Frederick County, Maryland Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Maryland
The population of Frederick County, Maryland is 280,341 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $120,458, the median home value is $437,700, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Frederick County has grown 27.8% since 2010 (234,239 → 299,317), a +1.77% annualized rate.
280,341
Population
+1.77%
Annual growth
424
People / sq mi
$120,458
Median Income
$437,700
Median Home Value
Frederick County covers 661 sq mi of land at 424.4 people per square mile.
About Frederick County, MD
What sets Frederick County apart is money: median household income runs $120,458, above the US median of $78,538. Frederick County is a county in Maryland with a population of 280,341. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Maryland in the country, at #7 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $120,458, putting Frederick County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $437,700, with typical rent around $1,706.
Frederick County is among the best-educated US counties: 44.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 19.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Frederick County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Frederick County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Frederick County had a population of 234,239 in 2010 and 299,317 in 2024, a 27.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 299,317 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.77%.
299,317
Population (2024)
234,239
Population (2010)
299,317
Peak (2024)
1.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 234,239 |
| 2011 | 237,326 |
| 2012 | 239,705 |
| 2013 | 241,215 |
| 2014 | 243,487 |
| 2015 | 245,145 |
| 2016 | 247,269 |
| 2017 | 251,037 |
| 2018 | 255,698 |
| 2019 | 260,609 |
| 2020 | 272,787 |
| 2021 | 280,666 |
| 2022 | 288,316 |
| 2023 | 294,154 |
| 2024 | 299,317 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.3% |
| Black or African American | 10.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
15.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 15.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $120,458+$18,806 vs state |
| Mean household income | $144,655 |
| Per-capita income | $53,316 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Frederick County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
69.6%
Public transit
19.2%
Work from home
33.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$437,700+$40,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,706
Median rent
77.0%
Homeownership rate
106,480
Total housing units
95.6%
Occupied
4.4%
Vacant
23.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
36.4%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.6%
With a disability
83.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
44.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Maryland
Other counties in Maryland
Part of Maryland
Metro areas in Maryland
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Frederick County, Maryland has a population of 280,341 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 424 people per square mile.
The population of Frederick County has grown 27.8% since 2010 (234,239 → 299,317), a +1.77% annualized rate.
The median household income in Frederick County, Maryland is $120,458, with mean (average) household income of $144,655 and per-capita income of $53,316. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Frederick County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.3%), Black or African American (10.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Frederick County, Maryland is 38.9 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Frederick County is $437,700 and median monthly rent is $1,706. 77.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 106,480 total housing units, 4.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Frederick County, Maryland is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Frederick County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.
Frederick County, MD Climate
Frederick County, MD has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 962 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
962
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 67 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 66 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 86 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 82 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 93 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 91 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 90 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 94 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 79 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 65 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 76 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 73 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Frederick County, MD
The most comfortable months to visit Frederick County, MD are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Frederick County
Visiting or relocating to Frederick County, MD? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.