Baltimore city, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Baltimore city, Maryland has a total population of 577,193, the 1st largest city in Maryland, with a median household income of $59,623, which is 41% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Baltimore city is the 1st largest city in Maryland with a population of 577,193.
- Household income is 41% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Baltimore city Quick Facts
How Baltimore city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 67 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Baltimore city Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Cities Similar to Baltimore city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia CDP | 105,871 | $129,173 | $480,300 | 63.5% | 7.4% |
| Germantown CDP | 90,521 | $112,149 | $401,400 | 50.2% | 8.5% |
| Dundalk CDP | 65,441 | $62,349 | $199,600 | 14.7% | 19.3% |
| Frederick city | 80,617 | $95,150 | $365,200 | 41.8% | 9.4% |
| Silver Spring CDP | 82,129 | $98,880 | $619,400 | 59.8% | 9.7% |
Population Overview
Baltimore city is a major urban center located in Maryland, within Baltimore city. The total population is 577,193. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 528 cities and towns in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in Baltimore city is 36.1 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Baltimore city is $59,623. This is 41% lower than the state median of $101,652. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%. This is 115% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.3%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.6%. This is 33% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $219,300. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $397,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 47.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 67.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Baltimore city is Black or African American, making up 59.3% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 26.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (59.3% vs 29.2%). The Asian population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 6.4%.
Education
35.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 42.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.2%. Notably, 17.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Baltimore city, Maryland is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Maryland state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 528 Census-designated places in Maryland. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Baltimore city, Maryland?
Baltimore city, Maryland has a population of 577,193 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Baltimore city, MD?
The median household income in Baltimore city is $59,623, which is 24% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Baltimore city, MD?
The poverty rate in Baltimore city is 20.1%. This means approximately 111,877 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Baltimore city, Maryland?
Baltimore city's population is 26.2% White, 59.3% Black, 7.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Baltimore city, MD?
The median home value in Baltimore city is $219,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Baltimore city, Maryland?
35.4% of adults (25+) in Baltimore city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.