Maryland Key Demographic Statistics (2024 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
6,263,220
Median Age
39.8 years
Median Household Income
$102,905
Bachelor's Degree+
44.69%
Uninsured Rate
6.3%
Total Households
2,401,394
Total Workers
3,249,570
Citizenship Rate
92.3%
Total Veterans
332,655
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
6.2%
Families in Poverty
95,397
SNAP Recipients
10.31%
Households w/ SNAP
247,604

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Maryland 2024 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Maryland by age group and gender, based on 2024 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Maryland is 6,263,220. The median age of the population in Maryland is 39.8 years. The median age for males is 38.5 years, and for females it is 40.9 years.

The age distribution of the population in Maryland by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Maryland, 2024
Age GroupPercentage
Under 5 years5.60%
5–17 years (children)16.24%
18–24 years (young adults)8.47%
25–34 years12.89%
35–54 years26.24%
55–64 years12.99%
65 years and over (seniors)17.56%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Maryland

The total dependency ratio in Maryland is 65.03. The youth dependency ratio is 36.06, and the old-age dependency ratio is 28.98. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated counties in Maryland, including Montgomery County (1,057,586), Prince George's County (955,584), and Baltimore County (849,586).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Maryland?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Maryland
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Maryland is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Maryland is calculated at 68.76, suggesting a high level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Maryland by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Maryland, 2024
Racial/Ethnic GroupPercentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic)45.31%
Black/African American Alone28.69%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race)13.27%
Asian Alone6.89%
Two or More Races4.92%
Some Other Race Alone0.72%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone0.16%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone0.05%

Maryland 2024 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Maryland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Maryland over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2024 inflation, was $102,905. This figure is based on a total of 2,401,394 households.

The distribution of household income in Maryland across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Maryland, 2024
Income RangePercentage of Households
Less than $20,0008.99%
$20,000 to $34,9997.05%
$35,000 to $49,9997.71%
$50,000 to $74,99912.92%
$75,000 to $149,99930.01%
$150,000 or more33.32%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the counties with the highest median household income in Maryland, explore the data for: Howard County ($146,982), Calvert County ($132,059), and Montgomery County ($128,733).


Maryland 2024 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Maryland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Maryland is based on a total of 1,628,167 properties.

The property value distribution in Maryland across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Maryland, 2024
Property Value RangePercentage of Properties
Less than $25,0001.91%
$25,000 to $49,9991.14%
$50,000 to $99,9991.67%
$100,000 to $199,9996.18%
$200,000 to $499,99950.07%
$500,000 to $999,99936.47%
$1,000,000 or more2.56%

Educational Attainment in Maryland (2024 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Maryland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Maryland, totaling 4,364,086 individuals.

91.42% of Maryland population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 44.69%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Maryland, 2024
Educational Attainment LevelPercentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate8.58%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency)23.11%
Some college or associate's degree23.63%
Bachelor's Degree23.16%
Graduate or professional degree21.53%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Maryland?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Maryland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Maryland shows that 6.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 390,741 individuals out of a total population of 6,167,570 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 13.2% for males and 8.2% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 9.0% of males and 5.9% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Maryland, uninsured rates for children are 4.4% for males and 4.9% for females, while seniors have rates of 1.4% for males and 1.2% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Maryland, 2024
Age GroupMale Uninsured %Female Uninsured %
Under 184.4%4.9%
18-34 years13.2%8.2%
35-64 years9.0%5.9%
65+ years1.4%1.2%

Maryland 2024 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Maryland based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Maryland shows that 92.3% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 5,779,423 individuals out of a total population of 6,263,220 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 81.0% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.5% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 9.4% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (587,055 individuals), while 7.7% are non-citizens (483,797 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Maryland, 2024
Nativity/Citizenship StatusPercentage
Born in the United States81.0%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas0.4%
Born abroad of American parent(s)1.5%
U.S. citizen by naturalization9.4%
Not a U.S. citizen7.7%
Total U.S. Citizens92.3%

Maryland 2024 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Maryland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Maryland show that 75.1% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 2,424,496 workers out of a total workforce of 3,227,926 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 5.0% (160,155 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (2.3%) and bicycling (0.3%).

15.6% of workers in Maryland report working from home. An additional 1.7% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Maryland, 2024
Transportation MethodPercentageNumber of Workers
Car, truck, or van75.1%2,424,496
Public transportation5.0%160,155
Bicycle0.3%10,569
Walked2.3%73,326
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means1.7%54,867
Worked from home15.6%504,513
Total Workers-3,227,926

Maryland 2024 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Maryland, based on 2024 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Maryland totals 3,249,570 workers. Of these, 1,632,636 (50.2%) are male and 1,616,934 (49.8%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Maryland is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Maryland, 2024
Employment ClassMale WorkersFemale Workers
Private For-Profit1,090,896 (33.6%)901,948 (27.8%)
Private Non-Profit122,396 (3.8%)241,066 (7.4%)
Government (All Levels)326,021 (10.0%)400,176 (12.3%)
  • Local Government95,599155,497
  • State Government59,02276,398
  • Federal Government171,400168,281
Self-Employed91,041 (2.8%)70,727 (2.2%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Maryland.


Maryland 2024 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Maryland, based on 2024 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 332,655 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Maryland.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 88,078 veterans (26.5% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 57,892 veterans (17.4%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Maryland is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Maryland, 2024
Period of ServiceNumber of VeteransPercentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975)88,07826.5%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later)57,89217.4%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era51,53115.5%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001)49,74615.0%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001)41,07812.3%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War18,0695.4%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955)12,9653.9%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era5,4061.6%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946)3,3231.0%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era1,6400.5%
Vietnam Era and Korean War1,5810.5%
Between Korean War and World War II6980.2%
Korean War and World War II3800.1%
Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II2580.1%
Pre-World War II100.0%
Total Veterans332,655100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Maryland 2024 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Maryland, based on 2024 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 1,541,015 families in Maryland.

Of these families, 95,397 (6.2%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 315,180 families (20.5%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 1,130,438 families (73.4%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Maryland is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Maryland, 2024
Income-to-Poverty RatioNumber of FamiliesPercentage
Below 50% of Poverty48,0623.1%
50-74% of Poverty19,4321.3%
75-99% of Poverty27,9031.8%
100-124% of Poverty28,5231.9%
125-149% of Poverty40,6232.6%
150-174% of Poverty38,0312.5%
175-184% of Poverty15,3461.0%
185-199% of Poverty26,7351.7%
200-299% of Poverty165,92210.8%
300-399% of Poverty180,62411.7%
400-499% of Poverty163,78710.6%
500%+ of Poverty786,02751.0%
Total Families1,541,015100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Maryland 2024 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Maryland, based on 2024 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 2,401,394 total households in Maryland. Of these, 247,604 households (10.31%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 106,891 (43.17%) have children under 18 years, while 140,713 (56.83%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Maryland, 2024
Household TypeWith Children Under 18No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family34,752 (14.04%)19,813 (8.00%)
Male Householder, No Spouse12,217 (4.93%)9,012 (3.64%)
Female Householder, No Spouse59,124 (23.88%)26,193 (10.58%)
Nonfamily Households798 (0.32%)85,695 (34.61%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Maryland. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Maryland is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age GroupPercentage
Under 5 years5.60%
5–17 years (children)16.24%
18–24 years (young adults)8.47%
25–34 years12.89%
35–54 years26.24%
55–64 years12.99%
65 years and over (seniors)17.56%

The racial and ethnic composition of Maryland is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 45.31%, Black/African American Alone: 28.69%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 13.27%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Maryland is $102,905. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Maryland is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 8.99%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 7.05%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 7.71%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 12.92%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 30.01%, High Income ($150,000+): 33.32%.

Approximately 51.77% of households in Maryland earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Maryland is: Less than $25,000: 1.91%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.14%, $50,000-$99,999: 1.67%, $100,000-$199,999: 6.18%, $200,000-$499,999: 50.07%, $500,000-$999,999: 36.47%, $1,000,000 or more: 2.56%.

There are 1,628,167 owner-occupied housing units in Maryland. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 39.04% of owner-occupied housing units in Maryland are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Maryland, 44.69% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Maryland (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 8.58%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 23.11%, Some college or associate's degree: 23.63%, Bachelor's degree: 23.16%, Graduate or professional degree: 21.53%.

In Maryland, 91.42% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Maryland, 6.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 390,741 individuals out of a total population of 6,167,570 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Maryland. For young adults (18-34 years), 13.2% of males and 8.2% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 9.0% of males and 5.9% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Maryland have uninsured rates of 4.4% for males and 4.9% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.4% for males and 1.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Maryland, 92.3% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 6,263,220 people, 5,779,423 are U.S. citizens.

Maryland has 587,055 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 9.4% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Maryland is: 81.0% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.5% were born abroad of American parent(s), 9.4% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 7.7% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Maryland, 75.1% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 3,227,926 total workers, 2,424,496 use personal vehicles for their commute.

160,155 workers in Maryland use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 5.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Maryland include: 15.6% work from home, 2.3% walk to work, 0.3% bicycle, and 1.7% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Maryland. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Maryland has 3,249,570 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 33.6% of male workers and 27.8% of female workers in this category.

In Maryland, there are 326,021 male government workers and 400,176 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 10.0% of male workers and 12.3% of female workers.

Self-employment in Maryland includes 91,041 males (2.8%) and 70,727 females (2.2%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Maryland, 247,604 households (10.31% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 2,401,394 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Maryland, 106,891 (43.17%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Maryland include diverse household types. Among households with children, 59,124 (23.88%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 34,752 (14.04%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Maryland, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 332,655 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Maryland. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Maryland is Vietnam Era Only, with 88,078 veterans (26.5% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 57,892 veterans (17.4%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Maryland provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 62.3% of all veterans in Maryland. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 207,293 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Maryland, 95,397 families (6.2% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 1,541,015 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Maryland, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Maryland has 315,180 families (20.5%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 107,177 families (7.0%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Maryland, 48,062 families (3.1%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 1,130,438 families (73.4%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.