Is Edgewood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Edgewood

Edgewood, Maryland, offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to major employment centers and cultural attractions. It presents a mix of residential areas, commercial developments, and recreational opportunities, making it an appealing location for various demographics. The town is situated within Harford County, providing access to a range of amenities and community services.

The community is characterized by its diverse population and evolving economic landscape. Edgewood’s strategic location, combined with its community-focused initiatives, contributes to its appeal as a place to live and work. Understanding the various facets of Edgewood, from its safety and cost of living to its educational system and job market, is essential for anyone considering a move to this Maryland town.

Is it Safe to Live in Edgewood?

Crime Rates

Edgewood, Maryland, faces challenges with crime. The overall crime rate in Edgewood is higher than the national average, with a crime index of 123 compared to the national average of 100 (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, consistent with national trends (as reported by DoorProfit). Specifically, Edgewood has a high rate of motor vehicle theft, with a chance of becoming a victim of this crime at one in 408 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime rates in Edgewood are also a concern, being considerably higher than the average when compared to similar-sized communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The town ranks in the 7th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 7% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). NeighborhoodScout analysis shows a chance of being a victim of any crime in Edgewood is one in 39. Edgewood’s crime rate is higher than 81% of Maryland’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Safety Perceptions

Despite the statistics, some sources suggest Edgewood has a “B” safety grade, indicating good safety with crime rates below the national average in some analyses (as reported by DoorProfit). However, this contrasts with other assessments that give Edgewood a “D” grade, indicating crime rates are higher than the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These varying reports highlight the importance of examining specific neighborhoods within Edgewood for a more nuanced understanding of safety.

Edgewood residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood, with chances of being a victim of violent crime ranging from one in 70 in central neighborhoods to one in 191 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Understanding these localized differences is crucial for residents prioritizing safety.

Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Edgewood, Maryland, presents a mixed picture regarding affordability. The average home value in Edgewood is approximately $264,163 (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a median home price that is generally more accessible than in many other parts of the country.

Rental costs in Edgewood are also relatively competitive. The average rent in Edgewood, MD, is around $1,285 per month, which is 22% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes Edgewood a more affordable option for renters compared to many U.S. cities.

Overall Cost of Living

While specific data for Edgewood’s overall cost of living index is not readily available from sources like the Council for Community and Economic Research, the housing costs suggest a potentially more affordable lifestyle compared to national averages. The median home value and average rent indicate that housing expenses may be a significant factor in the overall cost of living, but potentially less burdensome than in higher-cost metropolitan areas.

Further research into utilities, transportation, and daily expenses would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the cost of living in Edgewood. However, the accessible housing market provides a positive starting point for individuals and families considering their budget.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Kohl’s operates a significant fulfillment center in Edgewood, Maryland, which has historically been a large employer in the area, creating thousands of seasonal positions (as reported by CBS Baltimore). This indicates a substantial presence in the retail and logistics sectors within the local economy. Other major employers would likely include various retail establishments, service industries, and potentially government or healthcare facilities, though specific comprehensive lists are not readily available from the provided search results.

The proximity of Edgewood to larger employment hubs like Baltimore also means residents can access a broader range of job opportunities. This access to a wider job market can be a significant advantage for those living in Edgewood, offering diverse career paths beyond what might be available locally.

Unemployment and Salaries

As of March 2026, Maryland’s unemployment rate was 4.3% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Specific unemployment rates for Edgewood, MD, are not detailed in the provided search results, but state-level data offers a general economic context. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that national unemployment rates have remained relatively low, often below 4% in recent periods.

Average salary data for Edgewood is not directly available from the provided searches. However, national median wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that for May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Salaries can vary widely based on occupation, experience, and industry.

Climate

Temperatures

Edgewood, Washington, experiences a temperate climate with average temperatures varying throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 37°F to 79°F, rarely dropping below 27°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by Time and Date). Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are cold and wet.

The warm season in Edgewood lasts from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F. August is typically the hottest month, with highs around 78°F. The cool season extends from mid-November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 46°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation

Edgewood experiences significant precipitation, particularly during the wetter season, which spans from early October to early May. During this period, there is a greater than 33% chance of a wet day. November typically sees the most wet days, averaging around 17.0 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (as reported by Time and Date).

The drier season lasts from early May to early October. August has the fewest wet days, averaging about 3.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (as reported by Time and Date). The annual average precipitation for Edgewood, NM, is recorded at 14.89 inches (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals).

Education

School Ratings

Edgewood, Maryland, has several educational institutions serving its student population. Edgewood High School receives an overall Niche grade of B, with particular strengths noted in diversity. Edgewood Middle School has an overall Niche grade of B minus, also recognized for its diversity (as reported by Niche).

Edgewood High School has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, with 7% of students proficient in math and 45% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Edgewood Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, with 5% of students proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures suggest areas for academic improvement, particularly in math proficiency.

Educational Environment

The schools in Edgewood are part of the Harford County Public Schools system. While specific details on advanced placement courses or extracurricular activities are not extensively covered in the provided data, the diversity grades for both the middle and high schools are generally positive (as reported by Niche). This suggests a varied student body, which can contribute to a richer educational experience.

When considering the educational landscape, it’s important to note that school ratings can be influenced by various factors, including state test scores, teacher-student ratios, and student diversity. Parents and guardians often look at these metrics, alongside community reviews, to gauge the quality of education available in a particular area.

Demographics

Population and Age

Edgewood, Washington, has an estimated population of 13,032, showing growth since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Edgewood is approximately 38.8 years, with a slight skew towards older residents, as 13.9% of the population is 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The age distribution includes about 19.4% of the population under 15 and 27.6% between 25 and 44 years old.

In Edgewood, New Mexico, the population is 6,124, with a median age of 36.4 years (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a decrease in recent years. The median age is close to the national average, suggesting a balanced age distribution.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Edgewood, Washington, is predominantly White, accounting for 70.9% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Other significant demographic groups include Asian (7.9%), Hispanic (7.9%), and Multiracial (6.3%). Edgewood is less diverse than Washington state overall (as reported by Census Dots).

In Edgewood, Maryland, demographic data indicates a different composition. Approximately 48% of the population is White, 33% is African American, and 9% is Hispanic (as reported by Niche). This shows a more diverse racial makeup compared to Edgewood, Washington.

Household and Income

Edgewood, Washington, has approximately 4,948 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Edgewood, WA, is $116,132, with a poverty rate of 4.58% (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a relatively affluent population compared to national averages.

For Edgewood, Maryland, the median household income is around $47,030, with a median home value of $132,228 (as reported by DoorProfit). The cost of living in Edgewood, MD, is influenced by these income and housing figures, suggesting a more modest economic profile compared to its Washington counterpart.