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Bel Air South, Maryland

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

70
Overall Score

Bel Air South, Maryland, is a vibrant and growing community located in Harford County, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to major metropolitan areas. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the area attracts residents seeking a high quality of life with strong community ties. Its strategic location along the I-95 corridor places it within easy reach of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., making it an appealing choice for commuters and those who appreciate diverse opportunities. The community is characterized by well-maintained neighborhoods, a robust local economy, and a focus on education and healthcare, contributing to its desirability as a place to live and work.

About Maryland

Maryland, known as "America in Miniature," offers a diverse landscape from Atlantic coastlines to the Appalachian Mountains, providing a mix of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles. The state boasts a robust economy, with major industries including information technology, biotechnology, aerospace and defense, and government, significantly influenced by its proximity to Washington D.C.. Living in Maryland generally entails a higher cost of living compared to the national average, particularly for housing and utilities, though it also features a high median household income. The climate is characterized by humid subtropical conditions with warm, humid summers and moderately cold, occasionally snowy winters, with temperatures varying between the eastern and western regions.

60,008
Population
$62K
Avg Salary
117
Cost Index
70.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
82
Affordability
55
Growth
75

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bel Air South is notably higher than the national average, with an overall cost index estimated at 117, meaning it is 17% more expensive than the U.S. average. This is primarily driven by housing costs, which, while slightly lower than the national average for Maryland overall, are still a significant factor in Bel Air South. Utilities also contribute to the higher cost, being approximately 17% above the national average for Maryland. Groceries are about 3% higher than the national average, and healthcare services are around 7% higher in Maryland, further impacting the overall expenses for residents.

Average Rent
$2,187/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$180/mo
Utilities
$220/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Bel Air South benefits from a strong and diverse job market, particularly within Harford County. Key sectors include Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, which collectively account for a significant portion of the workforce. The presence of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), a major center for research, development, and testing for the U.S. Army, also fuels a robust defense and technology sector, attracting a skilled workforce. While Harford County experienced a slight employment decline between 2023 and 2024, Bel Air South itself is noted for a strong job market, especially in education and healthcare.

The average salary in Bel Air South is $62,200 per year. You would need approximately $65,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +2.00% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services +3.00% Accommodation and Food Services +1.80% Health Care and Social Assistance +2.50% Defense and Technology +3.50%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
80.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Bel Air South is largely car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 22 out of 100 and a Transit Score of 16 out of 100, indicating minimal public transportation options. The average commute time for residents is approximately 30.5 minutes. While there is some bike infrastructure, the area is considered only 'somewhat bikeable.' This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most errands and commuting, making car ownership common among households.

31 min
Avg Commute
16.00/10
Transit Score
22.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Bel Air South boasts a high median household income of $123,653 as of 2024, significantly exceeding national averages.
The community has an exceptional Livability Score of 82/100, indicating a high quality of life.
Home prices in Bel Air South have shown strong appreciation, with a 12.5% increase in median home prices by May 2026 compared to the previous year.
The area benefits from a strong job market, particularly in education, healthcare, and the defense/technology sectors due to its proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Access to comprehensive healthcare facilities like UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air and MedStar Health at Bel Air Medical Center ensures quality medical care.
Drawbacks
Bel Air South's cost of living is estimated to be 17% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing and utility costs.
The community is highly car-dependent, with low Walk (22/100) and Transit (16/100) scores, indicating minimal public transportation options.
Crime rates in Bel Air South are reported to be 12% higher than the national average, with violent crimes 13% higher.
The violent crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than the national average of 3.6.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than both the Maryland and national averages.

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