Is Glen Burnie Safe, Pros and cons of living in Glen Burnie
Glen Burnie, Maryland, a vibrant community situated in Anne Arundel County, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. As a prominent suburb of Baltimore, it provides residents with a strategic location, close to major employment centers and recreational opportunities. The area is known for its diverse population and a growing economy, making it an attractive place for individuals and families alike.
This community boasts a rich history, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. Over the years, Glen Burnie has evolved from a rural estate into a bustling hub, characterized by its central business district and residential areas. Its development has been shaped by its proximity to key institutions and its role as a significant consumer market within the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Is it Safe to Live in Glen Burnie?
Glen Burnie’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The overall crime rate in Glen Burnie is 43% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are also 43% higher than the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of crime at one in 34 (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also a concern, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at one in 28 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The FBI reported crime data indicates that Glen Burnie has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationwide (according to NeighborhoodScout). While NeighborhoodScout classifies Glen Burnie’s HoodScore as 76, indicating it is “Safe,” it also notes the presence of registered sex offenders and violent offenders within the area (according to HoodScore). Residents generally consider the eastern parts of the city to be the safest, with violent crime rates varying by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in Glen Burnie presents a range of options for buyers and renters. The median home price in Glen Burnie is approximately $393,598, which is less than the national median (according to Zillow). Single-family homes tend to sell for around $400,000, while townhomes are typically priced at $325,000 (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
Rental prices in Glen Burnie are competitive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,453 per month and a two-bedroom unit averaging $1,746 per month (according to Apartments.com). The overall median rent in the city stands at $1,709 (according to Apartment List). These rental costs are generally lower than in nearby Baltimore (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
Home Prices
The median sale price for homes in Glen Burnie was $388,333 as of February 2026 (according to Zillow). The average home value has seen a slight increase of 0.4% over the past year (according to Zillow). Homes in Glen Burnie are generally less expensive than the national average and also less expensive than the average in Maryland (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
The median listing price for homes is $435,000, and homes are spending an average of 25 days on the market (according to Realtor.com® Economic Research). Neighborhood desirability can influence prices, with southern parts of the city often featuring more desired areas and higher values, while the northwest regions tend to offer more affordable options (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Rental Costs
Rental prices in Glen Burnie have seen an increase, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,695 as of April 2026 (according to RentCafe). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,465, while a two-bedroom unit averages $1,755 (according to RentCafe). The majority of rentals, about 59%, fall within the $1,501-$2,000 per month range (according to RentCafe).
Other sources indicate slightly different average rents, with Zumper reporting a median rent of $2,099 for all bedroom counts and property types as of April 2026 (according to Zumper). Apartments.com notes an average rent of $1,453 per month as of May 2026, which is 11% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Glen Burnie is approximately 13% higher than the U.S. national average (according to PayScale and ERI Economic Research Institute). However, it is 26% lower than the state average for Maryland (according to Salary.com).
Housing costs are a significant factor, being 35% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). Utility prices are also above the national average, at 18% higher (according to PayScale). Conversely, healthcare costs are 6% lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
Housing Expenses
Housing expenses in Glen Burnie are notably higher than the national average. PayScale reports that housing costs are 35% higher than the national average. This includes mortgage payments or rent, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.
Utility costs also contribute to the higher cost of living, being 18% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). These expenses cover electricity, natural gas, water, and internet services, which can vary based on usage and provider.
Daily Expenses
Daily expenses such as groceries are slightly higher in Glen Burnie, with prices running 2% above the national average (according to PayScale). Transportation costs, however, are on par with the national average (according to PayScale).
Healthcare expenses are more favorable, being 6% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). This can include the cost of doctor’s visits, dental care, and prescription medications, offering some relief in the overall budget.
Job Market and Economy
Glen Burnie’s economy is driven by several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction being the largest employment sectors (according to Data USA). These sectors collectively employ a significant portion of the local workforce.
The area is also a net exporter of jobs, meaning more residents commute out of Glen Burnie for work than commute in. Those commuting out often earn higher wages, reflecting the prevalence of service-oriented jobs within the community (according to Anne Arundel County Government). The unemployment rate in Glen Burnie has been recovering, showing a trend of improvement (according to Anne Arundel County Government).
Major Employers
Several major companies and organizations operate in or near Glen Burnie, contributing significantly to the local job market. These include large retail chains like Walmart and Costco Wholesale, as well as companies in the healthcare sector such as Tenet Healthcare (according to Indeed.com and Zippia). Other prominent employers include Wagner Foodservice, MISSION BBQ, and Ambu USA (according to Zippia).
The presence of these diverse employers provides a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors, from retail and healthcare to technology and professional services. Many residents also find employment with major employers located in nearby Baltimore and at the BWI Airport.
Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Glen Burnie is reported to be around $53,276 per year, or approximately $25.61 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a higher average salary, with Zippia stating $67,000 annually and SalaryExpert reporting $73,943 annually (according to Zippia and SalaryExpert).
The unemployment rate in Anne Arundel County, which includes Glen Burnie, was 3.0% as of 2024 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). This indicates a relatively stable job market, with ongoing recovery from previous economic impacts.
Climate and Weather
Glen Burnie experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 28°F to 87°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 95°F (according to Time and Date). The area experiences partly cloudy conditions year-round.
The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures climbing above 78°F. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 87°F and lows of 70°F. The cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F.
Average Temperatures
During the summer months, high temperatures in Glen Burnie can reach the high 80s Fahrenheit. The hottest month is July, with average highs of 87°F (according to Time and Date). The winter months bring colder temperatures, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average lows around 29°F and highs of 42°F (according to Time and Date).
The transition seasons, spring and autumn, offer milder weather. Average temperatures in these months typically fall between the extremes of summer and winter, providing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Precipitation and Seasonal Weather
Glen Burnie receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Monthly rainfall averages range from about 3.07 inches in January to 4.57 inches in July (according to Time and Date). Winters are known for being snowy and windy, while summers are humid.
The area’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, which can affect humidity levels and occasional storm patterns. Residents can expect distinct seasonal weather, with the need for appropriate clothing and preparedness for varying conditions.
Education and Schools
Glen Burnie is served by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system, which includes Glen Burnie High School. The high school has an above-average rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 5% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading (according to Niche).
Niche ranks Glen Burnie High School with a B overall grade, placing it among the most diverse public high schools in Maryland. Other schools in the area, such as Glen Burnie Park Elementary School and Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, also receive rankings from Niche, varying from B- to B (according to Niche).
School Ratings
Glen Burnie High School holds a B rating from Niche and is recognized for its diversity, ranking eighth among the most diverse public high schools in Maryland (according to Niche). It is also noted as a good college preparatory school (according to Niche).
Elementary and middle schools in the area also receive varied ratings. For example, Glen Burnie Park Elementary School has a B- rating, while Monarch Academy Glen Burnie also holds a B- rating (according to Niche). The overall performance of schools in Glen Burnie, MD, averages a SchoolGrade of D, with 26% actual proficiency versus 32% projected (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Student Demographics
Glen Burnie High School serves approximately 2,391 students in grades 9-12 (according to Niche). The student body is diverse, with 59% of students identifying as belonging to minority groups (according to Niche). The student-teacher ratio is 17:1, and the average teacher salary is $82,531 (according to Niche).
The broader demographics of Glen Burnie show a median age of 38.2 years, with a population that is 49.5% White, 25.2% Black, and 14.1% Hispanic (according to US Census Bureau and Census Dots). This diversity is reflected in the school system as well.
Demographics
Glen Burnie is a sizable community with a projected population of 73,719 for 2026 (according to US Census Bureau). It ranks as the 8th most populated city in Maryland (according to US Census Bureau). The median age of residents is 38.2 years (according to US Census Bureau).
The racial makeup of Glen Burnie is diverse, with White residents constituting 49.5%, followed by Black residents at 25.2%, and Hispanic residents at 14.1% (according to US Census Bureau). This demographic landscape contributes to the community’s rich cultural tapestry.
Population and Age Distribution
As of the most recent data, Glen Burnie has a population of 72,590 residents (according to US Census Bureau). The median age is 38.2 years, with approximately 17% of the population under 15 years old and about 15.1% aged 65 or older (according to World Population Review). The majority of the population falls within the 25-64 age bracket.
For every 100 females, there are approximately 96.4 males in Glen Burnie (according to World Population Review). This slight gender imbalance is common in many suburban areas.
Race and Ethnicity
Glen Burnie’s population is characterized by its racial and ethnic diversity. White individuals make up 49.5% of the population, while Black or African American individuals represent 25.2% (according to Census Dots). Hispanic residents account for 14.1% of the population, with Asian residents at 4.5% (according to Census Dots).
This diverse composition is also reflected in the growth of the Hispanic population, which has increased significantly in recent years (according to Census Dots). The community is more Hispanic than some neighboring areas but less so than others.