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 5,333 people58.0top 34.7%B+Strongest: hazard risk A, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
132Brown Stationunincorporated, Prince George's County · 3,451 people56.8top 37.8%BStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: schools D
133Gambrillsunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 2,830 people56.6top 38.3%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C−
137Mayounincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 8,694 people56.3top 39.1%BStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C−
139Jessupunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 9,931 people56.2top 39.5%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D
141Ocean CityWorcester County · 6,840 people55.9top 40.3%BStrongest: walkability A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D
142Kingsvilleunincorporated, Baltimore County · 4,687 people55.6top 41.0%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: walkability C−
145Garrisonunincorporated, Baltimore County · 9,469 people55.0top 42.7%BStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: cost of living C−
146Bryans Roadunincorporated, Charles County · 9,371 people54.9top 43.1%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: schools C
147Robinwoodunincorporated, Washington County · 8,042 people54.8top 43.1%BStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living C
148Edgemereunincorporated, Baltimore County · 9,061 people54.8top 43.2%BStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A·lowest: schools C−
151GlenardenPrince George's County · 6,422 people54.6top 43.8%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
153Indian HeadCharles County · 4,202 people54.3top 44.4%BStrongest: hazard risk A+, cost of living B+·lowest: schools C
154Peppermill Villageunincorporated, Prince George's County · 5,238 people54.1top 45.0%BStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: schools D
157Shady Sideunincorporated, Anne Arundel County · 4,727 people53.7top 46.1%B−Strongest: hazard risk A, health A−·lowest: cost of living C
161Marlboro Villageunincorporated, Prince George's County · 9,382 people52.7top 49.1%B−Strongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk A·lowest: schools D
164Springdaleunincorporated, Prince George's County · 5,226 people51.8bottom 48.3%B−Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: schools D
166Fairwoodunincorporated, Prince George's County · 7,526 people51.7bottom 48.0%B−Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: schools D
167West Laurelunincorporated, Prince George's County · 4,428 people51.6bottom 47.9%B−Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: schools D
171Berwyn HeightsPrince George's County · 3,338 people50.4bottom 44.7%C+Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: schools D
175Woodlawnunincorporated, Prince George's County · 7,750 people49.5bottom 42.3%C+Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: schools D
179Andrews AFBunincorporated, Prince George's County · 3,130 people49.0bottom 40.9%C+Strongest: hazard risk A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
183Forest HeightsPrince George's County · 2,618 people48.6bottom 39.8%C+Strongest: walkability A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: schools D
194North EastCecil County · 4,237 people46.8bottom 34.8%CStrongest: hazard risk A, walkability A−·lowest: safety C−
197Capitol HeightsPrince George's County · 4,044 people46.4bottom 34.0%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: schools D
199PerryvilleCecil County · 4,592 people46.2bottom 33.4%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, cost of living B·lowest: health D
201Rising SunCecil County · 2,761 people46.1bottom 33.3%CStrongest: hazard risk A−, walkability B·lowest: cost of living C+
205Silver Hillunincorporated, Prince George's County · 5,193 people45.6bottom 31.9%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
206Lansdowneunincorporated, Baltimore County · 7,876 people45.6bottom 31.9%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A−·lowest: health C−
209Woodmoreunincorporated, Prince George's County · 4,613 people45.4bottom 31.2%CStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A−·lowest: schools D
213Konterraunincorporated, Prince George's County · 3,641 people44.9bottom 30.1%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: schools D
215National Harborunincorporated, Prince George's County · 4,454 people44.8bottom 29.7%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
218Bowleys Quartersunincorporated, Baltimore County · 7,006 people44.1bottom 28.0%CStrongest: jobs & income A−, hazard risk B+·lowest: cost of living C−
223Pocomoke CityWorcester County · 4,421 people43.2bottom 26.0%CStrongest: schools A+, cost of living B·lowest: safety D
224Marlboro Meadowsunincorporated, Prince George's County · 3,929 people43.2bottom 25.9%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: schools D
227Coral Hillsunincorporated, Prince George's County · 9,756 people42.6bottom 24.5%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
228CheverlyPrince George's County · 6,164 people42.5bottom 24.3%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: schools D
229Melwoodunincorporated, Prince George's County · 3,401 people42.2bottom 23.6%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, cost of living B−·lowest: schools D
231Baltimore Highlandsunincorporated, Baltimore County · 8,206 people41.2bottom 21.4%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: health D
232ChestertownKent County · 5,658 people41.0bottom 21.0%C−Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living D
233DelmarWicomico County · 4,896 people40.9bottom 20.9%C−Strongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income B·lowest: schools C−
238Temple Hillsunincorporated, Prince George's County · 8,969 people40.3bottom 19.4%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: schools D
239District HeightsPrince George's County · 5,938 people40.0bottom 19.0%C−Strongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
243Seat PleasantPrince George's County · 4,524 people37.5bottom 14.4%DStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: safety D
245BrentwoodPrince George's County · 3,828 people36.3bottom 12.4%DStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income B−·lowest: hazard risk D−
246Marlow Heightsunincorporated, Prince George's County · 5,456 people36.2bottom 12.3%DStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A+·lowest: schools D
247Mount RainierPrince George's County · 8,307 people35.9bottom 11.8%DStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income B+·lowest: schools D
249FruitlandWicomico County · 6,007 people35.4bottom 11.1%DStrongest: hazard risk A−, health B·lowest: schools C−
250Riverdale ParkPrince George's County · 7,343 people35.0bottom 10.6%DStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: schools D
252BladensburgPrince George's County · 9,671 people31.0bottom 5.8%DStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: safety D
253CrisfieldSomerset County · 2,555 people30.2bottom 5.0%DStrongest: cost of living B+, walkability B−·lowest: hazard risk D−
254FederalsburgCaroline County · 2,864 people30.2bottom 5.0%DStrongest: walkability B, hazard risk B·lowest: health D−
257DentonCaroline County · 5,075 people25.4bottom 1.8%D−Strongest: hazard risk B+, walkability B·lowest: health D
258Princess AnneSomerset County · 3,642 people25.3bottom 1.7%D−Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A−·lowest: safety D−
Method
How this list is made
Each town’s overall grade blends seven livability grades: cost of living (weight 18), safety (18), schools (16), health (14), jobs & income (12), walkability (8) and hazard risk (4). A town needs 2,500+ residents and three of the first four. Letters are national, so an A here means the same as an A in any state; the list is the same towns in the same order, ranked within Maryland. Towns without their own FBI figures are graded on the rest and their page says why.
Data years: crime 2023–2025 (FBI), Census ACS 2020–2024, CDC PLACES 2025, state school tests. How grades work
Quick answers
Questions people ask
What is the best small town in Maryland?
Among 121 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, Walkersville (Frederick County) ranks first, with an A+; jobs & income (A+) and hazard risk (A−) are its strongest grades; cost of living (B) is its lowest. Owings and Ashton-Sandy Spring follow.
How are these towns ranked?
By the overall grade, which blends seven livability grades from public data. The letter is national; the rank is within Maryland. The full method is on How grades work.
Why isn’t my town on this list?
The list covers towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents with an overall grade (121 in Maryland). 68 smaller places have subject grades only; 1 town of 2,500+ lack enough data for a grade; Larger towns are on the best places to live list. Every town is on the Maryland page.
Go deeper
All Maryland rankings →More Maryland lists
Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.
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