Bowie, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
57,926
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$141,995/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,070
1.8% year-over-year change

Bowie population

How many people live in Bowie

Bowie is home to 57,926 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Bowie locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
57,926
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
27,687
Female
52.2%
30,239
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,687 47.8% 1.3%
Female 30,239 52.2% -0.6%
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 Bowie is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 31.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
31.7%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,253 16% -3.6%
15 to 24 6,892 11.9% 4.0%
25 to 44 13,303 23% -0.0%
45 to 64 18,384 31.7% -2.3%
Over 65 10,094 17.4% 7.3%
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 Bowie, 81.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 27.5% of locals are Caucasian, 55.1% are African American and 3.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.3%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 47,439 81.9% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,279 14.3% 6.3%
Non-citizens 2,208 3.8% -6.1%
Racial breakdown
White
27.5%
Black or African American
55.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 15,923 27.5%
Black or African American 31,926 55.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 264 0.5%
Asian 1,904 3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0%
Two or more races 5,341 9.2%
Other 2,561 4.4%

Households in Bowie

A peek inside Bowie households

Bowie has 21,551 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,551
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,172
Family households
15,379
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,172 28.6% 2.0%
Family households 15,379 71.4% 1.2%
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 Bowie

The housing landscape of Bowie

Bowie's housing consists of 22,070 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
22,070
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,982 72.4%
1 unit, attached 3,959 17.9%
2 units 26 0.1%
3 or 4 units 34 0.2%
5 to 9 units 245 1.1%
10 to 19 units 724 3.3%
20 to 49 units 362 1.6%
50 or more units 734 3.3%
Mobile home 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
154
32.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bowie

In Bowie, the median construction year is 1982. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 314 1.4% -4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 82 0.4% -35.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 607 2.8% 4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,168 32.5% -1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,218 10% 6.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,575 16.2% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,881 22.1% 5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,256 10.2% 0.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 815 3.7% 0.4%
Built in 2020 or later 154 0.7% 32.8%
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.

Bowie occupancy rates

Out of the 21,551 occupied housing units in Bowie, 83.9% are owner-occupied, while 16.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,551
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,466
Owner occupied
18,085
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,466 16.1% 9.4%
Owner occupied 18,085 83.9% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
2.4%
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.

Bowie housing costs

Housing costs in Bowie come to a median of $2,371 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,330.

Median housing costs per month
$2,371/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 Bowie
$2,330/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 Bowie

Bowie education at a glance

About 23% of the population in Bowie went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 25.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 966 2.1% 0.9%
High school diploma 10,510 23% -0.4%
College diploma 9,033 19.8% 3.7%
Associate degree 3,131 6.8% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 11,768 25.7% 0.5%
Graduate degree 10,317 22.6% 1.5%
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 Bowie

How much people earn in Bowie

The average annual household income in Bowie was $164,027 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $141,995, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bowie
$164,027/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bowie
$141,995/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Bowie income by age

In Bowie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $148,371. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $167,948 overall. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $148,371 1.0%
45 - 64 $167,948 2.6%
Over 65 $95,673 8.8%
Above poverty level
54,908
Below poverty level
2,155
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 54,908 96.2% 1.0%
Below poverty level 2,155 3.8% -9.2%

Average renter income in Bowie

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bowie, their median household income was $81,364 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$81,364
Rent-to-income ratio
34.4%
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 Bowie

Workforce and job types in Bowie

The job market in Bowie is powered by 32,346 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 49.6% are employed by private companies, and 30.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,346
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
28,542
Blue collar
3,804
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 28,542 88.2% -0.5%
Blue collar 3,804 11.8% 5.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
49.6%
Governmental workers
30.2%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,585 8% 8.2%
Private companies 16,060 49.6% -2.4%
Governmental workers 9,753 30.2% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 3,948 12.2% 9.0%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
2.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bowie stands at 4.7%, 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 Bowie

How people get around in Bowie

In Bowie, the average commute time is 35 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
35 min
-2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21,915 68.8% -1.9%
Taxicab 178 0.6% 36.9%
Bus or trolleybus 61 0.2% -64.1%
Subway or elevated 761 2.4% N/A
Railroad 121 0.4% -37.3%
Bicycle 7 0% -30.0%
Walk 252 0.8% -16.0%
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 Bowie by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20716 22,362 9,450 $125,034 $141,588
20720 25,015 8,301 $158,997 $194,997
20721 31,032 11,056 $163,105 $193,388
20715 26,915 8,985 $143,732 $161,192

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FAQs about Bowie demographics 

What is the total population of Bowie?

Bowie has a total population of 57,926 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bowie?

The gender ratio in Bowie is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (27,687 residents)
  • 52.2% females (30,239 residents)

What is the median age in Bowie?

The median age in Bowie is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bowie?

The age distribution in Bowie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (9,253 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (6,892 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (13,303 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.7% (18,384 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (10,094 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bowie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowie is as follows:
  • White: 27.5% (15,923 residents)
  • Black or African American: 55.1% (31,926 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (264 residents)
  • Asian: 3.3% (1,904 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (5,341 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (2,561 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.9% of the population in Bowie.

How many housing units are there in Bowie?

There are 22,070 housing units in Bowie, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bowie has a total of 21,551 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bowie?

Bowie has a median household income of $141,995, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bowie?

The employment rate is 95.3% in Bowie, with a workforce of 32,346 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.2% (28,542 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.8% (3,804 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (2,585 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.6% (16,060 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.2% (9,753 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (3,948 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