2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Maryland — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 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 30/100
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 66/100 58/100
3 21562 Westernport MD 66/100 63/100
4 21231 Baltimore MD 64/100 58/100
5 20612 Benedict MD 62/100 45/100
6 20664 Newburg MD 60/100 72/100
7 21903 Perryville MD 60/100 59/100
8 21795 Williamsport MD 59/100 59/100
9 21205 Baltimore MD 58/100 68/100
10 21210 Baltimore MD 58/100 63/100
11 21230 Baltimore MD 58/100 58/100
12 21645 Kennedyville MD 57/100 88/100
13 21867 Upper Fairmount MD 57/100 55/100
14 21202 Baltimore MD 56/100 63/100
15 21217 Baltimore MD 56/100 68/100
16 21223 Baltimore MD 56/100 63/100
17 21229 Baltimore MD 56/100 58/100
18 21624 Claiborne MD 56/100 93/100
19 21634 Fishing Creek MD 56/100 40/100
20 20714 North Beach MD 55/100 51/100
21 21034 Darlington MD 55/100 62/100
22 21216 Baltimore MD 55/100 63/100
23 21539 Lonaconing MD 55/100 75/100
24 21209 Baltimore MD 54/100 58/100
25 21218 Baltimore MD 54/100 63/100
26 21224 Baltimore MD 54/100 63/100
27 21824 Ewell MD 54/100 55/100
28 20687 Scotland MD 53/100 50/100
29 21201 Baltimore MD 53/100 68/100
30 21213 Baltimore MD 53/100 63/100
31 21750 Hancock MD 53/100 63/100
32 20751 Deale MD 52/100 40/100
33 21043 Ellicott City MD 52/100 54/100
34 21214 Baltimore MD 52/100 63/100
35 21215 Baltimore MD 52/100 58/100
36 21654 Oxford MD 52/100 79/100
37 21901 North East MD 52/100 59/100
38 21212 Baltimore MD 51/100 63/100
39 21639 Greensboro MD 51/100 89/100
40 21652 Neavitt MD 51/100 55/100
41 21672 Toddville MD 51/100 60/100
42 21719 Cascade MD 51/100 32/100
43 21206 Baltimore MD 50/100 63/100
44 21239 Baltimore MD 50/100 63/100
45 21619 Chester MD 50/100 80/100
46 21914 Charlestown MD 50/100 55/100
47 20765 Galesville MD 49/100 55/100
48 21090 Linthicum Heights MD 49/100 77/100
49 21529 Ellerslie MD 49/100 55/100
50 21817 Crisfield MD 49/100 45/100
51 21821 Deal Island MD 49/100 50/100
52 21842 Ocean City MD 49/100 73/100
53 20628 Dameron MD 48/100 55/100
54 21250 Baltimore MD 48/100 64/100
55 21251 Baltimore MD 48/100 64/100
56 21613 Cambridge MD 48/100 79/100
57 21669 Taylors Island MD 48/100 40/100
58 21734 Funkstown MD 48/100 57/100
59 20639 Huntingtown MD 47/100 50/100
60 20677 Port Tobacco MD 47/100 45/100
61 21153 Stevenson MD 47/100 62/100
62 21626 Crapo MD 47/100 65/100
63 21814 Bivalve MD 47/100 63/100
64 21919 Earleville MD 47/100 77/100
65 20657 Lusby MD 46/100 51/100
66 20722 Brentwood MD 46/100 45/100
67 20733 Churchton MD 46/100 40/100
68 21078 Havre De Grace MD 46/100 56/100
69 21557 Rawlings MD 46/100 82/100
70 21661 Rock Hall MD 46/100 78/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines area indicators that may lead to added costs for homebuyers: water system violation records, lead service line indicators, county radon potential, flood zones and housing age. An indicator does not mean a home needs filtration, mitigation, insurance or upgrades; a home test or inspection decides that. 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: 2026-04-13.

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 service-line indicators and system-level action-level 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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