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Bel Air South, Maryland

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

56
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
55.9
Quality Score
How this 56/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 55 / 100 55.0 30% 16.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 117.0 22.5 25% 5.6
Economy & jobs Median household income: $123,653 Income needed to live here: $65,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% 91.3 20% 18.3
Growth Population growth rate: 1.3% Job growth rate: 1.5% 53.8 15% 8.1
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 55.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=83), last refreshed 8 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Bel Air South

Featured local businesses in Bel Air South.

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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.

Questions about Bel Air South

What people ask about living in and moving to Bel Air South, Maryland.

What are the main employment sectors in Bel Air South? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Bel Air South is part of a larger county that hosts a mix of employment sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. The presence of hospitals, clinics, and related medical facilities provides a range of jobs for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the area’s proximity to larger urban centers expands options in government, manufacturing, and technology. To explore openings, consult...

How are the public schools rated in Bel Air South? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools serving Bel Air South are administered by the county school system, which provides performance data through state education reports and the district’s website. While specific ratings can vary by school, the district generally offers a range of elementary, middle, and high schools with standard curricula, extracurricular activities, and support services. Prospective families should review the state’s sc...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Bel Air South? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Bel Air South, you’ll need to arrange for electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, and waste collection, which are typically provided by regional utility companies. Internet and cable services are offered by several providers that cover the area; you can compare plans and speeds on their websites or through a local consumer guide. To avoid service gaps, contact each utility at least two weeks before...

What recreational activities are popular in Bel Air South? Things to Do 1 answer

Bel Air South offers a variety of outdoor and community activities. The region features parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields that are free to the public. Seasonal events such as farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts, and community festivals are often organized by the city or local civic groups. For indoor options, the county’s recreation department runs programs at community centers, including swimm...

How does the average salary in Bel Air South compare to the cost of living? General 1 answer

The average annual salary in Bel Air South is $62,200, while the cost‑of‑living index stands at 117, indicating that overall expenses are about 17 % higher than the national average. When you compare the average income to the higher cost level, the purchasing power is roughly in line with many suburban areas, but housing costs—reflected in the $2,187 average rent—represent a significant portion of a typical budget. T...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Bel Air South? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Bel Air South is about $2,187 per month, which reflects the overall market for apartments of various sizes. A one‑bedroom unit will usually fall near this average, though exact prices can vary depending on factors such as exact location, age of the building, and included amenities. To get a current sense of availability and pricing, check online rental listings, contact local property management c...

How does the cost of living in Bel Air South compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Bel Air South’s cost‑of‑living index is 117, meaning expenses are about 17 % higher than the national average (which is indexed at 100). This higher figure reflects housing, groceries, transportation, and other everyday costs. While the average salary in the area is $62,200 per year, you may find that housing and related expenses take up a larger share of your budget than in lower‑cost regions. It’s a good idea to us...

Is Bel Air South considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Bel Air South has a safety score of 55.0 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety relative to other U.S. communities. This score suggests that while the area is not among the highest‑ranking safe locales, it also does not have extreme crime levels. For a clearer picture, you can review crime statistics published by the county sheriff’s office or state police, which often break down incidents by type and neig...

What public transportation options are available in Bel Air South? Getting Around 1 answer

Bel Air South is served by the county’s public transit authority, which operates bus routes connecting residential areas with commercial districts, schools, and nearby transit hubs. While service frequency may be lower than in larger cities, the system typically offers weekday routes during peak commuting hours and limited weekend service. For longer trips, regional rail or intercity bus services can be accessed from...

Where can I find primary care doctors and hospitals near Bel Air South? Healthcare 1 answer

The area around Bel Air South includes several healthcare facilities, ranging from primary‑care clinics to full‑service hospitals. The county’s health department website lists licensed physicians, urgent‑care centers, and hospital locations, along with contact information and patient reviews. For a family doctor, you can search the state medical board’s online directory, which allows filtering by specialty and distan...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Bel Air South? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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