Cost of Living in Fairwood, MD

Population 8,108 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

243
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fairwood's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $695,000 for a typical home, 128% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $191,319 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 1.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Fairwood sits roughly 13 miles east of Washington. Housing prices track closely with Washington's $725,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 228
Rent 266

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fairwood

The median home value in Fairwood is $695,300 — 128% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $191,319/year is 157% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Fairwood has a cost of living index of 243 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 143% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$695,300
128% above avg
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 91.5%
Renter-occupied 8.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
44.5 min
65% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.1%
Carpooled
5.7%
Public transit
7.7%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
23.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$191,319
157% above avg
Per Capita Income
$70,409
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Labor Force Participation
79.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.5%
Graduate degree 39.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.7
Male median age 36.1
Female median age 42.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
69.3%
Good air days/yr
192
Max AQI recorded
138
PM2.5 days
226
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fairwood, MD?

Fairwood has a cost index of 243 (100 = national average). It is 143% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fairwood, MD?

The median gross rent in Fairwood is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fairwood?

The median home value in Fairwood is $695,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Fairwood?

The median household income in Fairwood is $191,319 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fairwood, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairwood is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Fairwood, MD affordable?

Fairwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 243 — about 143% higher than the national average.

Fairwood at a Glance

Population
8,108
Median Income
$191,319
Home Value
$695,300
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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