Is Arbutus Safe, Pros and cons of living in Arbutus

Arbutus, Maryland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Located in Baltimore County, this community provides a peaceful atmosphere with a mix of housing styles, appealing to those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining close to major employment centers and cultural attractions. Its strategic location near major roadways facilitates easy commutes, and the presence of educational institutions like the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) contributes to a dynamic community feel.

The cost of living in Arbutus is slightly above the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. However, when compared to the broader Baltimore region, Arbutus can be considered moderately priced. The average salary in the area aligns reasonably with the state average, making it a viable option for professionals. Residents can enjoy local parks and recreational opportunities, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle.

Is it Safe to Live in Arbutus?

Arbutus experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 65.00 per 1,000 residents annually (CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also elevated, with 44.47 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). These statistics suggest that vigilance is recommended for residents.

Neighborhoods within Arbutus can vary in terms of safety. While the west part of the city is generally considered the safest, the northeast areas experience a higher number of incidents. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 5 in the northeast to 1 in 34 in the west (CrimeGrade.org). This variation highlights the importance of being aware of your specific surroundings.

What is the Cost of Living in Arbutus?

The cost of living in Arbutus is approximately 8% higher than the national average (Payscale). Housing expenses in Arbutus are about 20% higher than the national average, while utility costs are 18% higher (Payscale). Transportation costs, however, are in line with the national average (Payscale).

Grocery prices in Arbutus are slightly above the national average, by about 2% (Payscale). Healthcare costs are notably lower, falling 6% below the national average (Payscale). These figures indicate that while housing and utilities contribute to a higher cost of living, other essential expenses are more in line with or below national figures.

What is the Job Market Like in Arbutus?

The average salary in Arbutus is approximately $48,760 annually, which equates to about $23.44 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Arbutus fall between $35,693 and $59,186 annually (ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying job categories include Part Time, Receptionist, and Full Time roles, though these specific titles may not reflect the highest earning potential across all occupations.

Major employers in the vicinity include the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), which offers employment in education, administration, and research. Southwest Airlines, with operations at nearby BWI Airport, also provides numerous job opportunities in customer service and operations (LivingInMaryland.com). The average salary for a full-time position in Arbutus is around $34,545 per year (ZipRecruiter).

What is the Climate in Arbutus?

Arbutus experiences a humid subtropical climate with no dry season (U.S. Climate Data). The average annual temperature is approximately 15.28ºC (59.5ºF), which is slightly higher than the U.S. average (U.S. Climate Data). The area receives about 51.46 millimeters (2.03 inches) of precipitation annually, with roughly 46.73 rainy days per year (U.S. Climate Data).

The warmest month in Arbutus is typically July, with an average high temperature of around 31.32ºC (88.38ºF) (U.S. Climate Data). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of -1.12ºC (29.98ºF) (U.S. Climate Data). Average annual snowfall is around 5 inches (Livability.com).

What Are the Schools Like in Arbutus?

Arbutus Elementary School serves students from Pre-K to 5th grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (Niche). According to state test scores, 33% of students are proficient in math and 48% are proficient in reading (Niche). The school is ranked among the top 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (Halethorpe, MD). Arbutus Elementary School has a diversity score that is slightly lower than the state average (Halethorpe, MD).

Arbutus Middle School serves grades 6-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (SchoolDigger). This school ranks within the bottom 50% of all middle schools in Maryland based on test scores (Halethorpe, MD). Math proficiency is at 10%, and reading proficiency is at 42% (Halethorpe, MD). The school has struggled with high chronic absenteeism rates in recent years (SchoolDigger).

What is the Demographics of Arbutus?

Arbutus is home to approximately 22,507 residents as of 2024 (Data Commons). The median age in Arbutus is 33.9 years (Data Commons). The population is composed of roughly 50.6% males and 49.4% females (Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Arbutus includes approximately 62.6% Caucasian, 13.5% African American, and 11.8% Asian residents (Point2Homes). About 84.7% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, with 10.2% being naturalized citizens (Point2Homes). The median household income in Arbutus was $99,090 in 2024 (Arbutus Demographics). Poverty affects 9.7% of families in Arbutus (Arbutus Demographics).

Housing Costs in Arbutus

The median home value in Arbutus is around $296,034 (Livability.com). Renters can expect to pay approximately $1,300 to $1,500 per month for a typical two-bedroom apartment (LivingInMaryland.com). The average rent for an apartment in Arbutus is $1,263, representing a 3.16% increase from the previous year (RentCafe).

For those seeking to rent a house, the average monthly cost can be around $2,300 (Rentometer). The majority of rental properties in Arbutus fall within the $1,001-$1,500 price range per month (RentCafe). Approximately 72% of households in Arbutus are owner-occupied, while 28% are renter-occupied (RentCafe).