Shady Side, MD
Population 4,460 · Maryland
About Shady Side, MD
Shady Side is a small town located in Maryland with a population of 4,460 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $138,346 per year, which is 84% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 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 Shady Side features a median home value of $446,800, which is 82% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shady Side in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,204, 90% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,295 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,665 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (245 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shady Side shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shady Side have an average one-way commute time of 37.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
35.8% of Shady Side residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shady Side, MD
Compared to national averages, Shady Side has a median household income of $138,346 (84% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $446,800, which is 82% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,204 is 90% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Shady Side's income is 28% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 11% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Shady Side, MD?
Shady Side offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $138,346, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 35.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $446,800. However, Shady Side’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shady Side has a population of 4,460 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Shady Side with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Shady Side
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale | 4,476 | $168,400 | $436,500 | Compare |
| Perryville | 4,425 | $75,543 | $267,700 | Compare |
| National Harbor | 4,418 | $133,616 | $462,000 | Compare |
| Seat Pleasant | 4,515 | $54,076 | $296,600 | Compare |
| La Vale | 4,388 | $77,634 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Chester | 4,539 | $90,938 | $441,200 | Compare |
| Pocomoke City | 4,360 | $52,163 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Sykesville | 4,346 | $135,692 | $398,600 | 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 Shady Side With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shady Side
What is the population of Shady Side, MD?
The population of Shady Side, MD is 4,460 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 Shady Side?
The median household income in Shady Side, MD is $138,346 per year, which is 84% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shady Side?
The median home value in Shady Side, MD is $446,800, which is 82% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shady Side?
The median monthly rent in Shady Side, MD is $2,204, which is 90% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shady Side?
The unemployment rate in Shady Side, MD is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shady Side, MD a good place to live?
Shady Side offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,460 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shady Side, MD?
35.8% of residents in Shady Side 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 Shady Side?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shady Side, MD: median home value is $446,800 (82% above national), median rent is $2,204/month, and median household income is $138,346. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shady Side?
The poverty rate in Shady Side, MD is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shady Side, MD?
Shady Side's population is 0.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 9.8% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.