Riva, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Riva, Maryland had a total population of 4,976, the 205th largest community in Maryland, with a median household income of $176,094, which is 70% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 1.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 70% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Maryland.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 1.1% — among the lowest in Maryland.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%.
Riva Quick Facts
How Riva 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 | 4,798 | 4,976 | +3.7% |
| Median household income | $156,389 | $176,094 | +12.6% |
| Median home value | $611,600 | $644,500 | +5.4% |
How Riva 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 68 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Riva 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 Riva
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 5,014 | $173,333 | $554,800 | 58.2% | 1.1% |
| Hillandale | 5,060 | $164,871 | $520,300 | 50.1% | 3.5% |
| Springdale | 5,226 | $162,171 | $474,200 | 45.8% | 1.7% |
| Hampton | 5,372 | $170,688 | $615,300 | 74.9% | 3.8% |
| Woodmore | 4,613 | $184,286 | $604,600 | 59.4% | 7.3% |
Population Overview
Riva is a small community located in Maryland, within Anne Arundel County. The total population is 4,976. It ranks as the 205th most populous out of 527 Census-designated places in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in Riva is 42.7 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 39.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Riva is $176,094. This is 70% higher than the state median of $103,678. It is also 118% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 1.1%. This is 88% 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 1.2%. This is 76% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $644,500. Housing costs are 53% higher than the state median of $419,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 96.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Riva has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (87.1% vs 46.6%). The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 28.9%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 6.5%.
Education
51.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% 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 98.3%. Notably, 22.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Riva, 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 Riva, Maryland?
Riva, Maryland has a population of 4,976 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Riva, MD?
The median household income in Riva is $176,094, which is 118% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Riva, MD?
The poverty rate in Riva is 1.1%. This means approximately 57 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Riva, Maryland?
Riva's population is 87.1% White, 1.1% Black, 8.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Riva, MD?
The median home value in Riva is $644,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Riva, Maryland?
51.4% of adults (25+) in Riva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.