Ellicott City, MD
Population 73,737 · Maryland
About Ellicott City, MD
Ellicott City is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 73,737 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $157,891 per year, which is 110% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Ellicott City features a median home value of $644,300, which is 163% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ellicott City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,001, 72% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,510 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (19,313 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (7,265 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ellicott City shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ellicott City have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.6% of Ellicott City 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 1.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 26.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ellicott City Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD
Compared to national averages, Ellicott City has a median household income of $157,891 (110% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $644,300, which is 163% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,001 is 72% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Ellicott City's income is 46% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 60% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Ellicott City, MD?
Ellicott City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $157,891, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 69.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $644,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Ellicott City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Ellicott City has a population of 73,737 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Ellicott City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Ellicott City
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Burnie | 72,772 | $88,291 | $329,200 | Compare |
| Gaithersburg | 69,225 | $107,496 | $484,500 | Compare |
| Bethesda | 67,403 | $191,348 | $1,129,700 | Compare |
| Rockville | 67,218 | $122,384 | $658,300 | Compare |
| Frederick | 80,617 | $95,150 | $365,200 | Compare |
| Dundalk | 65,441 | $62,349 | $199,600 | Compare |
| Silver Spring | 82,129 | $98,880 | $619,400 | Compare |
| Waldorf | 82,541 | $115,453 | $383,100 | 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 Ellicott City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellicott City
What is the population of Ellicott City, MD?
The population of Ellicott City, MD is 73,737 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 Ellicott City?
The median household income in Ellicott City, MD is $157,891 per year, which is 110% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ellicott City?
The median home value in Ellicott City, MD is $644,300, which is 163% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ellicott City?
The median monthly rent in Ellicott City, MD is $2,001, which is 72% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ellicott City?
The unemployment rate in Ellicott City, MD is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ellicott City, MD a good place to live?
Ellicott City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 73,737 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ellicott City, MD?
69.6% of residents in Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ellicott City, MD: median home value is $644,300 (163% above national), median rent is $2,001/month, and median household income is $157,891. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ellicott City?
The poverty rate in Ellicott City, MD is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ellicott City, MD?
Ellicott City's population is 1.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 7.9% two or more races. 26.8% of residents are foreign-born.