Metro areas in Maryland: income, rent and home values
Maryland has 6 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Washington, DC with 6.5 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Washington, DC ($131,346). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Lexington Park, MD (24.6%) and the largest in Salisbury, MD (41.6%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Hagerstown, MD (+4.8%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | 6,465,900 | $131,346 | $2,168 | $612,500 | 29.4% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6,329,118 | $95,683 | $1,638 | $395,900 | 30.6% |
| Baltimore, MD | 2,857,781 | $102,403 | $1,730 | $419,800 | 31.2% |
| Hagerstown, MD | 315,280 | $82,478 | $1,287 | $323,600 | 26.6% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 211,176 | $129,534 | $1,895 | $448,500 | 24.6% |
| Salisbury, MD | 131,872 | $67,021 | $1,502 | $281,600 | 41.6% |
Includes 3 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Maryland at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Maryland for renters?+
Lexington Park, MD, where renters spend a median 24.6% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Maryland has the highest income?+
Washington, DC, with a median household income of $131,346 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Maryland?+
6 metropolitan statistical areas in Maryland have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.