Marlow Heights, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,456
-11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,502/yr
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,634
-6.8% year-over-year change

Marlow Heights population

How many people live in Marlow Heights

Marlow Heights is home to 5,456 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Marlow Heights locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
5,456
-11.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
2,571
Female
52.9%
2,885
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,571 47.1% -12.4%
Female 2,885 52.9% -10.1%
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 Marlow Heights is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 6.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 863 15.8% -18.0%
15 to 24 377 6.9% -10.2%
25 to 44 1,497 27.4% -20.0%
45 to 64 1,513 27.7% -10.0%
Over 65 1,206 22.1% 7.8%
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 Marlow Heights, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 4.2% of locals are Caucasian, 83.7% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.5%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,819 88.3% -10.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 301 5.5% 2.4%
Non-citizens 336 6.2% -25.2%
Racial breakdown
White
4.2%
Black or African American
83.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 232 4.2%
Black or African American 4,569 83.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.1%
Asian 195 3.6%
Two or more races 187 3.4%
Other 266 4.9%

Households in Marlow Heights

A peek inside Marlow Heights households

Marlow Heights has 2,533 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.3% are families, while the remaining 42.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,533
-7.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,081
Family households
1,452
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,081 42.7% -4.2%
Family households 1,452 57.3% -10.0%
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 Marlow Heights

The housing landscape of Marlow Heights

Marlow Heights's housing consists of 2,634 units, with 37.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,634
-6.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 997 37.8%
1 unit, attached 247 9.4%
2 units 64 2.4%
3 or 4 units 52 2%
5 to 9 units 224 8.5%
10 to 19 units 627 23.8%
20 to 49 units 121 4.6%
50 or more units 302 11.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marlow Heights

In Marlow Heights, the median construction year is 1974. About 1.4% 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.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 36 1.4% -16.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 48 1.8% -59.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 442 16.8% -24.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 644 24.4% 12.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 368 14% -20.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 472 17.9% 6.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 337 12.8% -20.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 209 7.9% 31.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 3% 225.0%
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.

Marlow Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 2,533 occupied housing units in Marlow Heights, 40.7% are owner-occupied, while 59.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,533
-7.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,503
Owner occupied
1,030
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,503 59.3% -0.4%
Owner occupied 1,030 40.7% -16.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Marlow Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Marlow Heights come to a median of $1,560 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,657.

Median housing costs per month
$1,560/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 Marlow Heights
$1,657/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 Marlow Heights

Marlow Heights education at a glance

About 53.9% of the population in Marlow Heights went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 3.1% earned an associate degree and 11% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 68 1.5% -53.7%
High school diploma 2,461 53.9% 12.5%
College diploma 937 20.5% -39.4%
Associate degree 140 3.1% -23.1%
Bachelor's degree 504 11% -1.8%
Graduate degree 458 10% -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 Marlow Heights

How much people earn in Marlow Heights

The average annual household income in Marlow Heights was $77,471 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,502, reflecting a -4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marlow Heights
$77,471/year
-8.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marlow Heights
$55,502/year
-4.8% year-over-year change

Marlow Heights income by age

In Marlow Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,016. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,479 overall. Overall, 68.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,016 7.6%
45 - 64 $56,479 -35.8%
Over 65 $55,662 -3.7%
Above poverty level
3,683
Below poverty level
1,718
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,683 68.2% -20.8%
Below poverty level 1,718 31.8% 15.1%

Average renter income in Marlow Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Marlow Heights, their median household income was $44,428 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,428
Rent-to-income ratio
44.8%
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 Marlow Heights

Workforce and job types in Marlow Heights

The job market in Marlow Heights is powered by 2,194 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 54.6% are employed by private companies, and 28.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,194
-22.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,668
Blue collar
526
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,668 76% -23.2%
Blue collar 526 24% -21.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
54.6%
Governmental workers
28.9%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 189 8.6% 1.1%
Private companies 1,198 54.6% -27.0%
Governmental workers 634 28.9% -14.6%
Not for profit companies 173 7.9% -36.6%
Unemployment rate
15.1%
-11.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marlow Heights stands at 15.1%, 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 Marlow Heights

How people get around in Marlow Heights

In Marlow Heights, the average commute time is 37 minutes.

Commute time
37 min
-8.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,550 73.1% -20.8%
Taxicab 14 0.7% 7.7%
Bus or trolleybus 126 5.9% 55.6%
Subway or elevated 239 11.3% N/A
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.

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FAQs about Marlow Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Marlow Heights?

Marlow Heights has a total population of 5,456 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 -11.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Marlow Heights?

The gender ratio in Marlow Heights is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (2,571 residents)
  • 52.9% females (2,885 residents)

What is the median age in Marlow Heights?

The median age in Marlow Heights is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Marlow Heights?

The age distribution in Marlow Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (863 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.9% (377 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (1,497 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (1,513 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (1,206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marlow Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marlow Heights is as follows:
  • White: 4.2% (232 residents)
  • Black or African American: 83.7% (4,569 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (195 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (187 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (266 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Marlow Heights.

How many housing units are there in Marlow Heights?

There are 2,634 housing units in Marlow Heights, reflecting a -6.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Marlow Heights has a total of 2,533 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Marlow Heights?

Marlow Heights has a median household income of $55,502, representing a -4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Marlow Heights?

The employment rate is 84.9% in Marlow Heights, with a workforce of 2,194 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76% (1,668 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24% (526 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (189 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.6% (1,198 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.9% (634 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (173 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