Forest Hill, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,463
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$125,208/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,496
-0.1% year-over-year change

Forest Hill population

How many people live in Forest Hill

Forest Hill is home to 17,463 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Forest Hill locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
17,463
-2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
8,674
Female
50.3%
8,790
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,674 49.7% -4.5%
Female 8,790 50.3% 0.3%
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 Forest Hill is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.9% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
20.9%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,390 19.4% -5.7%
15 to 24 1,932 11.1% -2.5%
25 to 44 3,645 20.9% -4.6%
45 to 64 4,863 27.8% -2.3%
Over 65 3,632 20.8% 4.7%
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 Forest Hill, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,891 96.7% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 488 2.8% 15.9%
Non-citizens 84 0.5% -48.1%
Racial breakdown
White
90.7%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 15,836 90.7%
Black or African American 227 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 367 2.1%
Two or more races 840 4.8%
Other 188 1.1%

Households in Forest Hill

A peek inside Forest Hill households

Forest Hill has 6,421 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.1% are families, while the remaining 22.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,421
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,470
Family households
4,951
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,470 22.9% 9.4%
Family households 4,951 77.1% -2.1%
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 Forest Hill

The housing landscape of Forest Hill

Forest Hill's housing consists of 6,496 units, with 70.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.6% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,496
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,598 70.8%
1 unit, attached 1,013 15.6%
2 units 6 0.1%
3 or 4 units 30 0.5%
5 to 9 units 242 3.7%
10 to 19 units 462 7.1%
20 to 49 units 69 1.1%
50 or more units 47 0.7%
Mobile home 29 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
57
62.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest Hill

In Forest Hill, the median construction year is 1993. About 3.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% 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 243 3.7% -28.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 46 0.7% -20.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 59 0.9% -24.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 707 10.9% 2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 682 10.5% 13.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 938 14.4% 0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,923 29.6% -9.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,645 25.3% 10.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 197 3% 34.0%
Built in 2020 or later 57 0.9% 62.9%
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.

Forest Hill occupancy rates

Out of the 6,421 occupied housing units in Forest Hill, 89% are owner-occupied, while 11% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,421
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
705
Owner occupied
5,716
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 705 11% 3.2%
Owner occupied 5,716 89% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
1.2%
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.

Forest Hill housing costs

Housing costs in Forest Hill come to a median of $1,836 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,697.

Median housing costs per month
$1,836/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 Forest Hill
$1,697/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 Forest Hill

Forest Hill education at a glance

About 25.5% of the population in Forest Hill went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 25.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 231 1.7% -2.5%
High school diploma 3,392 25.5% -3.6%
College diploma 2,501 18.8% 5.0%
Associate degree 1,508 11.3% 1.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,396 25.5% -6.5%
Graduate degree 2,295 17.2% -0.5%
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 Forest Hill

How much people earn in Forest Hill

The average annual household income in Forest Hill was $146,614 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $125,208, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest Hill
$146,614/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest Hill
$125,208/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Forest Hill income by age

In Forest Hill, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $151,766. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $157,262 overall. Overall, 95.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $151,766 -11.2%
45 - 64 $157,262 9.8%
Over 65 $71,724 -9.2%
Above poverty level
16,365
Below poverty level
699
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,365 95.9% -3.0%
Below poverty level 699 4.1% 10.1%

Employment in Forest Hill

Workforce and job types in Forest Hill

83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,249
Blue collar
1,469
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,249 83.2% -3.4%
Blue collar 1,469 16.8% -0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 695 8% -2.9%
Private companies 5,531 63.4% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,673 19.2% -12.4%
Not for profit companies 819 9.4% 17.8%

Transportation in Forest Hill

How people get around in Forest Hill

Commuting methods vary: 99.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 7,196 99.5% -5.6%
Bicycle 20 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 16 0.2% -50.0%
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 Forest Hill by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21050 17,466 6,422 $125,208 $146,623

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FAQs about Forest Hill demographics 

What is the total population of Forest Hill?

Forest Hill has a total population of 17,463 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 -2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest Hill?

The gender ratio in Forest Hill is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (8,674 residents)
  • 50.3% females (8,790 residents)

What is the median age in Forest Hill?

The median age in Forest Hill is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forest Hill?

The age distribution in Forest Hill is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (3,390 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (1,932 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.9% (3,645 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (4,863 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (3,632 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Hill?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Hill is as follows:
  • White: 90.7% (15,836 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (227 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (367 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (840 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (188 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Forest Hill.

How many housing units are there in Forest Hill?

There are 6,496 housing units in Forest Hill, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forest Hill has a total of 6,421 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest Hill?

Forest Hill has a median household income of $125,208, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Forest Hill?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (7,249 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (1,469 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (695 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (5,531 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (1,673 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (819 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