Potomac, MD
Population 46,230 · Maryland
About Potomac, MD
Potomac is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 46,230 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $239,205 per year, which is 218% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Potomac features a median home value of $1,105,900, which is 352% above the national median of $244,900. This places Potomac in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,616, 125% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,843 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (13,851 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (2,429 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Potomac shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Potomac have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
84.5% of Potomac 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 1.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 7.1% Asian residents, with 29.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Potomac Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Potomac, MD
Compared to national averages, Potomac has a median household income of $239,205 (218% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,105,900, which is 352% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,616 is 125% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Potomac's income is 122% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 175% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Potomac, MD?
Potomac offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $239,205, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 84.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,105,900. However, Potomac’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Potomac has a population of 46,230 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Potomac with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Potomac
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odenton | 45,585 | $126,455 | $408,400 | Compare |
| Hagerstown | 43,490 | $49,957 | $207,700 | Compare |
| North Bethesda | 49,498 | $128,970 | $712,100 | Compare |
| Catonsville | 42,717 | $110,051 | $405,800 | Compare |
| Annapolis | 40,744 | $104,257 | $510,200 | Compare |
| Essex | 40,670 | $67,082 | $253,500 | Compare |
| Woodlawn CDP (Baltimore County), Maryland | 40,476 | $78,591 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 52,172 | $107,349 | $483,100 | 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 Potomac With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Potomac
What is the population of Potomac, MD?
The population of Potomac, MD is 46,230 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 Potomac?
The median household income in Potomac, MD is $239,205 per year, which is 218% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Potomac?
The median home value in Potomac, MD is $1,105,900, which is 352% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Potomac?
The median monthly rent in Potomac, MD is $2,616, which is 125% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Potomac?
The unemployment rate in Potomac, MD is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Potomac, MD a good place to live?
Potomac offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 46,230 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Potomac, MD?
84.5% of residents in Potomac 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 Potomac?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Potomac, MD: median home value is $1,105,900 (352% above national), median rent is $2,616/month, and median household income is $239,205. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Potomac?
The poverty rate in Potomac, MD is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Potomac, MD?
Potomac's population is 1.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 7.1% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 29.6% of residents are foreign-born.