Shady Side, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,727
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$153,661/yr
11.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,363
3.0% year-over-year change

Shady Side population

How many people live in Shady Side

Shady Side is home to 4,727 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.3% of Shady Side locals are male, and 45.7% are female.

Total population
4,727
6.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.3%
2,565
Female
45.7%
2,162
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,565 54.3% 12.6%
Female 2,162 45.7% -0.9%
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 Shady Side is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 16% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.6% of the population, while another 36.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
16%
25 to 44
14.6%
45 to 64
36.5%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 648 13.7% 9.6%
15 to 24 754 16% 50.8%
25 to 44 692 14.6% -23.7%
45 to 64 1,727 36.5% 16.8%
Over 65 906 19.2% -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 Shady Side, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,520 95.6% 6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 127 2.7% -14.2%
Non-citizens 80 1.7% 29.0%
Racial breakdown
White
79.5%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 3,758 79.5%
Black or African American 449 9.5%
Two or more races 508 10.8%
Other 12 0.2%

Households in Shady Side

A peek inside Shady Side households

Shady Side has 1,925 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.5% are families, while the remaining 27.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,925
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
529
Family households
1,396
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 529 27.5% 3.7%
Family households 1,396 72.5% -0.3%
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 Shady Side

The housing landscape of Shady Side

Shady Side's housing consists of 2,363 units, with 98.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,363
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,336 98.9%
1 unit, attached 16 0.7%
Mobile home 11 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
14
7.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shady Side

In Shady Side, the median construction year is 1980. About 12.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% 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 305 12.9% -4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 200 8.5% 9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 249 10.5% 45.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 167 7.1% -15.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 246 10.4% -7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 344 14.6% 8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 499 21.1% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 274 11.6% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 65 2.8% 47.7%
Built in 2020 or later 14 0.6% 7.7%
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.

Shady Side occupancy rates

Out of the 1,925 occupied housing units in Shady Side, 88.9% are owner-occupied, while 11.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,925
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
213
Owner occupied
1,712
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 213 11.1% -13.1%
Owner occupied 1,712 88.9% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
18.5%
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.

Shady Side housing costs

Housing costs in Shady Side come to a median of $2,223 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,490.

Median housing costs per month
$2,223/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 Shady Side
$2,490/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 Shady Side

Shady Side education at a glance

About 26% of the population in Shady Side went to high school, while 34.1% pursued college studies. Another 5% earned an associate degree and 18.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 0.4% 0.0%
High school diploma 945 26% -4.5%
College diploma 1,237 34.1% 9.1%
Associate degree 180 5% -9.1%
Bachelor's degree 659 18.2% 1.7%
Graduate degree 597 16.4% 5.7%
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 Shady Side

How much people earn in Shady Side

The average annual household income in Shady Side was $167,909 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $153,661, reflecting a +11.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shady Side
$167,909/year
10.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shady Side
$153,661/year
11.1% year-over-year change

Shady Side income by age

In Shady Side, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $179,350. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $168,625 overall. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $179,350 32.9%
45 - 64 $168,625 7.6%
Over 65 $95,857 2.7%
Above poverty level
4,521
Below poverty level
180
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,521 96.2% 6.7%
Below poverty level 180 3.8% -19.3%

Employment in Shady Side

Workforce and job types in Shady Side

The job market in Shady Side is powered by 2,672 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 66.3% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,672
6.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,222
Blue collar
450
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,222 83.2% 4.1%
Blue collar 450 16.8% 23.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
66.3%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 266 10% 26.1%
Private companies 1,771 66.3% 13.1%
Governmental workers 507 19% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 128 4.8% -33.3%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
44.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shady Side stands at 4.4%, 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 Shady Side

How people get around in Shady Side

Commuting methods vary: 83.6% 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 2,249 83.6% 3.0%
Walk 15 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 Shady Side by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20764 2,993 1,362 $118,857 $150,053

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FAQs about Shady Side demographics 

What is the total population of Shady Side?

Shady Side has a total population of 4,727 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 +6.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shady Side?

The gender ratio in Shady Side is as follows:
  • 54.3% males (2,565 residents)
  • 45.7% females (2,162 residents)

What is the median age in Shady Side?

The median age in Shady Side is 49.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shady Side?

The age distribution in Shady Side is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (648 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16% (754 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.6% (692 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 36.5% (1,727 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (906 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shady Side?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shady Side is as follows:
  • White: 79.5% (3,758 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (449 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (508 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (12 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Shady Side.

How many housing units are there in Shady Side?

There are 2,363 housing units in Shady Side, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shady Side has a total of 1,925 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shady Side?

Shady Side has a median household income of $153,661, representing a +11.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shady Side?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Shady Side, with a workforce of 2,672 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (2,222 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (450 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (266 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.3% (1,771 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (507 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.8% (128 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