2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Maryland — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

615 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 21866 (Tylerton, MD) - 73/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 615 ZIP codes with data in Maryland, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Maryland Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 615
Highest value 73/100
Median value 33/100
State Maryland

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 21866 Tylerton MD 73/100 67/100
2 21211 Baltimore MD 69/100 58/100
3 21562 Westernport MD 68/100 63/100
4 21231 Baltimore MD 67/100 58/100
5 21903 Perryville MD 64/100 59/100
6 20612 Benedict MD 63/100 45/100
7 21675 Wingate MD 63/100 65/100
8 21795 Williamsport MD 63/100 59/100
9 21210 Baltimore MD 62/100 63/100
10 20664 Newburg MD 61/100 72/100
11 21205 Baltimore MD 61/100 68/100
12 21230 Baltimore MD 61/100 58/100
13 21624 Claiborne MD 60/100 93/100
14 21645 Kennedyville MD 60/100 88/100
15 21202 Baltimore MD 59/100 63/100
16 21217 Baltimore MD 59/100 68/100
17 21223 Baltimore MD 59/100 63/100
18 21229 Baltimore MD 59/100 58/100
19 21634 Fishing Creek MD 59/100 40/100
20 21930 Georgetown MD 59/100 63/100
21 21034 Darlington MD 58/100 62/100
22 21216 Baltimore MD 58/100 63/100
23 21539 Lonaconing MD 58/100 75/100
24 21209 Baltimore MD 57/100 58/100
25 21218 Baltimore MD 57/100 63/100
26 21224 Baltimore MD 57/100 63/100
27 21750 Hancock MD 57/100 63/100
28 21867 Upper Fairmount MD 57/100 55/100
29 20714 North Beach MD 56/100 51/100
30 21201 Baltimore MD 56/100 68/100
31 21213 Baltimore MD 56/100 63/100
32 20751 Deale MD 55/100 40/100
33 21041 Ellicott City MD 55/100 69/100
34 21043 Ellicott City MD 55/100 54/100
35 21214 Baltimore MD 55/100 63/100
36 21215 Baltimore MD 55/100 58/100
37 21654 Oxford MD 55/100 79/100
38 21901 North East MD 55/100 59/100
39 21212 Baltimore MD 54/100 63/100
40 21639 Greensboro MD 54/100 89/100
41 21652 Neavitt MD 54/100 55/100
42 21672 Toddville MD 54/100 60/100
43 21719 Cascade MD 54/100 32/100
44 21824 Ewell MD 54/100 55/100
45 20687 Scotland MD 53/100 50/100
46 20765 Galesville MD 53/100 55/100
47 21206 Baltimore MD 53/100 63/100
48 21233 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
49 21235 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
50 21239 Baltimore MD 53/100 63/100
51 21241 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
52 21250 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
53 21251 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
54 21260 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
55 21263 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
56 21264 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
57 21265 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
58 21268 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
59 21270 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
60 21273 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
61 21274 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
62 21275 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
63 21278 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
64 21279 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
65 21280 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
66 21281 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
67 21282 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
68 21283 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
69 21284 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
70 21285 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
71 21287 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
72 21288 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
73 21289 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
74 21290 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
75 21297 Baltimore MD 53/100 64/100
76 21298 Baltimore MD 53/100 68/100
77 21619 Chester MD 53/100 80/100
78 21842 Ocean City MD 53/100 73/100
79 21914 Charlestown MD 53/100 55/100
80 21090 Linthicum Heights MD 52/100 77/100
81 21529 Ellerslie MD 51/100 55/100
82 21613 Cambridge MD 51/100 79/100
83 21626 Crapo MD 51/100 65/100
84 21669 Taylors Island MD 51/100 40/100
85 21734 Funkstown MD 51/100 57/100
86 21153 Stevenson MD 50/100 62/100
87 21814 Bivalve MD 50/100 63/100
88 21919 Earleville MD 50/100 77/100
89 20628 Dameron MD 49/100 55/100
90 20722 Brentwood MD 49/100 45/100
91 20733 Churchton MD 49/100 40/100
92 21078 Havre De Grace MD 49/100 56/100
93 21557 Rawlings MD 49/100 82/100
94 21627 Crocheron MD 49/100 73/100
95 21661 Rock Hall MD 49/100 78/100
96 21671 Tilghman MD 49/100 60/100
97 21717 Buckeystown MD 49/100 53/100
98 21817 Crisfield MD 49/100 45/100
99 21821 Deal Island MD 49/100 50/100
100 21904 Port Deposit MD 49/100 66/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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