Ridgely, MD
Population 1,685 · Maryland
About Ridgely, MD
Ridgely is a small town located in Maryland with a population of 1,685 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,432 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgely features a median home value of $236,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ridgely in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,070, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 671 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (401 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (235 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgely shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgely have an average one-way commute time of 33.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.1% of Ridgely residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 11.7% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ridgely, MD
Compared to national averages, Ridgely has a median household income of $64,432 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,000, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,070 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Ridgely's income is 40% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 41% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Ridgely, MD?
Ridgely offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,070/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,432) that falls below the national average. However, Ridgely’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ridgely has a population of 1,685 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Ridgely with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Ridgely
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arden on the Severn | 1,691 | $117,188 | $475,600 | Compare |
| Crownsville | 1,701 | $146,486 | $885,600 | Compare |
| Romancoke | 1,705 | $118,077 | $397,200 | Compare |
| Hancock | 1,715 | $39,375 | $175,000 | Compare |
| Cedar Heights | 1,748 | $49,858 | $300,400 | Compare |
| Wilson-Conococheague | 1,614 | $60,258 | $225,300 | Compare |
| Naval Academy | 1,592 | $120,347 | $0 | Compare |
| New Market | 1,588 | $198,080 | $607,700 | 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 Ridgely With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgely
What is the population of Ridgely, MD?
The population of Ridgely, MD is 1,685 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Ridgely?
The median household income in Ridgely, MD is $64,432 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgely?
The median home value in Ridgely, MD is $236,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ridgely?
The median monthly rent in Ridgely, MD is $1,070, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgely?
The unemployment rate in Ridgely, MD is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ridgely, MD a good place to live?
Ridgely offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,685 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ridgely, MD?
14.1% of residents in Ridgely 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 Ridgely?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgely, MD: median home value is $236,000 (4% below national), median rent is $1,070/month, and median household income is $64,432. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgely?
The poverty rate in Ridgely, MD is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ridgely, MD?
Ridgely's population is 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 11.7% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.