Lanham, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,433
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,556/yr
8.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,405
-1.8% year-over-year change

Lanham population

How many people live in Lanham

Lanham is home to 11,433 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Lanham locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
11,433
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
5,323
Female
53.4%
6,110
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,323 46.6% -9.0%
Female 6,110 53.4% 0.1%
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 Lanham is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,243 19.6% -10.8%
15 to 24 1,641 14.4% 11.9%
25 to 44 2,664 23.3% -1.1%
45 to 64 2,903 25.4% -7.5%
Over 65 1,982 17.3% -7.5%
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 Lanham, 58.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 20.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 5.1% of locals are Caucasian, 52.7% are African American and 5.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
58.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.1%
Non-citizens
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,672 58.4% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,412 21.1% -8.4%
Non-citizens 2,349 20.6% -9.0%
Racial breakdown
White
5.1%
Black or African American
52.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
5.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
26.6%
Value Percent
White 586 5.1%
Black or African American 6,027 52.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 232 2%
Asian 580 5.1%
Two or more races 969 8.5%
Other 3,039 26.6%

Households in Lanham

A peek inside Lanham households

Lanham has 3,183 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 78% are families, while the remaining 22% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,183
-2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
700
Family households
2,483
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 700 22% 2.0%
Family households 2,483 78% -3.3%
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 Lanham

The housing landscape of Lanham

Lanham's housing consists of 3,405 units, with 85.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,405
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,902 85.2%
1 unit, attached 234 6.9%
5 to 9 units 81 2.4%
10 to 19 units 115 3.4%
20 to 49 units 53 1.6%
50 or more units 20 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
133
241.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lanham

In Lanham, the median construction year is 1972. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 101 3% -8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 157 4.6% 29.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 432 12.7% -16.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 901 26.5% -13.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 457 13.4% 0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 328 9.6% 0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 505 14.8% 0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 243 7.1% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 148 4.4% 22.3%
Built in 2020 or later 133 3.9% 241.0%
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.

Lanham occupancy rates

Out of the 3,183 occupied housing units in Lanham, 76.8% are owner-occupied, while 23.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,183
-2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
739
Owner occupied
2,444
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 739 23.2% -2.1%
Owner occupied 2,444 76.8% -2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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.

Lanham housing costs

Housing costs in Lanham come to a median of $2,051 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,050.

Median housing costs per month
$2,051/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 Lanham
$2,050/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 Lanham

Lanham education at a glance

About 33.1% of the population in Lanham went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,087 12.6% 12.5%
High school diploma 2,856 33.1% -15.1%
College diploma 1,624 18.8% -9.8%
Associate degree 840 9.7% 10.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,362 15.8% -0.2%
Graduate degree 869 10.1% 24.5%
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 Lanham

How much people earn in Lanham

The average annual household income in Lanham was $125,395 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $103,556, reflecting a +8.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lanham
$125,395/year
7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lanham
$103,556/year
8.4% year-over-year change

Lanham income by age

In Lanham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,824. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,750 overall. Overall, 92.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,824 40.3%
45 - 64 $128,750 7.5%
Over 65 $93,276 13.4%
Above poverty level
10,497
Below poverty level
829
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,497 92.7% -2.9%
Below poverty level 829 7.3% -19.1%

Average renter income in Lanham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lanham, their median household income was $101,550 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$101,550
Rent-to-income ratio
24.2%
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 Lanham

Workforce and job types in Lanham

The job market in Lanham is powered by 5,633 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 56.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,633
3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,221
Blue collar
1,412
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,221 74.9% 6.4%
Blue collar 1,412 25.1% -3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
21.8%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 830 14.7% 5.9%
Private companies 3,188 56.6% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,230 21.8% 12.1%
Not for profit companies 385 6.8% 33.2%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
-28.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lanham stands at 5.4%, 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 Lanham

How people get around in Lanham

Commuting methods vary: 80.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 4,420 80.2% 4.5%
Taxicab 54 1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 59 1.1% -34.4%
Subway or elevated 145 2.6% N/A
Railroad 8 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 31 0.6% 0.0%
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 Lanham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20706 42,612 13,165 $104,523 $122,451

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lanham demographics 

What is the total population of Lanham?

Lanham has a total population of 11,433 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lanham?

The gender ratio in Lanham is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (5,323 residents)
  • 53.4% females (6,110 residents)

What is the median age in Lanham?

The median age in Lanham is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lanham?

The age distribution in Lanham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (2,243 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (1,641 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (2,664 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (2,903 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (1,982 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lanham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lanham is as follows:
  • White: 5.1% (586 residents)
  • Black or African American: 52.7% (6,027 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (232 residents)
  • Asian: 5.1% (580 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (969 residents)
  • Other: 26.6% (3,039 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 58.4% of the population in Lanham.

How many housing units are there in Lanham?

There are 3,405 housing units in Lanham, reflecting a -1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lanham has a total of 3,183 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lanham?

Lanham has a median household income of $103,556, representing a +8.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Lanham, with a workforce of 5,633 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (4,221 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (1,412 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (830 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (3,188 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.8% (1,230 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (385 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