2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Maryland — 2026

Last updated: June 4, 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 31/100
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 67/100 58/100
3 21231 Baltimore MD 65/100 58/100
4 21562 Westernport MD 65/100 63/100
5 20612 Benedict MD 63/100 45/100
6 21903 Perryville MD 62/100 59/100
7 20664 Newburg MD 61/100 72/100
8 21675 Wingate MD 60/100 65/100
9 21205 Baltimore MD 59/100 68/100
10 21210 Baltimore MD 59/100 63/100
11 21795 Williamsport MD 59/100 59/100
12 21230 Baltimore MD 58/100 58/100
13 21645 Kennedyville MD 58/100 88/100
14 21202 Baltimore MD 57/100 63/100
15 21223 Baltimore MD 57/100 63/100
16 21229 Baltimore MD 57/100 58/100
17 21624 Claiborne MD 57/100 93/100
18 21867 Upper Fairmount MD 57/100 55/100
19 20714 North Beach MD 56/100 51/100
20 21216 Baltimore MD 56/100 63/100
21 21217 Baltimore MD 56/100 68/100
22 21634 Fishing Creek MD 56/100 40/100
23 21930 Georgetown MD 56/100 63/100
24 21034 Darlington MD 55/100 62/100
25 21209 Baltimore MD 55/100 58/100
26 21218 Baltimore MD 55/100 63/100
27 21224 Baltimore MD 55/100 63/100
28 21201 Baltimore MD 54/100 68/100
29 21213 Baltimore MD 54/100 63/100
30 21539 Lonaconing MD 54/100 75/100
31 21824 Ewell MD 54/100 55/100
32 20687 Scotland MD 53/100 50/100
33 21214 Baltimore MD 53/100 63/100
34 21215 Baltimore MD 53/100 58/100
35 21750 Hancock MD 53/100 63/100
36 21901 North East MD 53/100 59/100
37 20751 Deale MD 52/100 40/100
38 21041 Ellicott City MD 52/100 69/100
39 21043 Ellicott City MD 52/100 54/100
40 21639 Greensboro MD 52/100 89/100
41 21654 Oxford MD 52/100 79/100
42 21719 Cascade MD 52/100 32/100
43 21206 Baltimore MD 51/100 63/100
44 21212 Baltimore MD 51/100 63/100
45 21239 Baltimore MD 51/100 63/100
46 21619 Chester MD 51/100 80/100
47 21652 Neavitt MD 51/100 55/100
48 21672 Toddville MD 51/100 60/100
49 21842 Ocean City MD 51/100 73/100
50 21914 Charlestown MD 51/100 55/100
51 20765 Galesville MD 50/100 55/100
52 21090 Linthicum Heights MD 50/100 77/100
53 20628 Dameron MD 49/100 55/100
54 20639 Huntingtown MD 49/100 50/100
55 21233 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
56 21235 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
57 21241 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
58 21250 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
59 21251 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
60 21260 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
61 21263 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
62 21264 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
63 21265 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
64 21268 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
65 21270 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
66 21273 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
67 21274 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
68 21275 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
69 21278 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
70 21279 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
71 21280 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
72 21281 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
73 21282 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
74 21283 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
75 21284 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
76 21285 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
77 21287 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
78 21288 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
79 21289 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
80 21290 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
81 21297 Baltimore MD 49/100 64/100
82 21298 Baltimore MD 49/100 68/100
83 21627 Crocheron MD 49/100 73/100
84 21669 Taylors Island MD 49/100 40/100
85 21817 Crisfield MD 49/100 45/100
86 21821 Deal Island MD 49/100 50/100
87 20677 Port Tobacco MD 48/100 45/100
88 21529 Ellerslie MD 48/100 55/100
89 21613 Cambridge MD 48/100 79/100
90 21626 Crapo MD 48/100 65/100
91 21734 Funkstown MD 48/100 57/100
92 21919 Earleville MD 48/100 77/100
93 20657 Lusby MD 47/100 51/100
94 20722 Brentwood MD 47/100 45/100
95 20733 Churchton MD 47/100 40/100
96 21078 Havre De Grace MD 47/100 56/100
97 21153 Stevenson MD 47/100 62/100
98 21661 Rock Hall MD 47/100 78/100
99 21717 Buckeystown MD 47/100 53/100
100 21814 Bivalve MD 47/100 63/100

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: 2026-06-04.

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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