Chillum, MD
Population 35,163 · Maryland
About Chillum, MD
Chillum is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 35,163 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,513 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chillum features a median home value of $383,900, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chillum in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,733, 49% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,910 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (4,446 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (6,787 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chillum shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chillum have an average one-way commute time of 35.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Chillum 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 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 44.1% Asian residents, with 50.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chillum Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Chillum, MD
Compared to national averages, Chillum has a median household income of $78,513 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $383,900, which is 57% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,733 is 49% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Chillum's income is 27% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 5% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Chillum, MD?
Chillum offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,513, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $383,900. However, Chillum’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chillum has a population of 35,163 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Chillum with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Chillum
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owings Mills | 35,626 | $94,046 | $335,000 | Compare |
| College Park | 34,397 | $74,867 | $429,000 | Compare |
| Randallstown | 35,975 | $88,544 | $306,000 | Compare |
| Olney | 36,000 | $171,766 | $632,400 | Compare |
| Pikesville | 34,253 | $97,218 | $404,100 | Compare |
| Montgomery Village | 34,161 | $96,487 | $367,100 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 33,080 | $56,402 | $217,500 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 32,717 | $119,393 | $406,900 | 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 Chillum With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chillum
What is the population of Chillum, MD?
The population of Chillum, MD is 35,163 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 Chillum?
The median household income in Chillum, MD is $78,513 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chillum?
The median home value in Chillum, MD is $383,900, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chillum?
The median monthly rent in Chillum, MD is $1,733, which is 49% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chillum?
The unemployment rate in Chillum, MD is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chillum, MD a good place to live?
Chillum offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,163 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chillum, MD?
23.7% of residents in Chillum aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chillum?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chillum, MD: median home value is $383,900 (57% above national), median rent is $1,733/month, and median household income is $78,513. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chillum?
The poverty rate in Chillum, MD is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chillum, MD?
Chillum's population is 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 44.1% Asian, and 42.5% two or more races. 50.3% of residents are foreign-born.