MarylandPop. 69,825Smaller cities
Is Gaithersburg a Good Place to Live? Gaithersburg, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gaithersburg ranks #103 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #49 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($112,467, #117 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468) and high rents ($2,058/mo, #420 of 524).
Gaithersburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gaithersburg'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 Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg'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 $2,058/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $517,488, 21% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Gaithersburg | 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 | $517,488#847 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 | $2,167/mo#788 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $496,500#980 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,058/mo#1120 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22%#680 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.
Gaithersburg 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. Gaithersburg is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Gaithersburg safe?
Gaithersburg recorded 216 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #381 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gaithersburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,047 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gaithersburg | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 216#381 of 1,085 | 358 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,047#238 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 Gaithersburg?
The median household in Gaithersburg earns $112,467, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gaithersburg | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $112,467#210 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% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Gaithersburg?
The median resident of Gaithersburg is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #221 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gaithersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.5%#221 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 50.8% | 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 Gaithersburg's schools and health?
Gaithersburg's 16 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil. 26.9% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Gaithersburg | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,456#228 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.9%#221 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.3%#78 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.2%#889 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. 14,016 students are enrolled in Gaithersburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gaithersburg?
The average commute in Gaithersburg is 29.4 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 7.1% of workers take transit and 26% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gaithersburg scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 36.6°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gaithersburg | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.4 min#1074 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.4%#1188 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 51.6% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.1% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 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 | 14.2#123 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 | 42.2 | 26.9 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 45 | 28.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 53.7 | 35.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 65.9 | 45.6 | 3.2 |
| May | 74.3 | 54.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 63.6 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.1 | 68.8 | 4 |
| Aug | 84.9 | 67 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 77.5 | 60 | 4 |
| Oct | 65.9 | 48 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 55.7 | 38.2 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 46 | 30.9 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rockville 1 Ne.
| Measure | Gaithersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 56.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41.3 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 Rockville 1 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gaithersburg?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% 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 Montgomery 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 | Gaithersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 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% | 0.06%#9 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 Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0066% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 35% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.039% | 4% 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 Gaithersburg compare with similar-size cities?
Gaithersburg is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #49 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 69,825.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #103 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 | 29.4 min |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #540 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 | 27.4 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #443 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 | 30.6 min |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #1097 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 | 25.3 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 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 Gaithersburg compare with the rest of Maryland?
Gaithersburg ranks #7 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 68.2 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 9% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Gaithersburg's score calculated?
Gaithersburg scores 68.2 out of 100, #103 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 Gaithersburg. Similar-size median 55.5.
70.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gaithersburg's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gaithersburg. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gaithersburg's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
73.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gaithersburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
46.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gaithersburg. Similar-size median 56.1.
72.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gaithersburg. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gaithersburg. Similar-size median 50.0.
63.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gaithersburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
80.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gaithersburg'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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Is Gaithersburg, MD a good place to live?
Gaithersburg ranks #103 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #49 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($112,467, #117 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468) and high rents ($2,058/mo, #420 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg'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 $2,058/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $517,488, 21% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
What is the crime rate in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg recorded 216 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #381 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gaithersburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,047 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gaithersburg?
The median household in Gaithersburg earns $112,467, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gaithersburg?
Median rent in Gaithersburg is $2,058/mo (Census), #1120 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,167/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gaithersburg?
The typical home value in Gaithersburg is $517,488, down 1.5% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $496,500.
How are the public schools in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg's 16 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gaithersburg?
The average commute is 29.4 minutes, #1074 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 13.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg averages 56.2°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 36.6°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gaithersburg walkable?
Gaithersburg scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Gaithersburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery 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 Gaithersburg?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has 69,825 residents. The median resident of Gaithersburg is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #221 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gaithersburg compare with the rest of Maryland?
Gaithersburg ranks #7 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 68.2 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 9% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Gaithersburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gaithersburg's population of 69,825 are North Richland Hills, TX (#540 overall), Apex, NC (#12 overall), St. Cloud, MN (#925 overall), Eau Claire, WI (#357 overall), and Walnut Creek, CA (#443 overall). Gaithersburg is #103.