BALTIMORE, Md. — A new UMBC Poll finds that while most Maryland residents view the state positively for raising a family, accessing healthcare, and education, more than half have considered moving elsewhere in the next few years.
The poll, conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Institute of Politics, surveyed 803 adults from February 11-15, 2025. It found that 56% of Marylanders rated the state as an “excellent” or “good” place to raise a family, 54% approved of its healthcare access, and 50% said it provided a quality K-12 education. However, opinions were less favorable regarding economic opportunities—only 46% said the state was a good place to find a well-paying job, 36% viewed it as a good place to start a business, and just 30% saw it as a desirable place to retire.
The survey also revealed a strong political divide in residents’ willingness to leave. 53% of Marylanders have considered moving to another state, with the sentiment highest among Republicans (63%) and Independents (69%), compared to 39% of Democrats.
“A majority of residents say that Maryland is a great place to raise a family, access healthcare services, and get a quality K-12 education,” said Mileah Kromer, Director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. “At the same time, more than half of Marylanders also say they’ve considered moving to a different state.”
The poll’s margin of error is ±3.5 percentage points and was conducted through landline and cellular interviews.
The results highlight Maryland’s strengths in education and healthcare but underscore ongoing concerns over job opportunities, business climate, and affordability.
