Riverdale, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,482
-2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,951/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,190
-0.4% year-over-year change

Riverdale population

How many people live in Riverdale

Riverdale is home to 24,482 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Riverdale locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
24,482
-2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
12,660
Female
48.3%
11,823
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,660 51.7% -3.6%
Female 11,823 48.3% -0.2%
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 Riverdale is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.9% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.3% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.9%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
29.3%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,861 23.9% -4.7%
15 to 24 3,834 15.7% 0.3%
25 to 44 7,169 29.3% -2.2%
45 to 64 5,613 22.9% -2.4%
Over 65 2,004 8.2% 4.3%
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 Riverdale, 51% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 35.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 15.8% of locals are Caucasian, 25.7% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
51%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.2%
Non-citizens
35.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,476 51% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,239 13.2% -1.1%
Non-citizens 8,768 35.8% -2.8%
Racial breakdown
White
15.8%
Black or African American
25.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.5%
Other
43.8%
Value Percent
White 3,864 15.8%
Black or African American 6,297 25.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 313 1.3%
Asian 959 3.9%
Two or more races 2,323 9.5%
Other 10,726 43.8%

Households in Riverdale

A peek inside Riverdale households

Riverdale has 6,988 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.8% are families, while the remaining 23.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,988
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,619
Family households
5,370
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,619 23.2% 1.5%
Family households 5,370 76.8% -0.2%
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 Riverdale

The housing landscape of Riverdale

Riverdale's housing consists of 7,190 units, with 46.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.2% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,190
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,363 46.8%
1 unit, attached 665 9.2%
2 units 129 1.8%
3 or 4 units 466 6.5%
5 to 9 units 1,684 23.4%
10 to 19 units 163 2.3%
20 to 49 units 120 1.7%
50 or more units 496 6.9%
Mobile home 98 1.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
44
15.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Riverdale

In Riverdale, the median construction year is 1961. About 13.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 958 13.3% -5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 674 9.4% 39.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,825 25.4% 0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,383 19.2% -14.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 757 10.5% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 387 5.4% -4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 554 7.7% 8.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 223 3.1% 12.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 387 5.4% 15.5%
Built in 2020 or later 44 0.6% 15.8%
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.

Riverdale occupancy rates

Out of the 6,988 occupied housing units in Riverdale, 50.4% are owner-occupied, while 49.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,988
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,466
Owner occupied
3,522
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,466 49.6% -1.4%
Owner occupied 3,522 50.4% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
2.8%
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.

Riverdale housing costs

Housing costs in Riverdale come to a median of $1,737 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,655.

Median housing costs per month
$1,737/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 Riverdale
$1,655/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 Riverdale

Riverdale education at a glance

About 39.6% of the population in Riverdale went to high school, while 12.7% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 12.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,490 20.3% -0.4%
High school diploma 6,816 39.6% -4.3%
College diploma 2,191 12.7% 0.2%
Associate degree 1,028 6% -8.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,212 12.8% 1.8%
Graduate degree 1,481 8.6% 10.1%
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 Riverdale

How much people earn in Riverdale

The average annual household income in Riverdale was $108,160 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,951, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Riverdale
$108,160/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Riverdale
$86,951/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Riverdale income by age

In Riverdale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,810. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,163 overall. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $78,810 9.2%
45 - 64 $102,163 -3.7%
Over 65 $69,508 -0.5%
Above poverty level
18,954
Below poverty level
4,684
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,954 80.2% -4.3%
Below poverty level 4,684 19.8% 9.3%

Employment in Riverdale

Workforce and job types in Riverdale

68.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 66.5% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,037
Blue collar
3,723
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,037 68.3% 0.8%
Blue collar 3,723 31.7% -12.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
66.5%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,054 9% 10.4%
Private companies 7,822 66.5% -7.0%
Governmental workers 1,473 12.5% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 1,412 12% 5.9%

Transportation in Riverdale

How people get around in Riverdale

Commuting methods vary: 86.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% 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 8,072 86.4% -7.0%
Taxicab 96 1% 182.3%
Bus or trolleybus 633 6.8% -4.8%
Railroad 7 0.1% -65.0%
Motorcycle 30 0.3% -6.2%
Bicycle 197 2.1% -2.0%
Walk 309 3.3% 235.9%
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 Riverdale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20737 24,489 6,990 $86,951 $108,160

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FAQs about Riverdale demographics 

What is the total population of Riverdale?

Riverdale has a total population of 24,482 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 -2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Riverdale?

The gender ratio in Riverdale is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (12,660 residents)
  • 48.3% females (11,823 residents)

What is the median age in Riverdale?

The median age in Riverdale is 31.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Riverdale?

The age distribution in Riverdale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.9% (5,861 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (3,834 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.3% (7,169 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (5,613 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.2% (2,004 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Riverdale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverdale is as follows:
  • White: 15.8% (3,864 residents)
  • Black or African American: 25.7% (6,297 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (313 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (959 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.5% (2,323 residents)
  • Other: 43.8% (10,726 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 51% of the population in Riverdale.

How many housing units are there in Riverdale?

There are 7,190 housing units in Riverdale, 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 Riverdale and what is the average household size?

Riverdale has a total of 6,988 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Riverdale?

Riverdale has a median household income of $86,951, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Riverdale?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.3% (8,037 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.7% (3,723 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (1,054 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.5% (7,822 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (1,473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (1,412 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