In case you haven’t heard of it, Niche.com is a reliable online platform that prepares reputable rankings across a wide range of topics, from the best schools in America to the best neighborhoods to live in the country.
This year, Niche’s 2025 ranking for the best county to live in America evaluated a long list of factors, including cost of living, quality of local schooling systems, public health statistics, and more!
This year, it turns out that the very best county to live in America is none other than:
Howard County, Maryland!
How is Howard County the best county to live in America?
While those familiar with the regional hierarchy of counties around the DMV area might not be shocked to hear that a local county received the ranking of #1 county in the nation, just as many would likely be surprised by which one it was…
Despite its reputation for wealth and influence, Loudoun County of Northern Virginia ranked highly this year at #13 in the nation; the top spot belonged to Howard County.
At the state level, Howard County performed a ‘Clean Sweep’ of Niche’s three “Best County” categories:
- #1 in Best Counties for Families in Maryland
- #1 in Best Counties to Buy a House in Maryland
- #1 in Best Counties to Live in Maryland
According to the rankings, Howard County was selected as the best county to live in America as a result of its highest overall score:
- Overall Niche Grade – A+
- Public Schools – A+
- Housing – A-
- Good For Families – A+
- Jobs – A
- Cost of Living – C+
- Outdoor Activities – A-
- Crime & Safety – N/A
- Nightlife – A-
- Diversity – A
- Weather – B-
- Health & Fitness – A+
- Commute – C+
The ranking’s report card for Howard County was clear about some of the county’s drawbacks, including its largely remote nature, resulting in a longer commute for many residents, or its high cost of living (median rent was noted to be a little over $2K per month & the median home value was measured to be just over $575K).
Ultimately, Niche highlighted that the county’s variety of local shops, bars, parks, and restaurants, combined with its proximity to both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, made it the best county to live in the country.