Living in Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland, with about 81,000 residents (Census Bureau, 2020-2024 average). It has no city government of its own; the county provides most services. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (108.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population
- 81,462ACS 2020-2024 average
- Median home value
- $643,3006.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,913/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $99,860median, per year
- Price level
- 108.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 45° / 90°lows 30° / 72°
- Average commute
- 34 min27% work from home
- State income tax
- 6.5%top rate, graduated
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County: Montgomery County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 341 ft
Metro area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Cost of living in Silver Spring
The median home in Silver Spring is worth $643,300 and the median household earns $99,860 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,913 a month, about 23% 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 Silver Spring?
Silver Spring weather
Average highs run from 45°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 30°F. It gets 42 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 14 inches of snow. Expect about 40 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 60 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Silver Spring
People and work
The median resident is 35.6 years old, and 61% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 38% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 34 minutes; 27% of workers work from home and 14% take public transit.
- Median age
- 35.6223rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 61%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 38%of households
- People per sq mile
- 10,3347.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 14%3% walk, 0.9% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 10.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1964median year
Who moves to Silver Spring, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), New York County, NY and Kings County, NY. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to New York County, NY, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Sussex County, DE. 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 Moderate
FEMA rating for Montgomery County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, inland flooding, heat wave, hail.
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.
Parks and sights near Silver Spring
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Nationals Park 9 miles
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards 29 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Silver Spring
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport DCA | 10 mi | 12,750,892 |
| Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport BWI | 23 mi | 13,221,461 |
| Washington Dulles International Airport IAD | 23 mi | 13,003,234 |
| Harrisburg International Airport MDT | 84 mi | 727,163 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Silver Spring
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 11 mi | 49,664 | $23,144 | 34% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | 16 mi | 33,048 | $5,880 | 35% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | 4 mi | 30,760 | $14,296 | 88% |
| George Mason University | 19 mi | 27,752 | $14,697 | 66% |
| Montgomery College | 10 mi | 13,773 | $14,317 | 35% |
| George Washington University | 7 mi | 11,182 | $35,760 | 83% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Silver Spring
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 24, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 6 and the first frost comes around November 18.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Washington Reagan Airport, VA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Silver Spring.
Wildfire smoke in Silver Spring
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Silver Spring on about 115 days a year, including about 21 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Silver Spring
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 33,988 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Silver Spring
Downtown Silver Spring is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 159,181 | 211 | 13.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Fairfax County Public Schools (179,323 students), Prince George's County Public Schools (132,123 students), Howard County Public Schools (57,565 students), District of Columbia Public Schools (51,904 students), Arlington County Public Schools (27,950 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Silver Spring's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Silver Spring's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Sandy Springs, GA64% matchCompare
- Roswell, GA61% matchCompare
- Johns Creek, GA61% matchCompare
- Beaverton, OR59% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Silver Spring
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Silver Spring
- Liberty Mountain Resort 56 miles
- Whitetail Ski Resort 71 miles
- Bryce resort 94 miles
- Blue Marsh Ski Resort 110 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Silver Spring
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 14% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
- Data A highly educated city: 61% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 9% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data Commutes are long: 34 minutes each way on average.
Silver Spring report card from locals
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Silver Spring through locals' eyes
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Cities near Silver Spring
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MD | 5 mi | 69,397 | $1,169,900 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Washington, DC | 7 mi | 693,645 | $737,100 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Arlington, VA | 9 mi | 236,254 | $895,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Alexandria, VA | 14 mi | 160,662 | $735,100 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 64,414 | $642,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Columbia, MD | 17 mi | 104,338 | $497,400 | 104.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Silver Spring ranks 135th 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 Silver Spring with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Silver Spring a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, long commutes. Compare Silver Spring side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Silver Spring?
About 81,462, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey average for 2020 to 2024. As an unincorporated community, Silver Spring is not included in the yearly city population estimates.
How much do you need to earn to live in Silver Spring?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $81,700 in the Silver Spring area. The median household here earns $99,860.
When is the best time to visit Silver Spring?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 45°F for daytime highs.
What county is Silver Spring in?
Silver Spring is in Montgomery County, Maryland. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Silver Spring in?
Silver Spring is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Silver Spring?
About 341 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 Silver Spring. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Washington Reagan Airport, VA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.