Baltimore, Maryland and Ramapo, New York are diverse and vibrant places to live and visit, each offering its unique charm. Baltimore is a larger city teeming with rich history, robust industries, and a renowned waterfront while Ramapo offers a more calming suburban living with high-quality education and a close community feeling. In comparing these two cities, multiple factors including crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, and more will be discussed.
Distance between
Baltimore, MD and
Ramapo, NY : 183.2 miles
Baltimore's population is larger by 355%. Its population has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) since 2000. The population of Ramapo has grown by 17,690 people (16.2%) during that time.
Baltimore has historically had higher crime rates than many places in the United States, particularly in the aspect of violent crime. However, the situation is improving with more focus on community policing. Overall, crime in Baltimore varies widely from neighborhood to neighborhood. On the other hand, Ramapo, a smaller and suburban area within Rockland County, experiences much lower crime rates, providing a considerably safer environment for both residents and tourists. It's important for people to stay informed and aware of their surroundings in any city.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Baltimore is generally less expensive than in Ramapo. Housing, groceries, health services, and utilities are relatively cheaper in Baltimore than in Ramapo. However, Ramapo's higher living costs typically provide access to top-rated schools, safer neighborhoods, and a range of professional opportunities within and near the city.
Income Tax
Both Baltimore and Ramapo have progressive income tax systems. Baltimore residents pay state-level income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75% based on income level, plus a fixed city income tax rate of 3.2%. In Ramapo, residents pay New York State income tax rates varying from 4% to 8.82%, with no additional municipal income tax.
Property Tax
Baltimore has a city property tax rate of 1.1%, in addition to Maryland's state property tax. Ramapo, as part of Rockland County, has a median property tax rate of 1.62%, higher than most U.S. counties due its proximity to NYC and the quality of local schools and services.
Sales Tax
Baltimore adopts Maryland's state-wide sales tax of 6%, with no extra city-level sales tax. Conversely, residents in Ramapo have to manage with a higher combined city and state sales tax which is roughly 8.4%, due to New York's state-level sales tax of 4% and Rockland County's sales tax of 4.4%.
Income
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Estimated median household income
$54,652
$87,980
Estimated per capita income
$35,091
$31,559
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.7
161
If you make $50,000 in Baltimore, you will have to make $76,159 in Ramapo to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Set on the Patapsco River's tidal arm, Baltimore offers majestic waterfront views and numerous marinas. In contrast, Ramapo is characterized by a pristine natural setting, featuring rolling hills and the stunning Ramapo Mountains.
Baltimore offers a wider variety of schooling options being a larger city, including esteemed colleges like Johns Hopkins University. However, public education has been a struggle. In comparison, Ramapo has excellent public schools and residents also have access to myriad top-rated colleges within nearby New York City. This makes Ramapo quite attractive to families regarding education.
Baltimore's economy is fueled by several industries, with health and education at the forefront, due to large employers such as Johns Hopkins University and Health System. It also has thriving tech and defense industries. Conversely, Ramapo, situated within commuting distance of NYC, boasts a variety of working opportunities in numerous sectors, including finance, tech, and media.
Biggest Employers
The Johns Hopkins University and Health System comprise the largest employers in Baltimore, whereas in Ramapo, the East Ramapo Central School District is the biggest employer, closely followed by Rockland County Government.
Building permits
Type
Average value
Count
City
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
1997
$100,200
$127,400
17
59
1998
$105,900
$127,600
64
74
1999
$104,300
$156,300
46
80
2000
$85,700
$168,900
219
48
2001
$91,000
$155,700
115
47
2002
$94,500
$234,300
181
27
2003
$73,500
$250,000
206
24
2004
$101,100
$389,300
433
21
2005
$117,100
$258,700
643
47
2006
$164,500
$214,100
332
116
2007
$152,300
$189,200
204
214
2008
$139,700
$187,300
153
174
2009
$111,800
$264,800
137
16
2010
$125,600
$465,200
118
14
2011
$131,000
$220,300
75
6
2012
$134,800
$236,600
164
4
2013
$144,400
$233,900
220
7
2014
$155,900
$241,000
241
18
2015
$141,600
$255,300
219
17
2016
$174,400
$253,100
267
19
2017
$177,200
$253,600
169
18
2018
$157,600
$253,500
99
17
2019
$167,400
$253,500
130
15
2020
$118,500
$253,500
101
14
2021
$137,300
$253,500
191
17
There were 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011) compared to 17 building permits issued in Ramapo in 2012 (11 more than in 2011).
In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Ramapo (Rockland County), 52.9% voted for Democrats and 46.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
2020
87.5%
50.7%
10.7%
48.9%
1.8%
0.4%
2016
84.8%
51.4%
10.5%
45.2%
4.6%
3.4%
2012
87.4%
52.9%
11.1%
46.2%
1.4%
0.9%
2008
87.6%
52.8%
11.7%
46.9%
0.6%
0.3%
2004
82.5%
49.0%
17.1%
49.7%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
82.9%
56.8%
14.2%
39.6%
2.9%
3.6%
1996
79.3%
56.2%
15.5%
36.0%
5.1%
7.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.0%
35.1%
8.2%
6.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.6%
0.7%
4.0%
3.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.4%
0.1%
2.2%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.4%
0.6%
7.3%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
4.3%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.6%
1.5%
1.5%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.5%
2.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.8%
0.3%
Weather
Baltimore tends to have a hotter and more humid climate, especially during the summer months, with mild, crisp falls and springs. Winter months can be quite cold, with moderate snowfall. Ramapo, on the other hand, has a nearly similar yearly climate pattern to Baltimore's but with slightly heavier snowfall during the winter months. Within comfortability ranges, both places offer a decent climate for different outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Temperature - Average
54.5°F
51.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.4%
67.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36%
28.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
84%
76.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.9 in
50.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
39.6 in
56.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
16.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.3%
60.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
47%
43.9%
Wind speed - Average
7.9 mph
9.4 mph
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Average climate in Ramapo, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
Baltimore
Ramapo
2018
89
99
0.23
0.29
11.8
16.7
28.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
7.9
6.1
0.1
0.6
2017
89
90
0.25
0.11
12.1
16.6
27.7
28.4
N/A
N/A
8.2
5.9
0.2
0.6
2016
102
92
0.26
0.26
13.0
17.3
28.3
29.2
N/A
N/A
7.7
6.3
0.3
0.8
2015
89
99
0.28
0.27
12.4
18.8
28.3
28.5
N/A
N/A
9.5
7.6
0.4
1.5
2014
82
90
0.25
0.34
11.8
19.1
25.7
28.1
N/A
N/A
10.9
7.0
0.6
1.7
2013
86
93
0.22
0.39
10.7
19.4
25.6
28.3
N/A
N/A
9.6
7.8
0.5
1.9
2012
98
95
0.24
0.44
11.3
19.0
25.0
28.3
N/A
N/A
11.2
7.6
0.5
3.2
2011
101
104
0.24
0.46
12.5
20.9
25.1
28.5
N/A
N/A
12.1
8.8
0.8
4.7
2010
110
102
0.24
0.44
13.1
18.4
26.9
30.8
N/A
N/A
12.2
8.2
1.0
2.6
2009
84
99
0.23
0.46
12.2
20.9
23.5
24.1
N/A
N/A
10.4
9.2
1.4
3.5
2008
96
99
0.25
0.45
13.6
22.0
21.6
23.5
N/A
N/A
12.8
11.3
1.8
4.2
2007
107
116
0.21
0.52
13.8
24.5
23.2
24.2
N/A
N/A
14.0
12.5
2.5
5.4
2006
112
93
N/A
0.51
12.0
22.2
24.6
23.4
N/A
N/A
14.7
N/A
N/A
5.7
2005
111
106
N/A
0.60
14.3
24.7
26.3
23.1
23.0
N/A
17.1
N/A
N/A
7.2
2004
108
92
N/A
0.59
15.3
23.5
28.0
21.8
23.1
N/A
16.3
N/A
N/A
7.0
2003
110
92
N/A
0.68
17.8
24.2
22.4
22.8
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
N/A
7.1
2002
119
112
N/A
0.65
17.4
24.2
19.4
24.7
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
5.8
6.9
2001
104
115
N/A
0.68
18.2
27.2
23.9
25.2
N/A
22.6
N/A
N/A
6.0
7.7
2000
101
101
N/A
0.69
17.0
29.9
22.4
22.4
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
6.3
7.6
Natural disasters
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
117.8%
65.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
40.6%
31.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
0%
23%
Transportation
Baltimore offers a range of public transportation options, including buses, light rail, and subway. It's also bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly in certain areas. Ramapo residents rely heavily on personal vehicles, although bus services are available with a commuter rail connection to NYC.
Transport
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
136
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Bicycle
0.4%
0.3%
Bus
6.2%
7.7%
Carpooled
7.3%
13.1%
Car alone
77.2%
67.4%
Railroad
0.3%
1.8%
Streetcar
1.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.7%
1.3%
Walked
4.5%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Average
32.3 min
33.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Baltimore presents a broad range, from high-end waterfront properties to affordable options in various neighborhoods. Conversely, Ramapo offers mostly detached single-family homes, reflecting its suburban character. Housing costs are generally higher in Ramapo due to its proximity to NYC and wealthier surrounding neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Baltimore neighborhoods range from historical areas like Fells Point to upscale ones like Harbor East. Each neighborhood exhibits a unique culture. Ramapo, on the other hand, offers a suburban environment where residents commonly know each other, enhancing the community feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
Houses
293,487
32,422
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.6
Houses occupied
254,370 (86.7%)
31,561 (97.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
123,249 (48.5%)
20,193 (64%)
Houses occupied by renters
131,121 (51.5%)
11,368 (36%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,254
$1,574
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$207,303
$706,132
Estimated median house or condo value
$193,100
$473,589
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
7.1
Renting percentage
52.3%
40.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,632.1
529.4
Household income disparities
49.4%
45.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,415 (2.8%)
4,126 (24.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,740 (6.6%)
35 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,578 (97.2%)
12,701 (75.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
579 (0.7%)
1,604 (9.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,544 (9.8%)
1,110 (6.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
6%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
12,671
2,937
State government workers
20,410
1,977
Unpaid family workers
356
127
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Baltimore include healthcare, education, and defense. Notably, cyber security and biotechnology sectors have seen significant growth. In comparison, Ramapo's economy centers around retail, healthcare, and education, reflecting its suburban characteristics.
Baltimore is a significant healthcare hub led by top-ranked facilities such as Johns Hopkins Hospital. Ramapo residents have access to quality healthcare, with many renowned medical centers within a short drive, including the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Baltimore city boasts a wide array of older architectural styles, contributing to its historical charm. The city is constantly working to update its infrastructure. On the other hand, Ramapo, primarily residential, focuses on maintaining the suburban infrastructure conducive to quality family living.
Infrastructure
Type
Baltimore
Ramapo
TV stations
19
27
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Culture and Food
Baltimore is known for its rich history and cultural diversity, reflected in an array of international cuisine, festivals, and art events. The city particularly celebrates its maritime heritage with local specialties like crab cakes. Ramapo, while smaller, has an intimate and diverse community feel with cultural events and a variety of restaurants serving global cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts in Baltimore can enjoy games from the Baltimore Ravens(NFL) and the Baltimore Orioles(MLB). Ramapo residents, while they don't have local professional teams, are within a convenient commute to enjoy numerous New York City-based professional teams including the NY Knicks(NBA), NY Giants(NFL), and NY Yankees(MLB).
Baltimore, MD
Ramapo, NY
Baltimore, MD and 
Ramapo, NY : 183.2 miles
