Bel Air, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,422
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,145/yr
9.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,991
5.0% year-over-year change

Bel Air population

How many people live in Bel Air

Bel Air is home to 12,422 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Bel Air locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
12,422
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
6,000
Female
51.7%
6,422
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,000 48.3% 1.4%
Female 6,422 51.7% -2.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bel Air is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,700 13.7% -8.2%
15 to 24 1,447 11.6% -1.1%
25 to 44 3,476 28% -0.8%
45 to 64 3,228 26% -1.1%
Over 65 2,571 20.7% 5.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bel Air, 87.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.7% are African American and 4.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.7%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,881 87.6% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 832 6.7% -15.9%
Non-citizens 709 5.7% -10.2%
Racial breakdown
White
80.2%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
5.8%
Value Percent
White 9,966 80.2%
Black or African American 463 3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.1%
Asian 585 4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0.2%
Two or more races 648 5.2%
Other 718 5.8%

Households in Bel Air

A peek inside Bel Air households

Bel Air has 5,766 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.7% are families, while the remaining 48.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,766
4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,784
Family households
2,982
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,784 48.3% 7.2%
Family households 2,982 51.7% 1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bel Air

The housing landscape of Bel Air

Bel Air's housing consists of 5,991 units, with 39.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,991
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,356 39.3%
1 unit, attached 1,067 17.8%
2 units 144 2.4%
3 or 4 units 211 3.5%
5 to 9 units 642 10.7%
10 to 19 units 1,175 19.6%
20 to 49 units 164 2.7%
50 or more units 179 3%
Mobile home 53 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
23
64.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bel Air

In Bel Air, the median construction year is 1974. About 3.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 215 3.6% 15.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 170 2.8% 18.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 489 8.2% 3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 998 16.7% 6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,733 28.9% 0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,006 16.8% -0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 569 9.5% -4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 594 9.9% 33.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 194 3.2% 4.9%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.4% 64.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bel Air occupancy rates

Out of the 5,766 occupied housing units in Bel Air, 62.7% are owner-occupied, while 37.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,766
4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,152
Owner occupied
3,614
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,152 37.3% 5.0%
Owner occupied 3,614 62.7% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bel Air housing costs

Housing costs in Bel Air come to a median of $1,113 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,094.

Median housing costs per month
$1,113/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bel Air
$1,094/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bel Air

Bel Air education at a glance

About 34.6% of the population in Bel Air went to high school, while 17.2% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 198 1.9% -27.5%
High school diploma 3,567 34.6% -2.8%
College diploma 1,768 17.2% 2.4%
Associate degree 1,040 10.1% 15.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,357 22.9% 10.0%
Graduate degree 1,367 13.3% 1.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bel Air

How much people earn in Bel Air

The average annual household income in Bel Air was $96,498 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,145, reflecting a +9.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bel Air
$96,498/year
7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bel Air
$86,145/year
9.4% year-over-year change

Bel Air income by age

In Bel Air, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,542. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,973 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,210, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,230 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,210 N/A
25 - 44 $98,542 10.1%
45 - 64 $104,973 8.9%
Over 65 $76,230 28.4%
Above poverty level
10,760
Below poverty level
1,451
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,760 88.1% 0.5%
Below poverty level 1,451 11.9% -10.5%

Average renter income in Bel Air

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bel Air, their median household income was $44,092 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,092
Rent-to-income ratio
29.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bel Air

Workforce and job types in Bel Air

The job market in Bel Air is powered by 6,567 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.8% run their own businesses, 65.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,567
5.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,542
Blue collar
1,025
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,542 84.4% 3.0%
Blue collar 1,025 15.6% 20.9%
Employer type
Self employees
2.8%
Private companies
65.5%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 185 2.8% -45.1%
Private companies 4,301 65.5% 2.9%
Governmental workers 1,390 21.2% 27.8%
Not for profit companies 691 10.5% 10.6%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
12.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bel Air stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bel Air

How people get around in Bel Air

Commuting methods vary: 95.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,488 95.3% 4.1%
Taxicab 13 0.2% -23.5%
Bus or trolleybus 37 0.6% 32.1%
Railroad 19 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 34 0.6% 17.2%
Bicycle 62 1.1% -3.1%
Walk 103 1.8% -3.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bel Air by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21014 38,707 15,143 $116,970 $137,146
21015 30,013 11,012 $137,281 $158,650

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FAQs about Bel Air demographics 

What is the total population of Bel Air?

Bel Air has a total population of 12,422 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bel Air?

The gender ratio in Bel Air is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (6,000 residents)
  • 51.7% females (6,422 residents)

What is the median age in Bel Air?

The median age in Bel Air is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bel Air?

The age distribution in Bel Air is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (1,700 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (1,447 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (3,476 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (3,228 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (2,571 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bel Air?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bel Air is as follows:
  • White: 80.2% (9,966 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (463 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 4.7% (585 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (648 residents)
  • Other: 5.8% (718 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bel Air are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.6% of the population in Bel Air.

How many housing units are there in Bel Air?

There are 5,991 housing units in Bel Air, reflecting a +5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bel Air and what is the average household size?

Bel Air has a total of 5,766 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bel Air?

Bel Air has a median household income of $86,145, representing a +9.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bel Air?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Bel Air, with a workforce of 6,567 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (5,542 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (1,025 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.8% (185 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.5% (4,301 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (1,390 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (691 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025