What are the best cities for a franchise in Maryland?

The top-rated areas for franchises in Maryland are ZIP 20742 (score: 100/100), ZIP 20872 (score: 100/100), ZIP 20878 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing business competition.

What makes a good franchise location?

A strong franchise location combines high foot traffic (walkability), solid median income (customer spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does Maryland compare to other states for franchises?

Maryland averages 100/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Franchise Costs in Maryland

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Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and franchise businesses competition.

The top markets here average $156,059 in household income. ZIP 20742 leads at 100, zero existing franchise businesses.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income
#1	ZIP 20742 Pop. 4.3 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—
#2	ZIP 20872 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$132,804
#3	ZIP 20878 Pop. 65 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$142,062
#4	ZIP 20882 Pop. 14 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$186,964
#5	ZIP 20895 Pop. 19 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$169,527
#6	ZIP 20901 Pop. 37 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$127,133
#7	ZIP 20905 Pop. 18 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$155,023
#8	ZIP 21012 Pop. 22 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$137,544
#9	ZIP 21013 Pop. 6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$170,333
#10	ZIP 21015 Pop. 30 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$137,219
#11	ZIP 21029 Pop. 14 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$250,001
#12	ZIP 21032 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$175,234
#13	ZIP 21035 Pop. 7.8 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$176,597
#14	ZIP 21037 Pop. 21 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$135,541
#15	ZIP 21042 Pop. 43 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$190,504
#16	ZIP 21043 Pop. 47 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$141,846
#17	ZIP 21044 Pop. 45 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$132,924
#18	ZIP 21046 Pop. 15 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$126,549
#19	ZIP 21047 Pop. 14 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$154,524
#20	ZIP 21048 Pop. 10 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,801

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across Maryland, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $156,059 in household income. The common thread: franchise demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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