Glen Burnie CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Glen Burnie CDP, Maryland, presents a statistical profile of a mature, post-remote suburban hub. With a population of 79,598, it occupies a specific niche in the Mid-Atlantic corridor. The economic baseline is defined by a median income of $77,549, which sits 4.0% above the US median of $74,580. However, this income premium is immediately eroded by a cost of living index heavily weighted toward housing and healthcare.

The demographic shift in 2026 reveals a workforce adapting to hybrid models. The educational attainment rate is 24.4% for bachelor's degrees or higher, significantly trailing the national average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor force skewed toward skilled trades, government administration, and logistics rather than the tech-heavy sectors found in high-education metros.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "Hybrid Commuter." This profile fits households earning between $75,000 and $110,000 annually who prioritize proximity to the Baltimore-Washington corridor over urban density. It appeals to those seeking single-family housing stock who are willing to trade a 30-45 minute commute for lower square-footage costs compared to DC proper.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living Index for Glen Burnie is 108.4, roughly 8.4% above the national baseline. The primary drivers are housing (116.9) and utilities, specifically electricity, which averages 17.86 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Budgets (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner at the median income of $77,549, the monthly take-home pay after taxes is approximately $4,850. The monthly budget of $3,415 leaves a disposable margin of $1,435, or roughly 29.5% of net income. For a dual-income family of four at 2x median income ($155,098), the take-home is roughly $9,700. Against a $6,685 expense load, the margin is $3,015 (31.0%), indicating a tight but manageable budget if childcare costs are controlled.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Glen Burnie is defined by a 16.9% premium over the national average. While not as volatile as major metros, the gap between renting and buying is narrowing due to interest rate stabilization in 2026.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With median home prices at $435,000, the cost-to-rent ratio favors buying for long-term residents (5+ years). A $2,450 monthly rent payment on a 3BR is comparable to a mortgage payment of roughly $2,600 (assuming 20% down, 6.5% rate). However, the 20.5% premium on Price/SqFt ($265) suggests that buyers are paying for land value and location rather than interior space. Renters face a 10.0% premium on 1BR units, making shared housing or commuting from adjacent, cheaper zip codes a common strategy for the 24.4% college-educated demographic.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
Glen Burnie is a prime beneficiary of the 2026 "Hybrid Mandate." Located 8 miles from Baltimore and 25 miles from Washington D.C., it serves as a bedroom community. Average commute times are 29 minutes, well below the national average of 32 minutes. However, traffic on Route 10 and I-97 creates peak variance of +45% during rush hour.

Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by the 4.2% unemployment rate, which is statistically equivalent to the national average (4.0%). The region relies on government contracting, logistics (due to port proximity), and healthcare. The lower-than-average college education rate (24.4%) indicates a reliance on stable, non-tech sectors, insulating the area from the volatility seen in Silicon Valley-style markets.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is solid, the health metrics for Glen Burnie require attention. The aggregate Health Score of 79.5/100 is "Good," but driven by access to care rather than lifestyle factors. Obesity rates are a significant outlier at 37.7%, nearly 6% higher than the US average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (2026)

Safety Summary:
Crime stats in Glen Burnie CDP show a Violent Crime rate of 385 per 100k (National Average: 380 per 100k) and a Property Crime rate of 2,150 per 100k (National Average: 1,950 per 100k). The area is statistically average for safety, though property crime is roughly 10% above the norm.

Air Quality & Weather:
Air quality is a major asset. With an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels at 7.1 µg/m³, the area outperforms the national average significantly, a benefit of coastal winds and recent emissions regulations. Today's weather reflects the seasonal volatility: a high of 53°F and a low of 27°F, with cloudy conditions typical for the region.

Schools:
The local school system performs at a "B" grade average, consistent with the 24.4% higher education attainment rate. Funding is stable but not exceptional.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Resilience: Median income ($77,549) is 4.0% above the US average, providing a buffer against inflation.
• Air Quality: AQI (45) and PM2.5 (7.1 µg/m³) are significantly better than national benchmarks.
• Commute Logistics: Ideal for the hybrid worker balancing Baltimore and D.C. access.

Cons:

• Housing Premium: You pay 16.9% more for housing than the average American, with Price/SqFt at $265.
• Health Risks: An obesity rate of 37.7% suggests a challenging environment for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without personal discipline.
• Utility Costs: Electricity at 17.86 cents/kWh is notably high.

Recommendation:
Glen Burnie CDP is a BUY for families earning over $85,000 who value stability and location over lifestyle amenities. It is a RENT for short-term corporate transferees or singles who wish to avoid the 16.9% housing premium. The data suggests that while the cost of living is high, the income-to-housing ratio remains viable for the median earner.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Glen Burnie?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is the baseline to cover the $3,415 monthly budget while saving 10%. For a family, a combined income of $110,000 is recommended to maintain a similar savings rate against the $6,685 monthly expense.

2. How does the value compare to other Maryland cities?
Glen Burnie offers 5-8% lower housing costs compared to closer-in D.C. suburbs like Silver Spring, but it is 12% more expensive than the national average. You are paying for the "sweet spot" of location.

3. Are the safety stats concerning?
No. Violent crime is statistically average (385 per 100k). The primary concern is property crime (2,150 per 100k), which is 10% above the norm. Standard urban security measures are sufficient.

4. Is now a good time to buy (2026)?
With the Housing Index at 116.9 and median prices at $435,000, the market has stabilized. If you plan to stay longer than 5 years, buying is mathematically advantageous over renting, given the $2,450 average rent for a 3BR.