MarylandPop. 67,671Smaller cities
Is Rockville a Good Place to Live? Rockville, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rockville ranks #40 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #21 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($128,649, #67 of 524) and low violent crime (108 per 100,000, #60 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,274/mo, #459 of 524) and expensive homes ($682,300, #435 of 524).
Rockville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rockville'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 Rockville?
Rockville'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 $2,274/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $608,002, 42% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Rockville | 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 | $608,002#946 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 | $2,405/mo#882 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $682,300#1137 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,274/mo#1197 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.2%#586 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.
Rockville 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. Rockville is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Rockville safe?
Rockville recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 70% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #141 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #60 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rockville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,267 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rockville | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 108#141 of 1,085 | 358 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,267#341 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 Rockville?
The median household in Rockville earns $128,649, 55% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rockville | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $128,649#117 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.6%#292 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 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 Rockville?
The median resident of Rockville is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #81 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rockville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 65.6%#81 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.6% | 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 Rockville's schools and health?
Rockville's 14 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil. 24.4% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Rockville | 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 | 15.5#546 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% | 24.4%#119 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.2%#23 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.4%#432 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. 12,631 students are enrolled in Rockville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rockville?
The average commute in Rockville is 30.7 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 10.3% of workers take transit and 32.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rockville scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 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 | Rockville | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.7 min#1149 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 11.2%#1120 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 48% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 10.3% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 32.7% | 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 | 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 | Rockville | 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 Rockville?
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 | Rockville | 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 Rockville compare with similar-size cities?
Rockville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #21 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,671.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #358 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 | 15.6 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Lodi, CAPop. 67,607 | #990 | 50.3 | $88,530 | $1,680/mo | 493 | 24.1 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #217 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 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 Rockville compare with the rest of Maryland?
Rockville ranks #6 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 71.4 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 25% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 70% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% 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 Rockville's score calculated?
Rockville scores 71.4 out of 100, #40 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 Rockville. Similar-size median 55.5.
77.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rockville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
90.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rockville. Similar-size median 58.9.
80.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rockville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
69.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rockville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
36.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rockville. Similar-size median 56.1.
82.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rockville. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rockville. Similar-size median 50.0.
66.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rockville'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.
80.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rockville'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 Rockville 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 Rockville
Is Rockville, MD a good place to live?
Rockville ranks #40 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #21 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($128,649, #67 of 524) and low violent crime (108 per 100,000, #60 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,274/mo, #459 of 524) and expensive homes ($682,300, #435 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Rockville?
Rockville'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 $2,274/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $608,002, 42% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
What is the crime rate in Rockville?
Rockville recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 70% below Maryland's 358. That ranks #141 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #60 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rockville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,267 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rockville?
The median household in Rockville earns $128,649, 55% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Maryland ($102,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rockville?
Median rent in Rockville is $2,274/mo (Census), #1197 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,405/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rockville?
The typical home value in Rockville is $608,002, down 0.4% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $682,300.
How are the public schools in Rockville?
Rockville's 14 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rockville?
The average commute is 30.7 minutes, #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 11.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rockville?
Rockville 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 Rockville walkable?
Rockville 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 Rockville 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 Rockville?
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 Rockville?
Rockville has 67,671 residents. The median resident of Rockville is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #81 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rockville compare with the rest of Maryland?
Rockville ranks #6 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 71.4 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 25% above the Maryland median. Violent crime is 70% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Rockville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rockville's population of 67,671 are South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Idaho Falls, ID (#448 overall), Haverhill, MA (#444 overall), and Ames, IA (#358 overall). Rockville is #40.