Towson, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
58,679
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,320/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
24,871
2.3% year-over-year change

Towson population

How many people live in Towson

Towson is home to 58,679 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.4% of Towson locals are male, and 54.6% are female.

Total population
58,679
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
26,670
Female
54.6%
32,009
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,670 45.4% 3.3%
Female 32,009 54.6% 0.4%
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 Towson is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 23.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
23.6%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,739 14.9% 2.3%
15 to 24 13,854 23.6% -0.6%
25 to 44 14,261 24.3% 4.1%
45 to 64 11,260 19.2% -0.3%
Over 65 10,565 18% 3.4%
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 Towson, 87.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68% of locals are Caucasian, 16.8% are African American and 6.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.6%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 51,447 87.7% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,454 7.6% 3.0%
Non-citizens 2,778 4.7% -5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
68%
Black or African American
16.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 39,904 68%
Black or African American 9,875 16.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 141 0.2%
Asian 3,557 6.1%
Two or more races 4,338 7.4%
Other 864 1.5%

Households in Towson

A peek inside Towson households

Towson has 23,262 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.4% are families, while the remaining 48.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,262
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,301
Family households
11,961
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,301 48.6% 6.7%
Family households 11,961 51.4% 0.6%
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 Towson

The housing landscape of Towson

Towson's housing consists of 24,871 units, with 33.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 21.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
24,871
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,389 33.7%
1 unit, attached 5,399 21.7%
2 units 152 0.6%
3 or 4 units 1,419 5.7%
5 to 9 units 2,056 8.3%
10 to 19 units 1,915 7.7%
20 to 49 units 712 2.9%
50 or more units 4,829 19.4%
Homes built since 2020
251
23.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Towson

In Towson, the median construction year is 1966. About 10.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,665 10.7% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,361 9.5% -2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,441 21.9% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,414 13.7% 3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,156 12.7% 9.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,158 8.7% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,403 5.6% -13.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,699 6.8% 4.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,323 9.3% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 251 1% 23.6%
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.

Towson occupancy rates

Out of the 23,262 occupied housing units in Towson, 55.6% are owner-occupied, while 44.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,262
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,319
Owner occupied
12,943
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,319 44.4% 4.4%
Owner occupied 12,943 55.6% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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.

Towson housing costs

Housing costs in Towson come to a median of $1,820 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,764.

Median housing costs per month
$1,820/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 Towson
$1,764/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 Towson

Towson education at a glance

About 16.2% of the population in Towson went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 28.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 27% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 646 1.3% -7.3%
High school diploma 7,825 16.2% -0.0%
College diploma 10,036 20.8% -4.5%
Associate degree 3,066 6.4% 7.6%
Bachelor's degree 13,626 28.2% 0.6%
Graduate degree 13,050 27% 8.2%
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 Towson

How much people earn in Towson

The average annual household income in Towson was $150,464 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $101,320, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Towson
$150,464/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Towson
$101,320/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Towson income by age

In Towson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,416. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $157,396 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,931, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,957 in earnings. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,931 8.9%
25 - 44 $109,416 -3.7%
45 - 64 $157,396 2.0%
Over 65 $76,957 -0.6%
Above poverty level
44,946
Below poverty level
6,115
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,946 88% 2.5%
Below poverty level 6,115 12% -3.1%

Average renter income in Towson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Towson, their median household income was $61,819 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,819
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
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 Towson

Workforce and job types in Towson

The job market in Towson is powered by 29,684 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
29,684
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
27,557
Blue collar
2,127
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 27,557 92.8% 1.2%
Blue collar 2,127 7.2% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,197 7.4% -1.7%
Private companies 17,099 57.6% -0.1%
Governmental workers 5,640 19% 9.6%
Not for profit companies 4,748 16% -0.1%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
5.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Towson stands at 4.8%, 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 Towson

How people get around in Towson

In Towson, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-2.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,665 68% -3.0%
Taxicab 139 0.5% 39.0%
Bus or trolleybus 496 1.7% 5.8%
Subway or elevated 16 0.1% N/A
Railroad 62 0.2% -1.6%
Motorcycle 31 0.1% 138.5%
Bicycle 69 0.2% 76.9%
Walk 1,495 5.2% 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.

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FAQs about Towson demographics 

What is the total population of Towson?

Towson has a total population of 58,679 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 +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Towson?

The gender ratio in Towson is as follows:
  • 45.4% males (26,670 residents)
  • 54.6% females (32,009 residents)

What is the median age in Towson?

The median age in Towson is 33.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Towson?

The age distribution in Towson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (8,739 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.6% (13,854 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (14,261 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (11,260 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (10,565 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Towson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Towson is as follows:
  • White: 68% (39,904 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.8% (9,875 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (141 residents)
  • Asian: 6.1% (3,557 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (4,338 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (864 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.7% of the population in Towson.

How many housing units are there in Towson?

There are 24,871 housing units in Towson, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Towson has a total of 23,262 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Towson?

Towson has a median household income of $101,320, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Towson, with a workforce of 29,684 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.8% (27,557 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.2% (2,127 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (2,197 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (17,099 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (5,640 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16% (4,748 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