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Is Waldorf a Good Place to Live? Waldorf, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waldorf ranks #598 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437) and high household income ($116,089, #97 of 524), and trails on long commutes (41.1 min, #520 of 524) and high rents ($1,995/mo, #407 of 524).
Waldorf by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waldorf'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 Waldorf: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Waldorf safe?
What is the cost of living in Waldorf?
Waldorf'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 $1,995/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $431,875, 1% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Waldorf | 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 | $431,875#695 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 | $2,291/mo#836 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $407,600#803 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,995/mo#1091 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.6%#523 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.
Waldorf 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. Waldorf is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Waldorf safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Waldorf alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Waldorf 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 Waldorf?
The median household in Waldorf earns $116,089, 40% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Maryland ($102,905). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Waldorf | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $116,089#183 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.7%#300 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 Waldorf?
The median resident of Waldorf is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waldorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34.7%#621 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 74.9% | 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 Waldorf's schools and health?
Waldorf's 16 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $17,415 spent per pupil. 43.1% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Waldorf | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,415#378 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43.1%#1251 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.7%#334 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. 12,434 students are enrolled in Waldorf's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waldorf?
The average commute in Waldorf is 41.1 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 3.1% of workers take transit and 16.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waldorf scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.5°F and winters 36.6°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waldorf | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 41.1 min#1305 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 28.8%#1305 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.3% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.1% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.4% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.5% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.5#1166 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 | 44.2 | 24.8 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 47.6 | 26.2 | 3 |
| Mar | 55.9 | 32.6 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 67.3 | 42.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 73.7 | 52 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 81.5 | 60.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 85.3 | 65.9 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 83.3 | 64.2 | 4.8 |
| Sep | 76.7 | 57.7 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 66.1 | 45.7 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 57.3 | 35.5 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 48.1 | 28.6 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mechanicsville 5 Ne.
| Measure | Waldorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.5°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 | 48.1 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 Mechanicsville 5 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waldorf?
Charles County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 92% 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 Charles County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Waldorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 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%#8 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 Charles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Charles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0072% | 71% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 51% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0019% | 22% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.035% | 3% 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 Waldorf compare with similar-size cities?
Waldorf is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #268 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,943.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #598 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data | 41.1 min |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #143 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 | 24.6 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 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #643 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 | 28.8 min |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #918 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 | 35.8 min |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #500 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 | 29.3 min |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #124 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 | 32.5 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 Waldorf compare with the rest of Maryland?
Waldorf ranks #17 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 13% above the Maryland median. Homes are 1% 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 Waldorf's score calculated?
Waldorf scores 56.7 out of 100, #598 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Waldorf. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
70.5 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waldorf. Similar-size median 58.9.
39.6 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waldorf's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
69.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Waldorf's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.2 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waldorf. Similar-size median 56.1.
76.6 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waldorf. Similar-size median 50.0.
28.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waldorf's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
81.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Waldorf alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Waldorf.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waldorf'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 Waldorf 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 Waldorf
Is Waldorf, MD a good place to live?
Waldorf ranks #598 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437) and high household income ($116,089, #97 of 524), and trails on long commutes (41.1 min, #520 of 524) and high rents ($1,995/mo, #407 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Waldorf?
Waldorf'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 $1,995/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $431,875, 1% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Waldorf safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Waldorf alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Waldorf 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 Waldorf?
The median household in Waldorf earns $116,089, 40% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Maryland ($102,905). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Waldorf?
Median rent in Waldorf is $1,995/mo (Census), #1091 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,291/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waldorf?
The typical home value in Waldorf is $431,875, down 1.7% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $407,600.
How are the public schools in Waldorf?
Waldorf's 16 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $17,415 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waldorf?
The average commute is 41.1 minutes, #1305 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 28.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waldorf?
Waldorf averages 55.2°F over the year, 73.5°F in summer and 36.6°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waldorf walkable?
Waldorf scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 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 Waldorf at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charles County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waldorf?
Charles County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Waldorf?
Waldorf has 82,943 residents. The median resident of Waldorf is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waldorf compare with the rest of Maryland?
Waldorf ranks #17 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 13% above the Maryland median. Homes are 1% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Waldorf?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waldorf's population of 82,943 are Warwick, RI (#143 overall), Warner Robins, GA (#764 overall), Longview, TX (#941 overall), Gastonia, NC (#1128 overall), and Buena Park, CA (#643 overall). Waldorf is #598.