Ridgely, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,772
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,048/yr
-3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
678
1.0% year-over-year change

Ridgely population

How many people live in Ridgely

Ridgely is home to 1,772 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Ridgely locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
1,772
5.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
814
Female
54.1%
958
Value Percent YoY change
Male 814 45.9% 19.4%
Female 958 54.1% -4.5%
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 Ridgely is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.8% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.8%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 421 23.8% 18.3%
15 to 24 261 14.7% 8.3%
25 to 44 459 25.9% -10.5%
45 to 64 398 22.5% 9.9%
Over 65 233 13.2% 9.4%
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 Ridgely, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74% of locals are Caucasian, 12% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,701 96% 13.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46 2.6% -22.0%
Non-citizens 25 1.4% -79.5%
Racial breakdown
White
74%
Black or African American
12%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 1,312 74%
Black or African American 212 12%
Asian 20 1.1%
Two or more races 121 6.8%
Other 107 6%

Households in Ridgely

A peek inside Ridgely households

Ridgely has 649 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.9% are families, while the remaining 42.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
649
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
273
Family households
376
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 273 42.1% 7.1%
Family households 376 57.9% -1.3%
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 Ridgely

The housing landscape of Ridgely

Ridgely's housing consists of 678 units, with 73.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. 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
678
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 499 73.6%
2 units 14 2.1%
3 or 4 units 77 11.4%
5 to 9 units 84 12.4%
Mobile home 4 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ridgely

In Ridgely, the median construction year is 1981. About 22.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% 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 153 22.6% -7.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 15 2.2% -46.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 33 4.9% 22.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 6.8% 7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 73 10.8% 30.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 127 18.7% 10.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 130 19.2% 13.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 7.4% -36.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 51 7.5% 18.6%
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.

Ridgely occupancy rates

Out of the 649 occupied housing units in Ridgely, 62.9% are owner-occupied, while 37.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
649
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
241
Owner occupied
408
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 241 37.1% 2.5%
Owner occupied 408 62.9% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.3%
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.

Ridgely housing costs

Housing costs in Ridgely come to a median of $1,165 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $633.

Median housing costs per month
$1,165/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 Ridgely
$633/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 Ridgely

Ridgely education at a glance

About 44% of the population in Ridgely went to high school, while 34% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 8.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 3.8% -19.3%
High school diploma 540 44% 3.2%
College diploma 417 34% 18.5%
Associate degree 83 6.8% -17.0%
Bachelor's degree 109 8.9% -3.5%
Graduate degree 33 2.7% -26.7%
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 Ridgely

How much people earn in Ridgely

The average annual household income in Ridgely was $76,513 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,048, reflecting a -3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ridgely
$76,513/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ridgely
$62,048/year
-3.7% year-over-year change

Ridgely income by age

In Ridgely, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,841. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,281 overall. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $118,036 51.5%
25 - 44 $77,841 6.3%
45 - 64 $63,281 2.7%
Above poverty level
1,507
Below poverty level
225
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,507 87% 1.2%
Below poverty level 225 13% 65.4%

Average renter income in Ridgely

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ridgely, their median household income was $42,308 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,308
Rent-to-income ratio
18%
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 Ridgely

Workforce and job types in Ridgely

The job market in Ridgely is powered by 830 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
830
-6.8% year-over-year change
White collar
565
Blue collar
265
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 565 68.1% -14.1%
Blue collar 265 31.9% 13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 71 8.6% -15.5%
Private companies 556 67% 1.6%
Governmental workers 152 18.3% 5.6%
Not for profit companies 51 6.1% -56.0%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
80.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ridgely stands at 10.8%, 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 Ridgely

How people get around in Ridgely

In Ridgely, the average commute time is 35 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
35 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 699 83.6% -8.5%
Motorcycle 7 0.8% 0.0%
Walk 34 4.1% -22.7%
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 Ridgely by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21660 4,132 1,457 $80,469 $91,867

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ridgely demographics 

What is the total population of Ridgely?

Ridgely has a total population of 1,772 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 +5.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ridgely?

The gender ratio in Ridgely is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (814 residents)
  • 54.1% females (958 residents)

What is the median age in Ridgely?

The median age in Ridgely is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ridgely?

The age distribution in Ridgely is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.8% (421 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (261 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (459 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (398 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (233 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgely?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgely is as follows:
  • White: 74% (1,312 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12% (212 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (20 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (121 residents)
  • Other: 6% (107 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Ridgely.

How many housing units are there in Ridgely?

There are 678 housing units in Ridgely, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ridgely has a total of 649 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ridgely?

Ridgely has a median household income of $62,048, representing a -3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.2% in Ridgely, with a workforce of 830 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.1% (565 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.9% (265 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (71 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (556 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (152 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (51 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