What Is the Average Price of a Single-Family Home in Southern Maryland Right Now?

"What are houses actually going for in Southern Maryland these days?" It's one of the first things buyers want to know, and one of the first things sellers want confirmed before they decide whether to list. It's also one of those questions that sounds simple until you realize how much the answer varies depending on which county you're in, what type of home you're looking at, and even which zip code you're targeting.

So let's get specific.

In this post, I'm going to break down actual sold price data from the Southern Maryland housing market as of early 2026 — by county, by property type, and by key towns including Waldorf, La Plata, Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and Prince Frederick. I'll also walk through what drives price differences within the region, what your money actually gets you at different price points, and where things are headed. By the end, you'll have a clear, current picture of the Southern Maryland pricing landscape rather than a vague "it depends."

 The Short Answer: What Do Homes Cost in Southern Maryland in 2026?

The regional median sold price across Southern Maryland was $440,000 in February 2026, up 3.5% from a year ago. For single-family detached homes specifically — what most buyers picture when they say "a house" — prices run higher, typically in the $450,000–$550,000 range depending on county and location, with meaningful variation above and below that band based on size, age, condition, and proximity to employment centers.

If you're budgeting for a single-family home in the tri-county area, the most practical planning range for a move-in-ready detached house in 2026 is roughly $400,000 to $600,000, with outliers on both ends depending on what you're looking for. Attached homes, townhouses, and condominiums start considerably lower — often in the $300,000s — and represent a meaningful portion of what's actively selling in higher-volume markets like Waldorf and La Plata.

 Southern Maryland Home Prices by County: February 2026 Data

 Charles County

Charles County is the highest-volume housing market in Southern Maryland and offers the widest range of price points across property types.

- Overall average sold price (Jan–Feb 2026): $461,534

- Detached single-family homes average: $510,173

- Attached homes (townhouses/condos) average: $368,978

- Median sold price (February 2026): $439,990, up 2.3% year-over-year

- Average home value (Zillow, early 2026): $451,896, up 1.1% year-over-year

- Median days to pending: approximately 27–49 days depending on the data source and price range

Charles County's detached home average of $510,173 reflects a mix of larger single-family homes in established neighborhoods and newer construction in communities around Waldorf, White Plains, and La Plata. For buyers, this county offers the most variety: starter townhomes in the $300,000s up through larger four- and five-bedroom homes in the $600,000s and above.

 Calvert County

Calvert County has historically priced between Charles and St. Mary's, with strong water-access and bay-community appeal that pushes certain pockets above regional averages.

- Median sold price (February 2026): $427,642, down 2.8% year-over-year

- Months of supply: 1.96 months — the tightest of the three counties

- Median days on market: 21 days in February 2026 — the fastest in the region

Calvert's slight year-over-year price softening is largely a reflection of increased inventory (up 44% year-over-year) rather than declining demand. The county's supply of available homes remains the tightest of the three counties despite the increase, and the 21-day median days on market suggests that well-priced homes are still moving briskly once listed.

Single-family detached homes in Prince Frederick, Lusby, and Dunkirk typically run in the $400,000–$550,000 range, while waterfront and water-access communities can command premiums that push prices considerably higher.

 St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County is currently the strongest appreciating submarket in the region, with the county's median sold price recently surpassing Calvert County's — something that hasn't always been the case historically.

- Median sold price (February 2026): approximately $452,000, up roughly 13% year-over-year

- Median sold price, Lexington Park area (20650 zip): approximately $519,000–$552,000 depending on the data source and time frame

- Price per square foot, Lexington Park area: approximately $207/sq ft, up 15% year-over-year

- Median sold price (overall Southern MD region, Feb 2026): $440,000

The strong appreciation in St. Mary's is driven by consistent demand tied to NAS Patuxent River and the surrounding defense and aerospace contractor employment base. The county offers a mix of smaller rural homes at lower price points, established subdivisions in the $400,000–$550,000 range, and waterfront properties that can climb significantly higher.

 What Home Prices Look Like in Key Southern Maryland Towns

 Waldorf, Charles County

Waldorf is the most active single market in Southern Maryland by transaction volume and home to a broad spectrum of price points.

- Median sale price (February 2026): $424,000, up 0.4% year-over-year

- Median price per square foot: approximately $200/sq ft

- Average days on market: 78 days

- Average offers per home: approximately 2

The $424,000 median reflects Waldorf's mix of townhomes and single-family detached homes at a wide range of sizes and ages. Detached single-family homes in Waldorf commonly range from the low $400,000s for older or smaller properties to the mid-$500,000s for larger, updated homes in newer subdivisions. The longer average days on market (78 days) compared to the county average reflects Waldorf's higher inventory levels and buyer optionality in this specific market.

 La Plata, Charles County

La Plata is Charles County's county seat and tends to attract buyers looking for a more established small-town character with access to county services, shops, and major commute routes.

- Average home value (early 2026): approximately $485,597, up 1.7% year-over-year

- Median list price: approximately $499,833

- Median days to pending: approximately 35 days

La Plata prices run slightly above Waldorf on average, reflecting the area's appeal and its mix of larger single-family homes. A buyer with a $500,000 budget in La Plata is typically shopping in a range of three- to four-bedroom detached homes with yard space — a meaningful value proposition compared to comparable homes closer to D.C.

 Leonardtown, St. Mary's County

Leonardtown is the county seat of St. Mary's County and sits near some of the county's most desirable residential communities, with proximity to both NAS Patuxent River and the town's walkable historic core.

- Median home sale price (March 2026): approximately $580,000

- Median days on market for listed homes: up roughly 25% year-over-year

Leonardtown prices are running notably above the St. Mary's County median, reflecting the premium attached to this specific location. A $580,000 median reflects a mix of larger established homes, newer construction, and homes in communities that benefit from proximity to employment and lifestyle amenities. Buyers targeting Leonardtown specifically should plan at a higher price point than the county average suggests.

 Lexington Park, St. Mary's County

Lexington Park is the largest community in St. Mary's County and sits immediately adjacent to NAS Patuxent River, making it a primary target for military buyers, defense contractors, and buyers who want to minimize commute time to the base.

- Median sale price, 20650 zip (February 2026): approximately $519,000

- Price per square foot: approximately $207/sq ft, up 15% year-over-year

- Average days on market: approximately 55–64 days

The Lexington Park area is appreciating faster than any other specific market tracked in Southern Maryland on a percentage basis right now, driven almost entirely by employment demand from the base and surrounding contractor facilities. Buyers in this area are often competing with incoming military families and defense professionals, which keeps demand steady regardless of broader market conditions.

 Prince Frederick, Calvert County

Prince Frederick serves as the commercial hub of Calvert County and is the most practical location for buyers who want access to county services, Route 4 commuting, and the character of Calvert's waterfront communities.

- Price range for single-family detached homes: typically $380,000–$520,000 for most of the market, with waterfront and newer construction pushing higher

- County median (February 2026): $427,642

Prince Frederick sits within the broader Calvert County median, and buyers here often find more home for the money than in comparable communities in Charles County or Northern Virginia. The trade-off is commute distance — Route 4 to D.C. or Andrews AFB is manageable but real, and it's a factor worth calculating honestly into your total cost of living.

 What Affects Home Prices Within Southern Maryland

Prices across Southern Maryland don't just vary by county — they vary based on several practical factors that show up consistently in what buyers pay:

 Property Type

The gap between detached and attached homes is significant and consistent. In Charles County, the spread between detached ($510,173 average) and attached ($368,978 average) is roughly $141,000 — a meaningful difference that gives buyers flexibility depending on their priorities.

 Proximity to Major Employment Centers

Homes near NAS Patuxent River in St. Mary's, Andrews AFB in Charles County, and the Route 301/Route 5 corridors generally command a premium relative to properties that are more isolated. Commute friction has a real dollar value that shows up in comparable sales data.

 Age and Condition

A 1980s home in original condition and a recently renovated home of similar size in the same neighborhood can easily differ by $50,000–$100,000 in Southern Maryland. Buyers often underestimate how much condition affects comparable sales used in pricing and appraisals.

 Lot Size and Water Access

Water access — whether bay frontage in Calvert, creek access in St. Mary's, or even water views — consistently adds premium pricing. Larger lots in areas where land is constrained (particularly in Calvert County) also carry measurable value above standard subdivision lots.

 New Construction vs. Existing Homes

New construction in Southern Maryland typically runs above the existing home median, often in the $500,000–$650,000 range for standard single-family builds depending on the builder and community. Buyers willing to accept some negotiation on finishes or lot choice can sometimes find value in new construction, but "base price" vs. "total price with options" is a distinction worth understanding before committing.

 Common Misconceptions About Southern Maryland Home Prices

1. "The county median price is what I'll pay for a house."

The median sold price includes all property types — townhomes, condos, attached homes, and detached single-family houses. If you're specifically looking for a detached single-family home in Charles County, the relevant number is the $510,173 detached average, not the $440,000 regional median. Understanding which data applies to your specific search is the difference between budgeting correctly and being caught off guard.

2. "Waldorf is always cheaper than La Plata or Leonardtown."

This was more reliably true a few years ago. In 2026, Waldorf's median sits around $424,000, while La Plata is averaging closer to $485,000–$500,000 and Leonardtown is around $580,000. For some property types and price ranges, the markets have converged or flipped relative to older assumptions. Always check current comparable sales in your specific target area rather than relying on neighborhood reputations that may be several years out of date.

3. "Prices are roughly the same throughout each county."

Within each county, prices can vary by $100,000 or more depending on the specific community, proximity to employment, lot size, and home condition. A home in a waterfront community in Calvert County might be $200,000 above what a comparable interior lot home sells for in the same county. County medians are a starting point, not a price guarantee for any specific neighborhood.

4. "A lower price per square foot always means better value."

Price per square foot is a useful rough comparison, but it doesn't account for lot size, condition, age, mechanicals, or location. A $190/sq ft home that needs a new roof, HVAC, and kitchen update may deliver far less value than a $215/sq ft home that's fully updated and turnkey. In Southern Maryland's range of housing ages and conditions, price per square foot is a starting reference, not a final judgment.

5. "List price is what homes actually sell for."

In the current market, roughly 31% of Maryland homes are selling above list price — meaning the majority are selling at or below. In Southern Maryland specifically, overpriced listings are sitting considerably longer and often ultimately selling below initial list price after reductions. The sold price — not the list price — is what actually tells you what the market is doing. That data comes from MLS comparable sales, which is exactly what a good agent pulls for you before you make an offer or set a listing price.

 People Also Ask: Southern Maryland Home Price FAQs

 What is the average home price in Charles County, Maryland in 2026?

The average sold price across all property types in Charles County was $461,534 for January through February 2026. Single-family detached homes averaged $510,173, while attached homes (townhouses and condos) averaged $368,978. The county median sold price in February 2026 was $439,990, up 2.3% from a year ago.

 How much does a house cost in Waldorf, MD right now?

The median sale price in Waldorf was $424,000 in February 2026, up 0.4% from a year ago. Waldorf homes averaged 78 days on market and received approximately 2 offers on average — a more measured pace than in recent years. The median price per square foot was approximately $200. Waldorf's diverse mix of townhomes and single-family detached homes means buyers can find options ranging from the low $300,000s to the mid-$500,000s depending on property type and size.

 What is the average home price in St. Mary's County in 2026?

St. Mary's County's median sold price was approximately $452,000 in February 2026, up roughly 13% year-over-year — the strongest appreciation of the three Southern Maryland counties. The Lexington Park area (zip code 20650) has seen median prices in the $519,000–$552,000 range, driven by sustained demand from NAS Patuxent River employment. Leonardtown, the county seat, is tracking around $580,000 at the median.

 How much does a house cost in Calvert County, Maryland?

Calvert County's median sold price was $427,642 in February 2026, down approximately 2.8% from a year ago following a meaningful increase in available inventory. Single-family homes in Prince Frederick, Dunkirk, and Lusby typically range from the high $300,000s to the mid-$500,000s, with waterfront and water-access communities pushing premiums above that range. Calvert currently has the fastest average days to pending of the three counties at approximately 21 days, suggesting well-priced homes move quickly despite softer median pricing.

 Are home prices higher in St. Mary's or Charles County?

As of early 2026, St. Mary's County is running a higher median sold price ($452,000) than Charles County's overall median ($439,990), driven largely by strong appreciation near NAS Patuxent River. However, Charles County's detached single-family home average ($510,173) reflects larger homes that can push above St. Mary's County medians for comparable property types. The most meaningful comparison is always property-type-specific within your target area, not county-wide averages in isolation.

 What's the most affordable place to buy a home in Southern Maryland?

In terms of median price points, parts of northern Charles County near Waldorf offer some of the most accessible entry points in the region, with townhomes in the high $200,000s to mid-$300,000s representing the lower end of the ownership spectrum. Portions of St. Mary's County further from the base also offer older single-family homes at below-median prices. The right answer depends on your commute requirements, property type preferences, and what you're willing to trade off in terms of home age and condition.

 Is it cheaper to buy a new construction home or an existing home in Southern Maryland?

New construction in Southern Maryland typically carries a premium over comparable existing homes — often starting in the $500,000s for standard single-family builds depending on the builder and community, versus the $400,000s for comparable existing homes. However, new construction offers advantages including builder warranties, modern energy efficiency, and the ability to customize finishes. Existing homes often offer more established neighborhoods, larger lots, and more mature landscaping, sometimes at meaningfully lower prices. The value calculation depends heavily on your priorities and how you weight the trade-offs.

 Want to Know Exactly What Your Budget Buys in Southern Maryland?

The numbers in this post give you a solid starting framework. But what your specific budget actually gets you — in terms of square footage, bedrooms, lot size, condition, and neighborhood — depends on far more variables than a county median can capture.

That's where having someone who tracks this market daily makes a real difference. I work with buyers and sellers across St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles County every week, and I'm licensed in both Maryland and Virginia. Whether you're trying to figure out what $450,000 buys in Waldorf versus what it buys in Prince Frederick, or you want a realistic picture of what your current home would sell for in this market, that's exactly the kind of conversation I'm set up to have.

Reach out and let's look at real comparable sales in your target area — no pressure, just clarity on what the market is actually doing where it matters most to you.

*Pricing data referenced in this post reflects Southern Maryland housing market activity through February–March 2026 and is drawn from regional MLS sold data, Maryland Association of Realtors reports, Zillow Home Value Index, and Redfin market data by city and zip code.