Bowie, MD
Population 57,771 · Maryland
About Bowie, MD
Bowie is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 57,771 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $141,831 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bowie features a median home value of $442,000, which is 80% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bowie in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,240, 93% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,673 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (18,072 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (3,169 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bowie shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bowie have an average one-way commute time of 35.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Bowie residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bowie Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Bowie, MD
Compared to national averages, Bowie has a median household income of $141,831 (89% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $442,000, which is 80% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,240 is 93% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Bowie's income is 31% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 10% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Bowie, MD?
Bowie offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $141,831, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $442,000. However, as a mid-sized city, Bowie provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Bowie has a population of 57,771 with a median age of 44 years. Compare Bowie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Bowie
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bel Air South | 57,702 | $120,721 | $384,000 | Compare |
| Towson | 57,683 | $100,481 | $445,100 | Compare |
| Severn | 58,041 | $130,627 | $465,600 | Compare |
| Aspen Hill | 53,752 | $109,026 | $538,000 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 52,172 | $107,349 | $483,100 | Compare |
| Dundalk | 65,441 | $62,349 | $199,600 | Compare |
| North Bethesda | 49,498 | $128,970 | $712,100 | Compare |
| Rockville | 67,218 | $122,384 | $658,300 | 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 Bowie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowie
What is the population of Bowie, MD?
The population of Bowie, MD is 57,771 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 Bowie?
The median household income in Bowie, MD is $141,831 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bowie?
The median home value in Bowie, MD is $442,000, which is 80% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bowie?
The median monthly rent in Bowie, MD is $2,240, which is 93% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowie?
The unemployment rate in Bowie, MD is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bowie, MD a good place to live?
Bowie offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 57,771 and a median age of 44, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bowie, MD?
50.1% of residents in Bowie 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 Bowie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bowie, MD: median home value is $442,000 (80% above national), median rent is $2,240/month, and median household income is $141,831. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bowie?
The poverty rate in Bowie, MD is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bowie, MD?
Bowie's population is 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 55.8% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.