Sykesville, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,491
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$139,556/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,597
-0.2% year-over-year change

Sykesville population

How many people live in Sykesville

Sykesville is home to 4,491 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Sykesville locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
4,491
3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
2,229
Female
50.4%
2,262
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,229 49.6% -1.2%
Female 2,262 50.4% 8.3%
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 Sykesville is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 18.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,049 23.4% 5.1%
15 to 24 740 16.5% 13.2%
25 to 44 1,267 28.2% 6.3%
45 to 64 840 18.7% -12.9%
Over 65 595 13.2% 10.8%
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 Sykesville, 94.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.8% of locals are Caucasian, 14.1% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,232 94.2% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 210 4.7% 27.3%
Non-citizens 49 1.1% 36.1%
Racial breakdown
White
74.8%
Black or African American
14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 3,361 74.8%
Black or African American 633 14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Asian 163 3.6%
Two or more races 313 7%
Other 16 0.4%

Households in Sykesville

A peek inside Sykesville households

Sykesville has 1,446 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.1% are families, while the remaining 17.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,446
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
259
Family households
1,187
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 259 17.9% -37.4%
Family households 1,187 82.1% 12.2%
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 Sykesville

The housing landscape of Sykesville

Sykesville's housing consists of 1,597 units, with 53.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 31.5% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,597
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 852 53.4%
1 unit, attached 503 31.5%
2 units 16 1%
3 or 4 units 15 0.9%
5 to 9 units 23 1.4%
10 to 19 units 33 2.1%
20 to 49 units 113 7.1%
50 or more units 37 2.3%
Mobile home 5 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sykesville

In Sykesville, the median construction year is 1988. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% 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 51 3.2% -40.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 1.9% -38.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 117 7.3% 27.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 37 2.3% 5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 149 9.3% -48.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 488 30.6% 21.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 538 33.7% 22.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 41 2.6% -43.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 145 9.1% 9.0%
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.

Sykesville occupancy rates

Out of the 1,446 occupied housing units in Sykesville, 77.5% are owner-occupied, while 22.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,446
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
325
Owner occupied
1,121
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 325 22.5% -25.3%
Owner occupied 1,121 77.5% 8.1%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
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.

Sykesville housing costs

Housing costs in Sykesville come to a median of $2,142 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,828.

Median housing costs per month
$2,142/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 Sykesville
$1,828/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 Sykesville

Sykesville education at a glance

About 25.6% of the population in Sykesville went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 29.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 0.2% -61.5%
High school diploma 808 25.6% 10.4%
College diploma 547 17.3% 5.4%
Associate degree 241 7.6% -43.7%
Bachelor's degree 927 29.4% 5.3%
Graduate degree 626 19.8% 17.7%
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 Sykesville

How much people earn in Sykesville

The average annual household income in Sykesville was $161,679 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $139,556, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sykesville
$161,679/year
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sykesville
$139,556/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Sykesville income by age

In Sykesville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $161,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $139,899 overall. Overall, 96.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $161,917 12.0%
45 - 64 $139,899 2.0%
Over 65 $107,739 57.6%
Above poverty level
4,236
Below poverty level
137
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,236 96.9% 4.2%
Below poverty level 137 3.1% -6.8%

Average renter income in Sykesville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sykesville, their median household income was $89,038 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$89,038
Rent-to-income ratio
24.6%
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 Sykesville

Workforce and job types in Sykesville

The job market in Sykesville is powered by 2,448 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.2% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,448
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,049
Blue collar
399
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,049 83.7% -2.6%
Blue collar 399 16.3% 17.4%
Employer type
Self employees
3.2%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 78 3.2% -23.5%
Private companies 1,558 63.6% -4.7%
Governmental workers 567 23.2% 5.0%
Not for profit companies 245 10% 46.7%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
26.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sykesville stands at 2.3%, 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 Sykesville

How people get around in Sykesville

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 2,117 88.8% -1.0%
Walk 19 0.8% 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.

What is the median and average household income in Sykesville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21784 39,258 13,416 $139,395 $165,007

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FAQs about Sykesville demographics 

What is the total population of Sykesville?

Sykesville has a total population of 4,491 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 +3.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sykesville?

The gender ratio in Sykesville is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (2,229 residents)
  • 50.4% females (2,262 residents)

What is the median age in Sykesville?

The median age in Sykesville is 34.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sykesville?

The age distribution in Sykesville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (1,049 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (740 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (1,267 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.7% (840 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (595 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sykesville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sykesville is as follows:
  • White: 74.8% (3,361 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.1% (633 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (163 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (313 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (16 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.2% of the population in Sykesville.

How many housing units are there in Sykesville?

There are 1,597 housing units in Sykesville, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sykesville has a total of 1,446 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sykesville?

Sykesville has a median household income of $139,556, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.7% in Sykesville, with a workforce of 2,448 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.7% (2,049 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.3% (399 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.2% (78 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (1,558 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (567 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (245 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