Damascus, MD
Population 16,864 · Maryland
About Damascus, MD
Damascus is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 16,864 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $153,994 per year, which is 105% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Damascus features a median home value of $496,500, which is 103% above the national median of $244,900. This places Damascus in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,665, 43% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,010 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (5,345 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (491 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Damascus shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Damascus have an average one-way commute time of 37.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
50.4% of Damascus 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 1.8% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 12.5% Asian residents, with 15.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Damascus, MD
Compared to national averages, Damascus has a median household income of $153,994 (105% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $496,500, which is 103% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,665 is 43% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Damascus's income is 43% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 23% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Damascus, MD?
Damascus offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $153,994, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 50.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $496,500. However, Damascus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Damascus has a population of 16,864 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Damascus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Damascus
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 16,831 | $76,019 | $239,000 | Compare |
| Cloverly | 16,726 | $146,316 | $652,200 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 17,076 | $92,391 | $325,400 | Compare |
| Glenmont | 16,529 | $115,058 | $542,300 | Compare |
| Easton | 17,202 | $73,460 | $348,400 | Compare |
| Adelphi | 17,210 | $80,833 | $401,700 | Compare |
| White Oak | 16,458 | $80,118 | $520,200 | Compare |
| Takoma Park | 17,522 | $97,872 | $721,500 | 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 Damascus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Damascus
What is the population of Damascus, MD?
The population of Damascus, MD is 16,864 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 Damascus?
The median household income in Damascus, MD is $153,994 per year, which is 105% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Damascus?
The median home value in Damascus, MD is $496,500, which is 103% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Damascus?
The median monthly rent in Damascus, MD is $1,665, which is 43% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Damascus?
The unemployment rate in Damascus, MD is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Damascus, MD a good place to live?
Damascus offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,864 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Damascus, MD?
50.4% of residents in Damascus 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 Damascus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Damascus, MD: median home value is $496,500 (103% above national), median rent is $1,665/month, and median household income is $153,994. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Damascus?
The poverty rate in Damascus, MD is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Damascus, MD?
Damascus's population is 1.8% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 12.5% Asian, and 10.9% two or more races. 15.6% of residents are foreign-born.