Fairplay, MD Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Fairplay, MD Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$270/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Fairplay
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Fairplay
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Fairplay
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Fairplay?

Moving to Fairplay? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Potomac Edison
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Washington County Water and Sewer Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Washington County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$270/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Fairplay is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years, but remain relatively affordable compared to other areas in the region. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in terms of options.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Maryland has a progressive state income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Residents of Fairplay are also subject to federal income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, public safety, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Fairplay has limited public transportation options, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, making it accessible for strollers and families.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Hagerstown City Park
  • 🎯
    Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
  • 🎯
    Antietam National Battlefield

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Fairplay has several family-friendly neighborhoods, including the historic district and surrounding rural areas. These neighborhoods offer a mix of older and newer homes, and are generally considered safe and welcoming.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Fairplay based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Washington County has zoning regulations in place to preserve the rural character of the area, and there may be restrictions on certain types of businesses or developments.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Fairplay — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Fairplay tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a slight decrease in utility costs, with average electric bills decreasing by 10-15% from June to August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 21733 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes. However, residents may be subject to additional taxes or fees depending on their specific location and property type.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Fairplay has some sidewalks and park access, but the area is not highly developed for stroller-friendly infrastructure, and elevator access in transit is limited.

📰 Latest MD Stories
Maryland Living Report — July 27, 2026

Maryland Living Report — July 27, 2026

Maryland presents a study in contrasts, a state where the urban energy of the Baltimore-Washington corridor quickly gives...

Read more →
Maryland Living Report — July 26, 2026

Maryland Living Report — July 26, 2026

With a population of just over 6.1 million, Maryland offers a lifestyle that straddles the line between Mid-Atlantic...

Read more →
Maryland Living Report — July 25, 2026

Maryland Living Report — July 25, 2026

With a population of just over 6.1 million and a median age of 39.1, Maryland strikes a balance...

Read more →
Maryland Living Report — July 24, 2026

Maryland Living Report — July 24, 2026

Maryland often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, but for those considering a relocation, the state offers a...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.