Joppa, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,307
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,714/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,169
1.4% year-over-year change

Joppa population

How many people live in Joppa

Joppa is home to 17,307 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Joppa locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
17,307
4.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
8,178
Female
52.8%
9,129
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,178 47.2% 4.9%
Female 9,129 52.8% 4.8%
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 Joppa is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,688 15.5% 8.4%
15 to 24 1,919 11.1% 16.5%
25 to 44 4,642 26.8% 1.9%
45 to 64 4,479 25.9% -2.6%
Over 65 3,579 20.7% 10.9%
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 Joppa, 92.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.6% of locals are Caucasian, 17.5% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,074 92.9% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,121 6.5% 44.8%
Non-citizens 112 0.6% 34.9%
Racial breakdown
White
73.6%
Black or African American
17.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 12,742 73.6%
Black or African American 3,029 17.5%
Asian 308 1.8%
Two or more races 908 5.2%
Other 320 1.8%

Households in Joppa

A peek inside Joppa households

Joppa has 6,801 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
6,801
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,168
Family households
4,633
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,168 31.9% 12.1%
Family households 4,633 68.1% 0.1%
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 Joppa

The housing landscape of Joppa

Joppa's housing consists of 7,169 units, with 68.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.5% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,169
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,891 68.2%
1 unit, attached 1,325 18.5%
3 or 4 units 121 1.7%
5 to 9 units 354 4.9%
10 to 19 units 305 4.2%
Mobile home 173 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
75
435.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Joppa

In Joppa, the median construction year is 1974. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 230 3.2% 3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 145 2% -2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 420 5.9% 11.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,336 32.6% -2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,134 15.8% -0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 752 10.5% 13.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 590 8.2% -11.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 989 13.8% 2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 498 7% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 75 1% 435.7%
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.

Joppa occupancy rates

Out of the 6,801 occupied housing units in Joppa, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,801
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,088
Owner occupied
5,713
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,088 16% -7.6%
Owner occupied 5,713 84% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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.

Joppa housing costs

Housing costs in Joppa come to a median of $1,626 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,734.

Median housing costs per month
$1,626/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 Joppa
$1,734/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 Joppa

Joppa education at a glance

About 37.2% of the population in Joppa went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 19.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 240 1.7% -0.4%
High school diploma 5,209 37.2% 1.6%
College diploma 3,055 21.8% 5.3%
Associate degree 1,172 8.4% 7.5%
Bachelor's degree 2,719 19.4% 14.1%
Graduate degree 1,603 11.4% -6.3%
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 Joppa

How much people earn in Joppa

The average annual household income in Joppa was $133,963 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,714, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Joppa
$133,963/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Joppa
$113,714/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Joppa income by age

In Joppa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $142,118. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $134,952 overall. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $142,118 14.2%
45 - 64 $134,952 -1.3%
Over 65 $61,807 -15.3%
Above poverty level
15,816
Below poverty level
1,196
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,816 93% 5.2%
Below poverty level 1,196 7% -4.5%

Employment in Joppa

Workforce and job types in Joppa

81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,619
Blue collar
1,720
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,619 81.6% 2.9%
Blue collar 1,720 18.4% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
21.8%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 657 7% 30.1%
Private companies 6,126 65.6% -0.3%
Governmental workers 2,038 21.8% 19.9%
Not for profit companies 518 5.6% -20.6%

Transportation in Joppa

How people get around in Joppa

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,879 98.1% 2.2%
Taxicab 9 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 55 0.7% -45.0%
Railroad 75 0.9% 2.7%
Motorcycle 15 0.2% 7.1%
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 Joppa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21085 17,307 6,801 $113,714 $133,970

Explore more communities

FAQs about Joppa demographics 

What is the total population of Joppa?

Joppa has a total population of 17,307 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 +4.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Joppa?

The gender ratio in Joppa is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (8,178 residents)
  • 52.8% females (9,129 residents)

What is the median age in Joppa?

The median age in Joppa is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Joppa?

The age distribution in Joppa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (2,688 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (1,919 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (4,642 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (4,479 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (3,579 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Joppa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Joppa is as follows:
  • White: 73.6% (12,742 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.5% (3,029 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (308 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (908 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (320 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.9% of the population in Joppa.

How many housing units are there in Joppa?

There are 7,169 housing units in Joppa, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Joppa has a total of 6,801 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Joppa?

Joppa has a median household income of $113,714, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Joppa?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (7,619 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (1,720 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (657 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (6,126 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.8% (2,038 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (518 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