Fort Meade, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Fort Meade, Maryland had a total population of 11,225, the 127th largest community in Maryland, with a median household income of $103,261, which is about the same as the state average. The poverty rate is 4.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.1% — among the lowest in Maryland.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Maryland (diversity index: 73/100).
Fort Meade Quick Facts
How Fort Meade Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,477 | 11,225 | +7.1% |
| Median household income | $102,886 | $103,261 | +0.4% |
How Fort Meade Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 68 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Meade Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Other Cities in Anne Arundel County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Burnie | 72,590 | $88,280 | 9.3% | $348,900 |
| Severn | 58,402 | $134,423 | 5.7% | $479,200 |
| Odenton | 45,002 | $128,441 | 4.5% | $435,300 |
| Annapolis | 40,720 | $113,860 | 7.8% | $548,900 |
| Severna Park | 40,228 | $169,953 | 2.8% | $647,200 |
| Pasadena | 34,309 | $129,727 | 5.7% | $423,400 |
| Crofton | 29,549 | $150,577 | 2.9% | $519,900 |
| Arnold | 24,303 | $141,639 | 3.1% | $564,200 |
| Maryland City | 19,186 | $117,337 | 8.9% | $424,900 |
| Lake Shore | 18,249 | $130,689 | 6.4% | $473,600 |
Cities Similar to Fort Meade
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanham | 11,433 | $103,556 | $436,900 | 27.6% | 7.3% |
| Largo | 12,229 | $103,375 | $387,800 | 45.6% | 7.2% |
| White Marsh | 10,932 | $117,426 | $369,200 | 50.8% | 9.6% |
| Walker Mill | 10,931 | $88,333 | $379,100 | 28.3% | 10.3% |
| Friendly | 11,119 | $127,670 | $437,800 | 29.7% | 3.0% |
Population Overview
Fort Meade is a small city located in Maryland, within Anne Arundel County. The total population is 11,225. It ranks as the 127th most populous out of 527 Census-designated places in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Meade is 25.1 years. This is 36% lower than the state median of 39.4 years. With 29.3% of the population under 18, Fort Meade has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fort Meade is $103,261. This is about the same as the state median of $103,678. It is also 28% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. Every occupied housing unit the survey reached in Fort Meade was renter-occupied. At this sample size that indicates no owner-occupied homes were captured rather than that none exist.
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Meade is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 22.7%.
Education
50.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 43.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.9%. Notably, 17.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Meade, Maryland is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Maryland state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 527 Census-designated places in Maryland. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Meade, Maryland?
Fort Meade, Maryland has a population of 11,225 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Meade, MD?
The median household income in Fort Meade is $103,261, which is 28% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Meade, MD?
The poverty rate in Fort Meade is 4.1%. This means approximately 392 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Meade, Maryland?
Fort Meade's population is 40.7% White, 22.7% Black, 18.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Meade, MD?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median home value estimate for Fort Meade — there are too few owner-occupied homes in the ACS sample. The national median is $332,700.
How educated is Fort Meade, Maryland?
50.2% of adults (25+) in Fort Meade hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.