Johns Hopkins Survey Reveals Affordability Woes Across Baltimore

Around a third of residents struggle with medical expenses and utility bills, while 20% face food insecurity.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A new survey from Johns Hopkins University has shed light on the extent of affordability challenges facing residents across Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The poll found that around a third of people said they found it somewhat or very difficult to cover medical expenses in the last year, and roughly the same percentage were late to pay a utility bill at least once over the same timeframe. Additionally, about 20% of respondents reported being food insecure in the last 12 months.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight the significant financial pressures many Baltimore residents are facing, with concerns over housing costs, transportation, and access to basic necessities like food and utilities. These affordability issues can have wide-ranging impacts on individual and community wellbeing, underscoring the need for policymakers to address the root causes of these challenges.

The details

The survey, which polled residents in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, found that around 75% of city residents said they're concerned about future housing costs, compared to closer to 50% of Baltimore County residents. In terms of transportation, about 15% of those polled across both jurisdictions said they would classify themselves as highly transportation insecure, with 40% of Baltimore City residents reporting high transportation insecurity compared to 20% in the county.

  • The survey was conducted in 2026.

The players

Johns Hopkins University

A private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, known for its excellence in fields like medicine, public health, and social sciences.

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The takeaway

The Johns Hopkins survey paints a sobering picture of the affordability challenges facing many Baltimore residents, with significant portions struggling to cover basic expenses like medical care, utilities, and food. These findings underscore the need for policymakers and community leaders to develop comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of these issues and improve the financial security of Baltimore's residents.