District Heights, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,891
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,955/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,092
-4.8% year-over-year change

District Heights population

How many people live in District Heights

District Heights is home to 5,891 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.6% of District Heights locals are male, and 58.4% are female.

Total population
5,891
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.6%
2,452
Female
58.4%
3,439
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,452 41.6% -5.4%
Female 3,439 58.4% 4.4%
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 District Heights is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,244 21.1% 9.4%
15 to 24 838 14.2% -0.2%
25 to 44 1,473 25% 1.1%
45 to 64 1,289 21.9% -10.4%
Over 65 1,047 17.8% 3.0%
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 District Heights, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 5.8% of locals are Caucasian, 82.4% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.4%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,958 84.2% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 374 6.4% 13.0%
Non-citizens 559 9.5% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
5.8%
Black or African American
82.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 340 5.8%
Black or African American 4,855 82.4%
Asian 8 0.1%
Two or more races 300 5.1%
Other 388 6.6%

Households in District Heights

A peek inside District Heights households

District Heights has 1,981 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.1% are families, while the remaining 31.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,981
-4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
632
Family households
1,349
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 632 31.9% -0.8%
Family households 1,349 68.1% -6.6%
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 District Heights

The housing landscape of District Heights

District Heights's housing consists of 2,092 units, with 66.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,092
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,382 66.1%
1 unit, attached 164 7.8%
2 units 54 2.6%
3 or 4 units 121 5.8%
5 to 9 units 266 12.7%
10 to 19 units 84 4%
50 or more units 12 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
9
800.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in District Heights

In District Heights, the median construction year is 1963. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 0.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.2% 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 97 4.6% -28.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 183 8.8% 19.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 683 32.6% 33.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 322 15.4% -18.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 211 10.1% -44.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 321 15.3% 13.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 228 10.9% -28.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12 0.6% -25.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 26 1.2% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.4% 800.0%
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.

District Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 1,981 occupied housing units in District Heights, 71.8% are owner-occupied, while 28.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,981
-4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
559
Owner occupied
1,422
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 559 28.2% -15.9%
Owner occupied 1,422 71.8% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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.

District Heights housing costs

Housing costs in District Heights come to a median of $1,759 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,379.

Median housing costs per month
$1,759/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 District Heights
$1,379/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 District Heights

District Heights education at a glance

About 39.9% of the population in District Heights went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 21.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 109 2.5% 28.2%
High school diploma 1,747 39.9% -6.2%
College diploma 986 22.5% -7.8%
Associate degree 224 5.1% 36.6%
Bachelor's degree 944 21.6% 13.9%
Graduate degree 368 8.4% -21.9%
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 District Heights

How much people earn in District Heights

The average annual household income in District Heights was $100,152 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,955, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in District Heights
$100,152/year
5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in District Heights
$86,955/year
6.4% year-over-year change

District Heights income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,603 overall. Overall, 82.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $86,603 -6.3%
Over 65 $84,063 7.3%
Above poverty level
4,691
Below poverty level
1,025
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,691 82.1% -3.1%
Below poverty level 1,025 17.9% 15.7%

Average renter income in District Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in District Heights, their median household income was $31,023 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 53.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,023
Rent-to-income ratio
53.3%
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 District Heights

Workforce and job types in District Heights

The job market in District Heights is powered by 2,581 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.5% run their own businesses, 61.4% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,581
-2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,696
Blue collar
885
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,696 65.7% 2.9%
Blue collar 885 34.3% -10.4%
Employer type
Self employees
3.5%
Private companies
61.4%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 91 3.5% -39.3%
Private companies 1,584 61.4% 0.8%
Governmental workers 568 22% -5.0%
Not for profit companies 338 13.1% 7.0%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
-24.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in District Heights stands at 6.8%, 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 District Heights

How people get around in District Heights

Commuting methods vary: 84.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 2,140 84.4% 5.5%
Taxicab 29 1.1% -72.1%
Bus or trolleybus 182 7.2% 0.0%
Subway or elevated 119 4.7% N/A
Walk 7 0.3% 40.0%
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 District Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20747 38,301 16,103 $76,298 $93,079

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FAQs about District Heights demographics 

What is the total population of District Heights?

District Heights has a total population of 5,891 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in District Heights?

The gender ratio in District Heights is as follows:
  • 41.6% males (2,452 residents)
  • 58.4% females (3,439 residents)

What is the median age in District Heights?

The median age in District Heights is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in District Heights?

The age distribution in District Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (1,244 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (838 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (1,473 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (1,289 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (1,047 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of District Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of District Heights is as follows:
  • White: 5.8% (340 residents)
  • Black or African American: 82.4% (4,855 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (300 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (388 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in District Heights.

How many housing units are there in District Heights?

There are 2,092 housing units in District Heights, reflecting a -4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

District Heights has a total of 1,981 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in District Heights?

District Heights has a median household income of $86,955, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for District Heights?

The employment rate is 93.2% in District Heights, with a workforce of 2,581 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.7% (1,696 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.3% (885 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.5% (91 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.4% (1,584 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (568 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.1% (338 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