Frederick County, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
287,048
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$122,002/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
108,924
2.3% year-over-year change

Frederick County population

How many people live in Frederick County

Frederick County is home to 287,048 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Frederick County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
287,048
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
141,965
Female
50.5%
145,083
Value Percent YoY change
Male 141,965 49.5% 2.3%
Female 145,083 50.5% 2.4%
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 Frederick County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 55,038 19.2% 2.1%
15 to 24 35,520 12.4% 1.7%
25 to 44 77,660 27% 3.6%
45 to 64 74,948 26.1% 0.6%
Over 65 43,882 15.3% 4.4%
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 Frederick County, 84.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.5% of locals are Caucasian, 10.5% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.8%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 243,077 84.7% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27,995 9.8% 8.1%
Non-citizens 15,976 5.6% 7.1%
Racial breakdown
White
67.5%
Black or African American
10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.4%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 193,768 67.5%
Black or African American 30,128 10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 938 0.3%
Asian 17,011 5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 155 0%
Two or more races 32,859 11.4%
Other 12,189 4.2%

Households in Frederick County

A peek inside Frederick County households

Frederick County has 104,635 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.9% are families, while the remaining 28.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
104,635
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
29,375
Family households
75,260
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 29,375 28.1% 4.0%
Family households 75,260 71.9% 2.3%
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 Frederick County

The housing landscape of Frederick County

Frederick County's housing consists of 108,924 units, with 60.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 22% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
108,924
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 65,451 60.1%
1 unit, attached 23,975 22%
2 units 1,182 1.1%
3 or 4 units 1,860 1.7%
5 to 9 units 3,390 3.1%
10 to 19 units 7,480 6.9%
20 to 49 units 2,305 2.1%
50 or more units 2,632 2.4%
Mobile home 628 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0%
Homes built since 2020
4,426
52.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Frederick County

In Frederick County, the median construction year is 1991. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,792 10.8% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,985 1.8% 0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,661 4.3% -6.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,039 6.5% 8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,124 11.1% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15,423 14.2% -3.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 20,656 19% -0.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17,396 16% 1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13,422 12.3% 4.9%
Built in 2020 or later 4,426 4.1% 52.3%
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.

Frederick County occupancy rates

Out of the 104,635 occupied housing units in Frederick County, 77% are owner-occupied, while 23% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
104,635
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
24,040
Owner occupied
80,595
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 24,040 23% 2.8%
Owner occupied 80,595 77% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

Frederick County housing costs

Housing costs in Frederick County come to a median of $1,973 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,774.

Median housing costs per month
$1,973/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 Frederick County
$1,774/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 Frederick County

Frederick County education at a glance

About 27.7% of the population in Frederick County went to high school, while 18.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 24% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,955 2.7% -1.5%
High school diploma 60,981 27.7% 0.1%
College diploma 41,580 18.9% 0.6%
Associate degree 18,223 8.3% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 52,778 24% 4.7%
Graduate degree 40,535 18.4% 4.6%
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 Frederick County

How much people earn in Frederick County

The average annual household income in Frederick County was $148,300 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $122,002, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Frederick County
$148,300/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Frederick County
$122,002/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Frederick County income by age

In Frederick County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $129,626. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,637 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,867, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $85,114 in earnings. Overall, 94% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,867 14.5%
25 - 44 $129,626 4.4%
45 - 64 $151,637 0.5%
Over 65 $85,114 1.7%
Above poverty level
263,236
Below poverty level
16,745
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 263,236 94% 2.8%
Below poverty level 16,745 6% -2.1%

Employment in Frederick County

Workforce and job types in Frederick County

The job market in Frederick County is powered by 152,168 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
152,168
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
127,463
Blue collar
24,705
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 127,463 83.8% 2.5%
Blue collar 24,705 16.2% 2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12,814 8.4% -1.7%
Private companies 93,528 61.5% 2.7%
Governmental workers 32,577 21.4% 3.9%
Not for profit companies 13,249 8.7% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
3.3%
-1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Frederick County stands at 3.3%, 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 Frederick County

How people get around in Frederick County

In Frederick County, the average commute time is 33 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.7% 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.

Commute time
33 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 113,254 74.7% 0.3%
Taxicab 459 0.3% -13.4%
Bus or trolleybus 756 0.5% 2.2%
Subway or elevated 209 0.1% N/A
Railroad 610 0.4% -2.2%
Motorcycle 48 0% 26.3%
Bicycle 412 0.3% 14.8%
Walk 2,666 1.8% 15.0%
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 Frederick County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21714 95 45 $161,806 $182,318
21716 7,200 2,924 $109,382 $135,924
21717 245 81 $158,413 $169,411
21701 43,048 18,651 $106,577 $137,084
21702 49,605 18,525 $106,983 $130,101
21703 41,960 15,517 $106,334 $122,365
21704 20,006 6,136 $161,063 $192,754
21705 6 0 $0 $0
21710 4,661 1,672 $163,864 $193,313
20842 2,369 802 $204,013 $239,698

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FAQs about Frederick County demographics 

What is the total population of Frederick County?

Frederick County has a total population of 287,048 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Frederick County?

The gender ratio in Frederick County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (141,965 residents)
  • 50.5% females (145,083 residents)

What is the median age in Frederick County?

The median age in Frederick County is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Frederick County?

The age distribution in Frederick County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (55,038 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (35,520 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (77,660 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (74,948 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (43,882 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Frederick County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Frederick County is as follows:
  • White: 67.5% (193,768 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.5% (30,128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (938 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (17,011 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (155 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.4% (32,859 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (12,189 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.7% of the population in Frederick County.

How many housing units are there in Frederick County?

There are 108,924 housing units in Frederick County, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Frederick County has a total of 104,635 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Frederick County?

Frederick County has a median household income of $122,002, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Frederick County?

The employment rate is 96.7% in Frederick County, with a workforce of 152,168 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.8% (127,463 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.2% (24,705 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (12,814 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (93,528 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (32,577 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (13,249 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