Closing costs are a crucial aspect of buying a home. In its sixth annual study, financial technology company SmartAsset shows where closing costs are lowest by measuring closing costs as a percentage of median home value at the county level.

Here is a breakdown of some of the top-ranking Baltimore area counties:

- Carroll County (#2 in Maryland, Closing Costs Index 67.76)

- Howard County (#8 in Maryland, Closing Costs Index 59.93)

Additional information on the study, including the full methodology, results and interactive map can be found here

For a more detailed look at the top counties in Maryland, check out the table and infographic below: