These Are MD's Best Counties To Live In: See The List

MARYLAND — Maryland has 23 counties, and a recent ranking by Niche has revealed which ones are the best to live in.

Niche, which provides information and rankings on schools and places to live, determined the best counties in each state by analyzing public schools, cost of living, job opportunities and local amenities.

Rankings were compiled using county data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other sources.

Howard County is considered the best county in Maryland, according to Niche. It's also the No. 1 county on the publication's list of best counties to live in America.

Howard County is home to 333,916 people and is continually ranked among the most affluent, advanced and educated communities in the United States, according to the county's website. Located in the heart of central Maryland, the county is close to 50 federal agencies, universities and Fortune 500 companies.

Howard County received an overall A+ grade from Niche. It also received A+ marks for public schools and being good for families. The county's lowest grade was an A- for housing and nightlife.

Coming in at No. 2 was Montgomery County. Home to more than 1 million people, the county is located next to the nation's capital and "seamlessly blends the energy of urban living with the tranquility of suburban life," according to the Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County.

Montgomery County received an overall A+ grade from Niche. It also received A+ marks for public schools and being good for families. The county's lowest grade was a B for housing and jobs.

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Finally, Frederick County came in at No. 3 on Niche's list. Home to more than 280,000 people, Frederick County is located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Residents can enjoy mountain views and "vibrant Main Street communities," according to the Tourism Council of Frederick County.

Frederick County received an overall A+ grade from Niche. It also received an A+ mark for being good for families. The county's lowest grade was a B+ for housing, jobs and diversity.

Here is Niche's full ranking and each county's overall grade:

1. Howard County: A+
2. Montgomery County: A+
3. Frederick County: A+
4. Anne Arundel County: A+
5. Baltimore County: A
6. Harford County: A
7. Calvert County: A
8. Worcester County: A
9. St. Mary's County: A-
10. Carroll County: A-
11. Talbot County: A-
12. Queen Anne's County: A-
13. Charles County: B+
14. Wicomico County: B+
15. Washington County: B+
16. Kent County: B+
17. Prince George's County: B
18. Allegany County: B
19. Garrett County: B-
20. Cecil County: B-
21. Somerset County: C+
22. Dorchester County: C+

Learn more about each county's ranking on Niche's website.