MarylandPop. 90,719Smaller cities
Is Germantown a Good Place to Live? Germantown, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Germantown ranks #123 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($117,546, #95 of 524), and trails on long commutes (30.8 min, #435 of 524) and high rents ($2,040/mo, #417 of 524).
Germantown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Germantown's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Germantown: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Germantown safe?
What is the cost of living in Germantown?
Germantown'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 $2,040/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $416,884, 3% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Germantown | 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 | $416,884#663 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 | $2,065/mo#741 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $422,400#840 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,040/mo#1113 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.8%#547 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.
Germantown 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. Germantown is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Germantown safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Germantown alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Germantown crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Germantown?
The median household in Germantown earns $117,546, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Maryland ($102,905). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Germantown | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $117,546#175 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
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 Germantown?
The median resident of Germantown is 37.5 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). 67.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Germantown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 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% | 67.2% | 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 Germantown's schools and health?
Germantown's 18 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil. 27.5% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Germantown | 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 | 14.1#301 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% | 27.5%#244 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% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.3%#691 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. 14,608 students are enrolled in Germantown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Germantown?
The average commute in Germantown is 30.8 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 5% of workers take transit and 22.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Germantown scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.2°F and winters 34.2°F, with 47.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Germantown | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.8 min#1154 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.7%#1197 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.1% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.3% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.3#280 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 | 39.1 | 24.5 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 42.6 | 26.1 | 3 |
| Mar | 51.6 | 33.1 | 4 |
| Apr | 63.9 | 42.9 | 3.6 |
| May | 72.5 | 52.8 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 80.2 | 61.5 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 84.3 | 66 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 64.6 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 57.6 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 64.5 | 46.5 | 4 |
| Nov | 53.3 | 36.4 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 43.5 | 29.5 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Damascus 3 Ssw.
| Measure | Germantown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.9 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 Damascus 3 Ssw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Germantown?
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 | Germantown | 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 Germantown compare with similar-size cities?
Germantown is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #57 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 90,719.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #249 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
| Santa Monica, CAPop. 91,169 | #739 | 54.3 | $114,885 | $2,402/mo | 618 | 24.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #1241 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 | 26.9 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 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 Germantown compare with the rest of Maryland?
Germantown ranks #8 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 67.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 14% above the Maryland median. Homes are 3% below 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 Germantown's score calculated?
Germantown scores 67.5 out of 100, #123 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Germantown. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
71.8 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Germantown. Similar-size median 58.9.
71.8 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Germantown's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
71.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Germantown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.0 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Germantown. Similar-size median 56.1.
75.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Germantown. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Germantown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
80.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Germantown alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Germantown.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Germantown'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 Germantown 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 Germantown
Is Germantown, MD a good place to live?
Germantown ranks #123 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($117,546, #95 of 524), and trails on long commutes (30.8 min, #435 of 524) and high rents ($2,040/mo, #417 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Germantown?
Germantown'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 $2,040/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $416,884, 3% below the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Germantown safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Germantown alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Germantown crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Germantown?
The median household in Germantown earns $117,546, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Maryland ($102,905). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Germantown?
Median rent in Germantown is $2,040/mo (Census), #1113 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,065/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Germantown?
The typical home value in Germantown is $416,884, down 2.2% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $422,400.
How are the public schools in Germantown?
Germantown's 18 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Germantown?
The average commute is 30.8 minutes, #1154 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 13.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Germantown?
Germantown averages 54°F over the year, 73.2°F in summer and 34.2°F in winter, with 47.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Germantown walkable?
Germantown scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Germantown 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 Germantown?
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 Germantown?
Germantown has 90,719 residents. The median resident of Germantown is 37.5 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). 67.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Germantown compare with the rest of Maryland?
Germantown ranks #8 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 67.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 14% above the Maryland median. Homes are 3% below the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Germantown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Germantown's population of 90,719 are Norwalk, CT (#135 overall), Nashua, NH (#249 overall), Santa Monica, CA (#739 overall), Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), and Trenton, NJ (#1241 overall). Germantown is #123.