Homesteading in Maryland
Explore 24 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Maryland.
Maryland uses a Riparian water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and requires a carry permit. The effective property tax rate is 1%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Riparian
Follows regulated riparian doctrine. Water appropriation permits required from MDE for surface and groundwater use above de minimis amounts.
Statute: Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 5-501 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
Maryland Building Performance Standards apply statewide; residential code based on IRC. Enforced by local jurisdictions.
Statute: Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 12-501 et seq.
Gun Laws
Open Carry: No
Constitutional Carry: No
Handgun Qualification License required for purchase. Wear and carry permit required for concealed carry. Open carry effectively prohibited without permit. Assault weapons ban in effect.
Statute: Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-117.1; Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-301
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects agricultural operations from nuisance claims if the operation was not a nuisance when it began. Includes local government preemption for farming practices in agricultural zones.
Statute: Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-403
Counties in Maryland
24 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany County | 68,161 | $143,300 | $1,611 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Anne Arundel County | 588,109 | $432,000 | $3,719 | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Baltimore County | 850,737 | $310,800 | $3,561 | 90 | Relatively Moderate |
| Calvert County | 93,244 | $418,900 | $3,755 | 95 | Very Low |
| Caroline County | 33,320 | $258,800 | $2,518 | 93 | Relatively Low |
| Carroll County | 173,225 | $390,200 | $3,751 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Cecil County | 103,876 | $292,500 | $2,983 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Charles County | 167,035 | $382,800 | $4,071 | 95 | Relatively Low |
| Dorchester County | 32,557 | $226,000 | $2,263 | 95 | Relatively Low |
| Frederick County | 273,829 | $412,500 | $4,253 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Garrett County | 28,856 | $220,100 | $1,813 | 90 | Very Low |
| Harford County | 261,059 | $351,100 | $3,384 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Howard County | 332,011 | $551,300 | $6,650 | 91 | Relatively Low |
| Kent County | 19,289 | $291,900 | $2,879 | 91 | Very Low |
| Montgomery County | 1,056,910 | $588,900 | $5,149 | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Prince George's County | 957,189 | $380,500 | $4,510 | 93 | Relatively Moderate |
| Queen Anne's County | 50,316 | $421,900 | $3,499 | 92 | Very Low |
| St. Mary's County | 113,814 | $376,900 | $3,355 | 96 | Very Low |
| Somerset County | 24,672 | $157,200 | $1,648 | 97 | Relatively Low |
| Talbot County | 37,663 | $382,000 | $2,542 | 94 | Very Low |
| Washington County | 154,645 | $262,400 | $2,406 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Wicomico County | 103,815 | $226,900 | $2,033 | 96 | Relatively Low |
| Worcester County | 52,827 | $310,300 | $2,484 | 96 | Relatively Low |
| Baltimore city | 584,548 | $202,900 | $3,065 | 91 | Relatively High |
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