Fort Meade, MD
Population 10,477 · Maryland
About Fort Meade, MD
Fort Meade is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 10,477 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $102,886 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Meade features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Meade one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,380, 105% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,536 total housing units, 1% are owner-occupied (25 units) and 99% are renter-occupied (3,068 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 Fort Meade shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Meade have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
47.1% of Fort Meade 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 7.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Meade, MD
Compared to national averages, Fort Meade has a median household income of $102,886 (37% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,380 is 105% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Fort Meade's income is 5% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 100% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Fort Meade, MD?
Fort Meade offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $102,886, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Fort Meade has a population of 10,477 with a median age of 27.2 years. Compare Fort Meade with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Fort Meade
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Marsh | 10,480 | $123,302 | $370,100 | 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 |
| Linthicum | 10,545 | $122,424 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Bel Air | 10,616 | $69,912 | $297,400 | Compare |
| Marlton | 10,223 | $119,486 | $398,900 | Compare |
| Forestville | 10,839 | $80,028 | $324,700 | 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 Fort Meade With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Meade
What is the population of Fort Meade, MD?
The population of Fort Meade, MD is 10,477 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 Fort Meade?
The median household income in Fort Meade, MD is $102,886 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Meade?
The median home value in Fort Meade, MD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Meade?
The median monthly rent in Fort Meade, MD is $2,380, which is 105% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Meade?
The unemployment rate in Fort Meade, MD is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Meade, MD a good place to live?
Fort Meade offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,477 and a median age of 27.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Meade, MD?
47.1% of residents in Fort Meade 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 Fort Meade?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Meade, MD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,380/month, and median household income is $102,886. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Meade?
The poverty rate in Fort Meade, MD is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Meade, MD?
Fort Meade's population is 7.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 24.1% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.