Living in Frederick, MD
Frederick is the 379th-largest city in the US, home to about 92,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 17.8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (108.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 92,059+17.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $401,5004.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,764/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $97,069median, per year
- Price level
- 108.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 43° / 89°lows 27° / 68°
- Average commute
- 30 min18% work from home
- State income tax
- 6.5%top rate, graduated
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County: Frederick County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 285 ft
Metro area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Cost of living in Frederick
The median home in Frederick is worth $401,500 and the median household earns $97,069 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,764 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area at 108.9, with housing at 151.1 and goods at 104.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $81,700 here. Maryland taxes wages at a top rate of 6.5%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Maryland is 6%.
What would my salary be worth in Frederick?
Frederick weather
Average highs run from 43°F in January to 89°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 44 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 31 inches of snow. Expect about 36 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 84 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Frederick
People and work
The median resident is 37.1 years old, and 43% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 59% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 30 minutes; 18% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.1317th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 43%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 59%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,84224.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%3% walk, 0.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.2%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1991median year
Who moves to Frederick, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Antonio (Bexar County) and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Sussex County, DE, Horry County, SC and Raleigh (Wake County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Frederick County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, lightning.
Home prices
+1.3% in a year
Up 29% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Frederick-Gaithersburg-Bethesda, MD (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
59% good days
7 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Frederick
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+17.8% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Frederick County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 9% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
Frederick report card from locals
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Cities near Frederick
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MD | 33 mi | 104,338 | $497,400 | 104.5 | Compare |
| Bethesda, MD | 34 mi | 69,397 | $1,169,900 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Reston, VA | 36 mi | 64,414 | $642,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Silver Spring, MD | 37 mi | 81,462 | $643,300 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Arlington, VA | 42 mi | 236,254 | $895,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Baltimore, MD | 43 mi | 569,997 | $229,600 | 104.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Frederick ranks 98th of 147 in our best suburbs of Washington ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Frederick with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Frederick a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population; the trade-offs are high prices, long commutes. Compare Frederick side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Frederick?
The Census Bureau estimates Frederick had 92,059 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 78,128 in April 2020 (+17.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Frederick?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $81,700 in the Frederick area. The median household here earns $97,069.
When is the best time to visit Frederick?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 89°F and January 43°F for daytime highs.
What county is Frederick in?
Frederick is in Frederick County, Maryland. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Frederick in?
Frederick is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Frederick?
About 285 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Maryland have a state income tax?
Yes. Maryland has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Frederick. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Frederick Police Brks, MD station; snowfall from Damascus 3 SSW, MD. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.