MarylandPop. 83,395Smaller cities
Is Frederick a Good Place to Live? Frederick, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Frederick ranks #236 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3%, #26 of 468) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on long commutes (30 min, #409 of 524).
Frederick by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Frederick'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 Frederick?
Frederick'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 $1,764/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $459,795, 7% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Frederick | 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 | $459,795#745 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 | $2,182/mo#793 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $401,500#789 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,764/mo#934 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.8%#657 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.
Frederick 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. Frederick is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Frederick safe?
Frederick recorded 390 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% above the US rate of 328 and 9% above Maryland's 358. That ranks #702 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #311 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Frederick Police Department. Property crime runs 1,572 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Frederick | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 390#702 of 1,085 | 358 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,572#511 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 Frederick?
The median household in Frederick earns $97,069, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Frederick | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $97,069#386 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.2%#431 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3%#52 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 Frederick?
The median resident of Frederick is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #385 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Frederick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 43.2%#385 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.8% | 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 Frederick's schools and health?
Frederick's 18 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $16,233 spent per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Frederick | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,233#459 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.5%#718 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. 13,746 students are enrolled in Frederick's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Frederick?
The average commute in Frederick is 30 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 1.9% of workers take transit and 17.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Frederick scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 37.3°F, with 43.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Frederick | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30 min#1107 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 16.1%#1243 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.1% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.1% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.5% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.1#142 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 | 43.1 | 26.5 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 47.8 | 28.5 | 3 |
| Mar | 55.3 | 35.6 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 68.6 | 44.7 | 3.6 |
| May | 77.4 | 55 | 4 |
| Jun | 85.2 | 63.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 68.4 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 66.4 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 80 | 59.3 | 5.8 |
| Oct | 68.8 | 47.2 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 56.3 | 37.8 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 47.1 | 30.7 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Frederick Police Brks.
| Measure | Frederick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 57°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 37.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.5 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 Frederick Police Brks.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Frederick?
Frederick County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Frederick County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Frederick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#27 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 Frederick County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Frederick County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0035% | 62% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0031% | 28% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.047% | 9% 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 Frederick compare with similar-size cities?
Frederick is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #118 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 83,395.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #236 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 | 30 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #320 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #176 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 | 23.3 min |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #159 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 | 24.7 min |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #684 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data | 21.2 min |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #304 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 | 22.9 min |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #209 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 | 24.3 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 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 Frederick compare with the rest of Maryland?
Frederick ranks #12 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 63.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 6% below the Maryland median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 Frederick's score calculated?
Frederick scores 63.5 out of 100, #236 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 Frederick. Similar-size median 55.5.
64.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Frederick's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
70.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Frederick. Similar-size median 58.9.
53.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Frederick's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
68.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Frederick's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Frederick. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Frederick. Similar-size median 42.4.
72.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Frederick. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Frederick's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
78.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Frederick'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 Frederick 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 Frederick
Is Frederick, MD a good place to live?
Frederick ranks #236 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3%, #26 of 468) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on long commutes (30 min, #409 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Frederick?
Frederick'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 $1,764/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $459,795, 7% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
What is the crime rate in Frederick?
Frederick recorded 390 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% above the US rate of 328 and 9% above Maryland's 358. That ranks #702 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #311 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Frederick Police Department. Property crime runs 1,572 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Frederick?
The median household in Frederick earns $97,069, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Frederick?
Median rent in Frederick is $1,764/mo (Census), #934 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,182/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Frederick?
The typical home value in Frederick is $459,795, down 0.9% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $401,500.
How are the public schools in Frederick?
Frederick's 18 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $16,233 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Frederick?
The average commute is 30 minutes, #1107 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 16.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Frederick?
Frederick averages 57°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 37.3°F in winter, with 43.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Frederick walkable?
Frederick scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Frederick at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Frederick County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Frederick?
Frederick County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Frederick?
Frederick has 83,395 residents. The median resident of Frederick is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #385 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Frederick compare with the rest of Maryland?
Frederick ranks #12 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 63.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 6% below the Maryland median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Frederick?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Frederick's population of 83,395 are Brooklyn Park, MN (#320 overall), Mountain View, CA (#176 overall), Farmington Hills, MI (#159 overall), The Villages, FL (#684 overall), and Layton, UT (#304 overall). Frederick is #236.