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Is Bowie a Good Place to Live? Bowie, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bowie ranks #190 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.8%, #11 of 524) and high household income ($141,995, #35 of 524), and trails on long commutes (34.8 min, #497 of 524) and low graduation rates (76%, #397 of 437).
Bowie by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bowie's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bowie?
Bowie's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,330/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $520,578, 22% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Bowie | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 105 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $520,578#852 of 1,187 | $428,308 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,522/mo#918 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $459,300#905 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,330/mo#1214 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.7%#417 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bowie housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bowie is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Bowie safe?
Bowie recorded 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 43% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #368 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bowie Police Department. Property crime runs 1,951 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bowie | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 205#368 of 1,085 | 358 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,951#695 of 1,085 | 1,820 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bowie?
The median household in Bowie earns $141,995, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 38% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bowie | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $141,995#59 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 3.8%#41 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bowie?
The median resident of Bowie is 44 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 50.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bowie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 44 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 50.4%#260 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 83.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bowie's schools and health?
Bowie's 12 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $19,789 spent per pupil. 38% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bowie | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76%#968 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,789#217 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.9%#56 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,108 students are enrolled in Bowie's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bowie?
The average commute in Bowie is 34.8 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 3% of workers take transit and 26% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bowie scores 11.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.5°F and winters 36.4°F, with 45 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bowie | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 34.8 min#1264 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 17%#1252 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 60.6% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.5#535 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.9 | 24.7 | 3 |
| Feb | 46.8 | 25.9 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 54.7 | 32.8 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 66.5 | 43.5 | 3.4 |
| May | 74.8 | 53.5 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 83.5 | 62.7 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 88 | 67.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.3 | 65.3 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 58.2 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 68.8 | 45.6 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 58 | 35.5 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 48 | 28.8 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Upper Marlboro 3 Nnw.
| Measure | Bowie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 56°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Upper Marlboro 3 Nnw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bowie?
Prince George's County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Prince George's County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Bowie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.06%#20 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Prince George's County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Prince George's County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0068% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 58% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0011% | 37% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0016% | 20% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.042% | 5% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bowie compare with similar-size cities?
Bowie is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #93 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,926.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #190 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 | 34.8 min |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #1303 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 | 21.2 min |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #94 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 | 23.8 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #171 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 min |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #512 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 | 26.2 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #168 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 min |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #689 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 | 16.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bowie compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bowie ranks #11 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 38% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical Maryland home.
| City | Rank in MD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #1 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #2 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #3 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #4 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #5 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #6 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #7 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #8 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #9 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data |
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #10 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #11 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #12 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #13 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #14 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #15 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #16 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #17 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #18 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #19 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #20 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data |
All 20 Maryland cities we track, by overall score. Maryland statewide: median income $102,905, violent crime 358 per 100,000.
How is Bowie's score calculated?
Bowie scores 64.8 out of 100, #190 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Maryland's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bowie. Similar-size median 55.5.
81.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bowie's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
79.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bowie. Similar-size median 58.9.
55.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bowie's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bowie's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
45.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bowie. Similar-size median 56.1.
95.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bowie. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bowie. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bowie's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
55.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
79.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bowie's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bowie has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bowie
Is Bowie, MD a good place to live?
Bowie ranks #190 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.8%, #11 of 524) and high household income ($141,995, #35 of 524), and trails on long commutes (34.8 min, #497 of 524) and low graduation rates (76%, #397 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Bowie?
Bowie's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,330/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $520,578, 22% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
What is the crime rate in Bowie?
Bowie recorded 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 43% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #368 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bowie Police Department. Property crime runs 1,951 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bowie?
The median household in Bowie earns $141,995, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 38% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bowie?
Median rent in Bowie is $2,330/mo (Census), #1214 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,522/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bowie?
The typical home value in Bowie is $520,578, down 0.4% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $459,300.
How are the public schools in Bowie?
Bowie's 12 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $19,789 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bowie?
The average commute is 34.8 minutes, #1264 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 17% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bowie?
Bowie averages 56°F over the year, 75.5°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 45 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bowie walkable?
Bowie scores 11.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bowie at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Prince George's County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bowie?
Prince George's County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bowie?
Bowie has 57,926 residents. The median resident of Bowie is 44 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 50.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bowie compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bowie ranks #11 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 38% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 43% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Bowie?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bowie's population of 57,926 are Springfield, OH (#1303 overall), Royal Oak, MI (#94 overall), Orland Park, IL (#171 overall), Kannapolis, NC (#512 overall), and Brookhaven, GA (#168 overall). Bowie is #190.