Bel Air, MD
Population 10,616 · Maryland
About Bel Air, MD
Bel Air is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 10,616 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,912 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bel Air features a median home value of $297,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bel Air in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,526, 31% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,994 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (2,840 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,985 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bel Air shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bel Air have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.8% of Bel Air residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 12.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bel Air, MD
Compared to national averages, Bel Air has a median household income of $69,912 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $297,400, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,526 is 31% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Bel Air's income is 35% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 26% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Bel Air, MD?
Bel Air offers a well-educated community where 39.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,912) that falls below the national average. However, Bel Air’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bel Air has a population of 10,616 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Bel Air with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Bel Air
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linthicum | 10,545 | $122,424 | $368,800 | Compare |
| White Marsh | 10,480 | $123,302 | $370,100 | Compare |
| Fort Meade | 10,477 | $102,886 | $0 | Compare |
| La Plata | 10,470 | $121,707 | $405,200 | Compare |
| Garrison | 10,449 | $96,916 | $297,600 | Compare |
| Scaggsville | 10,441 | $183,125 | $629,800 | Compare |
| Forestville | 10,839 | $80,028 | $324,700 | Compare |
| Timonium | 10,880 | $130,732 | $478,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bel Air With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bel Air
What is the population of Bel Air, MD?
The population of Bel Air, MD is 10,616 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Bel Air?
The median household income in Bel Air, MD is $69,912 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bel Air?
The median home value in Bel Air, MD is $297,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bel Air?
The median monthly rent in Bel Air, MD is $1,526, which is 31% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bel Air?
The unemployment rate in Bel Air, MD is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bel Air, MD a good place to live?
Bel Air offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,616 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bel Air, MD?
39.8% of residents in Bel Air aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bel Air?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bel Air, MD: median home value is $297,400 (21% above national), median rent is $1,526/month, and median household income is $69,912. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bel Air?
The poverty rate in Bel Air, MD is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bel Air, MD?
Bel Air's population is 6.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 12.6% of residents are foreign-born.