Damascus, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,640
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$158,883/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,032
0.4% year-over-year change

Damascus population

How many people live in Damascus

Damascus is home to 17,640 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Damascus locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
17,640
4.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
8,540
Female
51.6%
9,100
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,540 48.4% 0.7%
Female 9,100 51.6% 8.6%
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 Damascus is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 13.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 30.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
13.9%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
30.7%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,117 17.7% 8.3%
15 to 24 2,454 13.9% 10.0%
25 to 44 3,986 22.6% -4.6%
45 to 64 5,409 30.7% 3.8%
Over 65 2,674 15.2% 12.9%
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 Damascus, 78.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.4% of locals are Caucasian, 8.4% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14%
Non-citizens
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,918 78.9% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,467 14% 22.7%
Non-citizens 1,255 7.1% 46.6%
Racial breakdown
White
58.4%
Black or African American
8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.5%
Other
12.8%
Value Percent
White 10,298 58.4%
Black or African American 1,475 8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 66 0.4%
Asian 1,156 6.6%
Two or more races 2,381 13.5%
Other 2,264 12.8%

Households in Damascus

A peek inside Damascus households

Damascus has 5,903 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82% are families, while the remaining 18% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,903
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,061
Family households
4,842
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,061 18% -5.1%
Family households 4,842 82% 2.6%
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 Damascus

The housing landscape of Damascus

Damascus's housing consists of 6,032 units, with 76.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,032
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,609 76.4%
1 unit, attached 896 14.8%
2 units 17 0.3%
5 to 9 units 104 1.7%
10 to 19 units 326 5.4%
50 or more units 80 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
52
-16.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Damascus

In Damascus, the median construction year is 1984. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% 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, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 132 2.2% -13.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 149 2.5% -6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 259 4.3% -13.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 458 7.6% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,127 18.7% -5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,250 37.3% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 873 14.5% 24.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 599 9.9% -5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 133 2.2% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 52 0.9% -16.1%
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.

Damascus occupancy rates

Out of the 5,903 occupied housing units in Damascus, 90.1% are owner-occupied, while 9.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,903
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
584
Owner occupied
5,319
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 584 9.9% 18.9%
Owner occupied 5,319 90.1% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
2.1%
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.

Damascus housing costs

Housing costs in Damascus come to a median of $2,120 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,792.

Median housing costs per month
$2,120/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 Damascus
$1,792/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 Damascus

Damascus education at a glance

About 24.5% of the population in Damascus went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 25.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 604 4.5% 27.2%
High school diploma 3,316 24.5% 2.1%
College diploma 2,640 19.5% -0.4%
Associate degree 832 6.2% 35.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,408 25.2% 3.2%
Graduate degree 2,719 20.1% -4.5%
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 Damascus

How much people earn in Damascus

The average annual household income in Damascus was $183,022 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $158,883, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Damascus
$183,022/year
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Damascus
$158,883/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Damascus income by age

In Damascus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $144,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $195,542 overall. Overall, 96.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $144,125 -5.5%
45 - 64 $195,542 9.4%
Over 65 $125,515 4.2%
Above poverty level
16,705
Below poverty level
627
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,705 96.4% 3.0%
Below poverty level 627 3.6% 51.1%

Average renter income in Damascus

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Damascus, their median household income was $63,654 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,654
Rent-to-income ratio
33.8%
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 Damascus

Workforce and job types in Damascus

The job market in Damascus is powered by 9,845 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 54.4% are employed by private companies, and 24.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,845
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
8,559
Blue collar
1,286
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,559 86.9% 0.5%
Blue collar 1,286 13.1% -10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
54.4%
Governmental workers
24.5%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 994 10.1% 4.8%
Private companies 5,357 54.4% 4.0%
Governmental workers 2,411 24.5% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 1,083 11% -19.9%
Unemployment rate
2.8%
-7.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Damascus stands at 2.8%, 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 Damascus

How people get around in Damascus

Commuting methods vary: 70.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 6,778 70.3% -3.9%
Bus or trolleybus 34 0.4% -55.8%
Subway or elevated 93 1% N/A
Railroad 21 0.2% 16.7%
Walk 67 0.7% 204.6%
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 Damascus by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20872 13,983 4,659 $141,050 $159,706

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FAQs about Damascus demographics 

What is the total population of Damascus?

Damascus has a total population of 17,640 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 +4.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Damascus?

The gender ratio in Damascus is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (8,540 residents)
  • 51.6% females (9,100 residents)

What is the median age in Damascus?

The median age in Damascus is 41.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Damascus?

The age distribution in Damascus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (3,117 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.9% (2,454 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (3,986 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.7% (5,409 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (2,674 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Damascus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Damascus is as follows:
  • White: 58.4% (10,298 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.4% (1,475 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (66 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (1,156 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.5% (2,381 residents)
  • Other: 12.8% (2,264 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.9% of the population in Damascus.

How many housing units are there in Damascus?

There are 6,032 housing units in Damascus, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Damascus has a total of 5,903 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Damascus?

Damascus has a median household income of $158,883, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.2% in Damascus, with a workforce of 9,845 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.9% (8,559 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.1% (1,286 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (994 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.4% (5,357 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.5% (2,411 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (1,083 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