Silver Spring, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
81,462
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,860/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
35,774
0.4% year-over-year change

Silver Spring population

How many people live in Silver Spring

Silver Spring is home to 81,462 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Silver Spring locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
81,462
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
40,056
Female
50.8%
41,406
Value Percent YoY change
Male 40,056 49.2% -1.0%
Female 41,406 50.8% -0.7%
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 Silver Spring is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.5% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
35.5%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,878 19.5% 0.5%
15 to 24 9,001 11% -4.7%
25 to 44 28,937 35.5% 0.2%
45 to 64 17,818 21.9% -2.9%
Over 65 9,828 12.1% 1.7%
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 Silver Spring, 63.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34.5% of locals are Caucasian, 28.8% are African American and 8.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 16% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18%
Non-citizens
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 51,879 63.7% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,646 18% 0.1%
Non-citizens 14,937 18.3% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
34.5%
Black or African American
28.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
8.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.2%
Other
16%
Value Percent
White 28,093 34.5%
Black or African American 23,461 28.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 732 0.9%
Asian 6,972 8.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 82 0.1%
Two or more races 9,091 11.2%
Other 13,031 16%

Households in Silver Spring

A peek inside Silver Spring households

Silver Spring has 33,988 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.6% are families, while the remaining 47.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,988
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,122
Family households
17,866
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,122 47.4% 0.4%
Family households 17,866 52.6% -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 Silver Spring

The housing landscape of Silver Spring

Silver Spring's housing consists of 35,774 units, with 29.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.3% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
35,774
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,582 29.6%
1 unit, attached 1,900 5.3%
2 units 418 1.2%
3 or 4 units 1,065 3%
5 to 9 units 3,452 9.6%
10 to 19 units 2,559 7.2%
20 to 49 units 1,537 4.3%
50 or more units 14,065 39.3%
Mobile home 196 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
282
131.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Silver Spring

In Silver Spring, the median construction year is 1964. About 11.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,016 11.2% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,757 13.3% 2.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,804 16.2% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,511 21% -4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,538 7.1% 13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,811 5.1% -12.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,912 5.3% -11.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,373 6.6% -0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,770 13.3% 11.4%
Built in 2020 or later 282 0.8% 131.2%
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.

Silver Spring occupancy rates

Out of the 33,988 occupied housing units in Silver Spring, 38.3% are owner-occupied, while 61.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,988
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,979
Owner occupied
13,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,979 61.7% -0.7%
Owner occupied 13,009 38.3% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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.

Silver Spring housing costs

Housing costs in Silver Spring come to a median of $2,012 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,913.

Median housing costs per month
$2,012/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 Silver Spring
$1,913/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 Silver Spring

Silver Spring education at a glance

About 19.8% of the population in Silver Spring went to high school, while 10.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 27.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,836 7.6% -4.9%
High school diploma 12,545 19.8% 2.1%
College diploma 6,686 10.6% -2.2%
Associate degree 2,782 4.4% -6.3%
Bachelor's degree 17,210 27.2% 0.5%
Graduate degree 19,284 30.4% -0.2%
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 Silver Spring

How much people earn in Silver Spring

The average annual household income in Silver Spring was $135,559 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,860, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Silver Spring
$135,559/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Silver Spring
$99,860/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Silver Spring income by age

In Silver Spring, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,035. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $120,674 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,259, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $94,154 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,259 2.3%
25 - 44 $103,035 2.5%
45 - 64 $120,674 2.1%
Over 65 $94,154 1.5%
Above poverty level
71,703
Below poverty level
8,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 71,703 89.4% -1.7%
Below poverty level 8,512 10.6% 8.7%

Average renter income in Silver Spring

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Silver Spring, their median household income was $68,506 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,506
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Silver Spring

Workforce and job types in Silver Spring

The job market in Silver Spring is powered by 48,075 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 51.8% are employed by private companies, and 20.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
48,075
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
41,054
Blue collar
7,021
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 41,054 85.4% -0.3%
Blue collar 7,021 14.6% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
51.8%
Governmental workers
20.6%
Not for profit companies
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,100 10.6% -0.6%
Private companies 24,901 51.8% -0.5%
Governmental workers 9,887 20.6% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 8,187 17% 0.5%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring

How people get around in Silver Spring

In Silver Spring, the average commute time is 34 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 52.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
34 min
3.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,456 52.3% -3.1%
Taxicab 322 0.7% -14.1%
Bus or trolleybus 2,500 5.4% -13.8%
Subway or elevated 3,794 8.1% N/A
Railroad 102 0.2% -53.2%
Motorcycle 31 0.1% -55.1%
Bicycle 415 0.9% 1.7%
Walk 1,270 2.7% -6.5%
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 Silver Spring by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20901 36,435 13,114 $131,386 $163,531
20902 54,261 18,236 $114,486 $142,391
20903 24,815 7,205 $80,768 $101,475
20904 58,646 21,212 $96,025 $132,051
20905 19,004 5,899 $159,740 $185,959
20906 70,595 25,958 $97,521 $121,200
20910 45,943 22,123 $112,134 $143,098

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FAQs about Silver Spring demographics 

What is the total population of Silver Spring?

Silver Spring has a total population of 81,462 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Silver Spring?

The gender ratio in Silver Spring is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (40,056 residents)
  • 50.8% females (41,406 residents)

What is the median age in Silver Spring?

The median age in Silver Spring is 35.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Silver Spring?

The age distribution in Silver Spring is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (15,878 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (9,001 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.5% (28,937 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (17,818 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.1% (9,828 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Silver Spring?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Silver Spring is as follows:
  • White: 34.5% (28,093 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.8% (23,461 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (732 residents)
  • Asian: 8.6% (6,972 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (82 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.2% (9,091 residents)
  • Other: 16% (13,031 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.7% of the population in Silver Spring.

How many housing units are there in Silver Spring?

There are 35,774 housing units in Silver Spring, 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 Silver Spring and what is the average household size?

Silver Spring has a total of 33,988 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Silver Spring?

Silver Spring has a median household income of $99,860, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Silver Spring?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Silver Spring, with a workforce of 48,075 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (41,054 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (7,021 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (5,100 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.8% (24,901 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.6% (9,887 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17% (8,187 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