Silver Spring, MD
Population 82,129 · Maryland
About Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 82,129 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $98,880 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Silver Spring features a median home value of $619,400, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. This places Silver Spring in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,899, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 35,620 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (13,039 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (21,128 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 Silver Spring shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Silver Spring have an average one-way commute time of 32.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.8% of Silver Spring 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 2.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 21.3% Asian residents, with 33.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Silver Spring Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Silver Spring, MD
Compared to national averages, Silver Spring has a median household income of $98,880 (32% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $619,400, which is 153% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,899 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Silver Spring's income is 8% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 54% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Silver Spring, MD?
Silver Spring offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $98,880, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 59.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $619,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Silver Spring provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Silver Spring has a population of 82,129 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Silver Spring with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Silver Spring
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf | 82,541 | $115,453 | $383,100 | Compare |
| Frederick | 80,617 | $95,150 | $365,200 | Compare |
| Ellicott City | 73,737 | $157,891 | $644,300 | Compare |
| Germantown | 90,521 | $112,149 | $401,400 | Compare |
| 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 |
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 Silver Spring With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Spring
What is the population of Silver Spring, MD?
The population of Silver Spring, MD is 82,129 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 Silver Spring?
The median household income in Silver Spring, MD is $98,880 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Silver Spring?
The median home value in Silver Spring, MD is $619,400, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Silver Spring?
The median monthly rent in Silver Spring, MD is $1,899, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Silver Spring?
The unemployment rate in Silver Spring, MD is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Silver Spring, MD a good place to live?
Silver Spring offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 82,129 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Silver Spring, MD?
59.8% of residents in Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Silver Spring, MD: median home value is $619,400 (153% above national), median rent is $1,899/month, and median household income is $98,880. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Silver Spring?
The poverty rate in Silver Spring, MD is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Silver Spring, MD?
Silver Spring's population is 2.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 21.3% Asian, and 27.9% two or more races. 33.5% of residents are foreign-born.