Gaithersburg, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
69,825
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$112,467/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,280
-0.4% year-over-year change

Gaithersburg population

How many people live in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg is home to 69,825 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Gaithersburg locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
69,825
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
33,553
Female
52%
36,272
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,553 48% 2.7%
Female 36,272 52% -0.7%
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 Gaithersburg is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.8% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
30.8%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,346 19.1% 0.9%
15 to 24 7,935 11.4% -1.0%
25 to 44 21,509 30.8% 1.6%
45 to 64 17,160 24.6% -0.8%
Over 65 9,875 14.1% 3.6%
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 Gaithersburg, 54% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 32.6% of locals are Caucasian, 15% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 19.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
54%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.6%
Non-citizens
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,739 54% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,372 20.6% 1.3%
Non-citizens 17,714 25.4% 7.0%
Racial breakdown
White
32.6%
Black or African American
15%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
11.2%
Other
19.5%
Value Percent
White 22,765 32.6%
Black or African American 10,502 15%
American Indian and Alaska Native 741 1.1%
Asian 14,235 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 138 0.2%
Two or more races 7,836 11.2%
Other 13,608 19.5%

Households in Gaithersburg

A peek inside Gaithersburg households

Gaithersburg has 25,772 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,772
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,960
Family households
16,812
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,960 34.8% 0.1%
Family households 16,812 65.2% -1.5%
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 Gaithersburg

The housing landscape of Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg's housing consists of 27,280 units, with 18.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 29.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
27,280
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,085 18.6%
1 unit, attached 8,035 29.4%
2 units 195 0.7%
3 or 4 units 313 1.2%
5 to 9 units 3,077 11.3%
10 to 19 units 4,494 16.5%
20 to 49 units 1,559 5.7%
50 or more units 4,464 16.4%
Mobile home 58 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
379
97.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gaithersburg

In Gaithersburg, the median construction year is 1989. About 1.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 530 1.9% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 266 1% 31.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 654 2.4% -13.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,609 5.9% -13.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,540 20.3% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,817 21.3% -4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,168 15.3% -4.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,716 17.3% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,601 13.2% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 379 1.4% 97.4%
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.

Gaithersburg occupancy rates

Out of the 25,772 occupied housing units in Gaithersburg, 50.8% are owner-occupied, while 49.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,772
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,684
Owner occupied
13,088
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,684 49.2% 0.1%
Owner occupied 13,088 50.8% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Gaithersburg housing costs

Housing costs in Gaithersburg come to a median of $2,127 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,058.

Median housing costs per month
$2,127/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 Gaithersburg
$2,058/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 Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg education at a glance

About 23.2% of the population in Gaithersburg went to high school, while 14.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 27.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,322 8% 15.2%
High school diploma 12,533 23.2% 1.6%
College diploma 7,822 14.5% -2.0%
Associate degree 2,625 4.9% -16.9%
Bachelor's degree 14,620 27.1% 1.3%
Graduate degree 12,052 22.3% 1.0%
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 Gaithersburg

How much people earn in Gaithersburg

The average annual household income in Gaithersburg was $144,533 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 $112,467, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gaithersburg
$144,533/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gaithersburg
$112,467/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Gaithersburg income by age

In Gaithersburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,243. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $131,596 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,797, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $103,946 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,797 1.9%
25 - 44 $107,243 4.8%
45 - 64 $131,596 3.3%
Over 65 $103,946 4.5%
Above poverty level
62,424
Below poverty level
6,034
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 62,424 91.2% 0.8%
Below poverty level 6,034 8.8% -0.1%

Average renter income in Gaithersburg

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gaithersburg, their median household income was $75,548 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$75,548
Rent-to-income ratio
32.7%
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 Gaithersburg

Workforce and job types in Gaithersburg

The job market in Gaithersburg is powered by 38,592 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 61.4% are employed by private companies, and 18.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,592
1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
32,793
Blue collar
5,799
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 32,793 85% 1.3%
Blue collar 5,799 15% 3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
61.4%
Governmental workers
18.8%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,074 10.6% -2.9%
Private companies 23,680 61.4% 3.0%
Governmental workers 7,267 18.8% -0.5%
Not for profit companies 3,571 9.2% 2.6%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-8.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gaithersburg stands at 4.6%, 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 Gaithersburg

How people get around in Gaithersburg

In Gaithersburg, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,714 62.5% -1.6%
Taxicab 176 0.5% -6.9%
Bus or trolleybus 1,999 5.3% 16.9%
Subway or elevated 612 1.6% N/A
Railroad 60 0.2% -59.5%
Bicycle 143 0.4% -7.7%
Walk 647 1.7% -2.9%
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 Gaithersburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20877 38,546 12,519 $92,800 $115,049
20878 66,115 24,237 $144,313 $186,238
20879 25,264 8,651 $112,104 $138,708
20882 13,751 4,693 $184,136 $218,132
20899 57 57 $24,417 $27,240

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FAQs about Gaithersburg demographics 

What is the total population of Gaithersburg?

Gaithersburg has a total population of 69,825 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gaithersburg?

The gender ratio in Gaithersburg is as follows:
  • 48% males (33,553 residents)
  • 52% females (36,272 residents)

What is the median age in Gaithersburg?

The median age in Gaithersburg is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gaithersburg?

The age distribution in Gaithersburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (13,346 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (7,935 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.8% (21,509 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (17,160 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (9,875 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gaithersburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaithersburg is as follows:
  • White: 32.6% (22,765 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15% (10,502 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (741 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (14,235 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (138 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.2% (7,836 residents)
  • Other: 19.5% (13,608 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 54% of the population in Gaithersburg.

How many housing units are there in Gaithersburg?

There are 27,280 housing units in Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg and what is the average household size?

Gaithersburg has a total of 25,772 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gaithersburg?

Gaithersburg has a median household income of $112,467, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Gaithersburg, with a workforce of 38,592 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (32,793 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (5,799 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (4,074 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.4% (23,680 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.8% (7,267 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (3,571 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