Wheaton, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
52,926
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$111,478/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,330
1.3% year-over-year change

Wheaton population

How many people live in Wheaton

Wheaton is home to 52,926 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Wheaton locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
52,926
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
26,442
Female
50%
26,484
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,442 50% 0.5%
Female 26,484 50% 2.4%
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 Wheaton is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.8% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
29.8%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,476 17.9% -6.0%
15 to 24 6,864 13% 7.8%
25 to 44 15,766 29.8% 0.6%
45 to 64 13,805 26.1% 2.4%
Over 65 7,015 13.2% 6.7%
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 Wheaton, 55.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 22.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 22.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.6% of locals are Caucasian, 19.4% are African American and 10% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
55.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
22.3%
Non-citizens
22.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,222 55.2% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11,817 22.3% 2.5%
Non-citizens 11,887 22.5% 0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
25.6%
Black or African American
19.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
10%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.2%
Other
33.8%
Value Percent
White 13,524 25.6%
Black or African American 10,261 19.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 537 1%
Asian 5,285 10%
Two or more races 5,412 10.2%
Other 17,907 33.8%

Households in Wheaton

A peek inside Wheaton households

Wheaton has 16,932 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71% are families, while the remaining 29% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,932
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,902
Family households
12,030
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,902 29% 3.2%
Family households 12,030 71% 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 Wheaton

The housing landscape of Wheaton

Wheaton's housing consists of 17,330 units, with 59.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.5% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,330
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,374 59.9%
1 unit, attached 2,515 14.5%
2 units 46 0.3%
3 or 4 units 201 1.2%
5 to 9 units 456 2.6%
10 to 19 units 1,619 9.3%
20 to 49 units 244 1.4%
50 or more units 1,845 10.6%
Mobile home 30 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wheaton

In Wheaton, the median construction year is 1960. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.1% 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 200 1.2% -17.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,793 16.1% 2.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,774 33.3% -4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,574 14.8% 6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,107 6.4% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,133 6.5% 17.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 595 3.4% -0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,772 10.2% 24.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,382 8% -14.3%
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.

Wheaton occupancy rates

Out of the 16,932 occupied housing units in Wheaton, 64.6% are owner-occupied, while 35.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,932
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,987
Owner occupied
10,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,987 35.4% 3.1%
Owner occupied 10,945 64.6% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
2.3%
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.

Wheaton housing costs

Housing costs in Wheaton come to a median of $2,122 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,163.

Median housing costs per month
$2,122/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 Wheaton
$2,163/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 Wheaton

Wheaton education at a glance

About 28.6% of the population in Wheaton went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,825 11.8% -0.7%
High school diploma 11,745 28.6% 4.4%
College diploma 7,442 18.1% 3.2%
Associate degree 2,023 4.9% 8.7%
Bachelor's degree 7,563 18.4% -3.5%
Graduate degree 7,419 18.1% 6.4%
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 Wheaton

How much people earn in Wheaton

The average annual household income in Wheaton was $132,798 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $111,478, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wheaton
$132,798/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wheaton
$111,478/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Wheaton income by age

In Wheaton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $131,550. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,032 overall. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $131,550 9.0%
45 - 64 $108,032 3.0%
Over 65 $76,146 4.4%
Above poverty level
44,870
Below poverty level
6,766
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,870 86.9% -1.3%
Below poverty level 6,766 13.1% 24.9%

Average renter income in Wheaton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wheaton, their median household income was $75,963 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
$75,963
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 Wheaton

Workforce and job types in Wheaton

The job market in Wheaton is powered by 27,791 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,791
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
22,221
Blue collar
5,570
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,221 80% 0.7%
Blue collar 5,570 20% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,999 10.8% -1.6%
Private companies 17,896 64.4% 3.0%
Governmental workers 4,372 15.7% -11.2%
Not for profit companies 2,524 9.1% 8.1%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
17.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wheaton stands at 6.8%, 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 Wheaton

How people get around in Wheaton

Commuting methods vary: 67.2% 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 18,153 67.2% -1.0%
Taxicab 88 0.3% -34.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1,778 6.6% 2.1%
Subway or elevated 1,152 4.3% N/A
Railroad 15 0.1% -46.4%
Bicycle 17 0.1% 70.0%
Walk 221 0.8% -21.9%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Wheaton demographics 

What is the total population of Wheaton?

Wheaton has a total population of 52,926 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wheaton?

The gender ratio in Wheaton is as follows:
  • 50% males (26,442 residents)
  • 50% females (26,484 residents)

What is the median age in Wheaton?

The median age in Wheaton is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wheaton?

The age distribution in Wheaton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (9,476 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (6,864 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.8% (15,766 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (13,805 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (7,015 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wheaton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheaton is as follows:
  • White: 25.6% (13,524 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.4% (10,261 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (537 residents)
  • Asian: 10% (5,285 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.2% (5,412 residents)
  • Other: 33.8% (17,907 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 55.2% of the population in Wheaton.

How many housing units are there in Wheaton?

There are 17,330 housing units in Wheaton, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wheaton has a total of 16,932 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wheaton?

Wheaton has a median household income of $111,478, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.2% in Wheaton, with a workforce of 27,791 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80% (22,221 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20% (5,570 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (2,999 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (17,896 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (4,372 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (2,524 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