MarylandPop. 81,462Smaller cities
Is Silver Spring a Good Place to Live? Silver Spring, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Silver Spring ranks #251 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (34 min, #487 of 524) and expensive homes ($643,300, #423 of 524).
Silver Spring by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Silver Spring'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 Silver Spring: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Silver Spring safe?
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring'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 $1,913/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $542,238, 27% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Silver Spring | 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 | $542,238#880 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 | $1,962/mo#692 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $643,300#1112 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,913/mo#1049 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23%#777 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.
Silver Spring 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. Silver Spring is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Silver Spring safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Silver Spring alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring?
The median household in Silver Spring earns $99,860, 20% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Maryland ($102,905). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Silver Spring | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $99,860#348 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.6%#545 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 Silver Spring?
The median resident of Silver Spring is 35.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #118 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Silver Spring | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 60.6%#118 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 38.3% | 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 Silver Spring's schools and health?
Silver Spring's 13 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil. 29.5% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Silver Spring | 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% | 29.5%#367 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.1%#881 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. 11,067 students are enrolled in Silver Spring's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Silver Spring?
The average commute in Silver Spring is 34 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 13.8% of workers take transit and 27.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Silver Spring scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.4°F and winters 36.2°F, with 44 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Silver Spring | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 34 min#1248 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12.7%#1165 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 45.2% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 13.8% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.7% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 27.3% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.8#187 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 | 42.7 | 25.3 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 45.5 | 27 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 53.4 | 34.1 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 65.3 | 43.8 | 3.3 |
| May | 74.2 | 53.6 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 83 | 63 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 87.1 | 67.6 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 85.6 | 66.1 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 79.2 | 59.4 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 67.8 | 46.8 | 4 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 36.7 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 46.8 | 29.8 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beltsville.
| Measure | Silver Spring | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44 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 Beltsville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Silver Spring?
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 | Silver Spring | 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 Silver Spring compare with similar-size cities?
Silver Spring is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #124 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 81,462.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #251 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data | 34 min |
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #127 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 | 24.1 min |
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #16 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 | 30.1 min |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #517 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 | 26.7 min |
| Kissimmee, FLPop. 81,479 | #1068 | 48.5 | $53,758 | $1,647/mo | 449 | 33.7 min |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #1113 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 | 17 min |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #23 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 | 31 min |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 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 Silver Spring compare with the rest of Maryland?
Silver Spring ranks #13 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 3% below the Maryland median. Homes are 27% 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 Silver Spring's score calculated?
Silver Spring scores 63.2 out of 100, #251 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 Silver Spring. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.4 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Silver Spring. Similar-size median 58.9.
69.3 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Silver Spring's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
71.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Silver Spring's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
42.1 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Silver Spring. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Silver Spring. Similar-size median 50.0.
67.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Silver Spring's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.4 - 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 Silver Spring alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Silver Spring.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Silver Spring'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 Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring
Is Silver Spring, MD a good place to live?
Silver Spring ranks #251 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (34 min, #487 of 524) and expensive homes ($643,300, #423 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring'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 $1,913/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $542,238, 27% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Silver Spring safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Silver Spring alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring?
The median household in Silver Spring earns $99,860, 20% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Maryland ($102,905). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Silver Spring?
Median rent in Silver Spring is $1,913/mo (Census), #1049 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,962/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Silver Spring?
The typical home value in Silver Spring is $542,238, down 0.3% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $643,300.
How are the public schools in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring's 13 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 Silver Spring?
The average commute is 34 minutes, #1248 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 12.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring averages 55.9°F over the year, 75.4°F in summer and 36.2°F in winter, with 44 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Silver Spring walkable?
Silver Spring scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring?
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 Silver Spring?
Silver Spring has 81,462 residents. The median resident of Silver Spring is 35.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #118 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Silver Spring compare with the rest of Maryland?
Silver Spring ranks #13 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 3% below the Maryland median. Homes are 27% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Silver Spring?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Silver Spring's population of 81,462 are South Jordan, UT (#127 overall), Johns Creek, GA (#16 overall), Rancho Cordova, CA (#517 overall), Kissimmee, FL (#1068 overall), and Lake Charles, LA (#1113 overall). Silver Spring is #251.