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Gaithersburg, Maryland

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

46
Overall Score

Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a vibrant and diverse city located in Montgomery County, northwest of Washington, D.C. It has grown significantly to become one of the largest cities in the state, attracting residents with its strategic location, robust economy, and suburban appeal. The city offers a blend of urban amenities and green spaces, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals alike. Its character is shaped by a diverse population and a strong emphasis on community development and quality of life.

About Maryland

Maryland, known as "America in Miniature," offers a diverse landscape from Atlantic coastlines to the Appalachian Mountains, providing a mix of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles. The state boasts a robust economy, with major industries including information technology, biotechnology, aerospace and defense, and government, significantly influenced by its proximity to Washington D.C.. Living in Maryland generally entails a higher cost of living compared to the national average, particularly for housing and utilities, though it also features a high median household income. The climate is characterized by humid subtropical conditions with warm, humid summers and moderately cold, occasionally snowy winters, with temperatures varying between the eastern and western regions.

70,684
Population
$93K
Avg Salary
143
Cost Index
45.5
Quality Score
How this 46/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 68 / 100 68.0 30% 20.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 143.0 0.0 25% 0.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $112,467 Income needed to live here: $106,000 Unemployment rate: 3.7% 55.7 20% 11.1
Growth Population growth rate: 0.6% Job growth rate: 1.67% 46.7 15% 7.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 45.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=91 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 23 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Gaithersburg

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
74
Affordability
55
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Gaithersburg is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by elevated housing expenses. As of 2026, the overall cost of living is estimated to be 43% higher than the U.S. national average. Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor, being approximately 100.1% more expensive than the national average. While food expenses are slightly below the national average for an individual, transportation and utilities also contribute to the higher cost of living, albeit to a lesser extent. These factors necessitate a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the city.

Average Rent
$1,784/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$277/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Gaithersburg boasts a strong and diversified economy with a notable job market. In 2024, employment in the city grew at a rate of 1.67%. The largest industries by employment include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Public Administration. Major employers and significant presences in the city include Adventist HealthCare, Medimmune, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), AstraZeneca, IBM, and Lockheed Martin. The city's proximity to Washington, D.C., also provides residents with access to a broader range of employment opportunities, including federal government jobs. The average annual salary in Gaithersburg was reported to be around $93,000 as of May 2026.

The average salary in Gaithersburg is $93,000 per year. You would need approximately $106,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Health Care & Social Assistance +1.50% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +1.67% Public Administration +1.00% Aerospace & Defense +1.20% Biotechnology & Life Sciences +2.00%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Gaithersburg primarily relies on personal vehicles, with most residents driving alone to work. In 2024, 51.6% of workers commuted by driving alone, and the average commute time was 29.4 minutes. While car dependency is medium, the city does offer public transit options, including Ride On bus services and access to the Shady Grove Metro Station, which connects to Washington, D.C. Walkability varies across different areas of the city, with some neighborhoods being more pedestrian-friendly than others. Major highways like I-270 provide regional connectivity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C..

29 min
Avg Commute
45.00/10
Transit Score
50.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Gaithersburg's median household income of $112,467 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic opportunities.
The city's job market experienced a healthy growth rate of 1.67% from 2023 to 2024, reflecting a robust economy.
Gaithersburg offers a diverse and well-educated population, with 52.5% of residents aged 25+ holding a bachelor's degree or higher in 2024.
The crime rate in Gaithersburg is 26% lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of safety for residents.
Access to quality healthcare is strong, with major medical centers like Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center nearby, recognized for patient safety and quality.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Gaithersburg is 43% higher than the national average, primarily due to high housing costs.
Housing costs are particularly elevated, with the average rent at $1,784 in 2026 and median home values around $496,500 in 2024.
Despite a lower overall crime rate, violent crime in Gaithersburg rose by 9.2% from the previous year in 2024.
The city exhibits medium car dependency, with over half of workers driving alone to work and public transit options varying in accessibility.
The median individual income of $53,359 in 2024 is considerably lower than the median household income, suggesting potential income disparity.

Questions about Gaithersburg

What people ask about living in and moving to Gaithersburg, Maryland.

What are the public school options like for families with children? Schools & Education 1 answer

The city’s public schools are part of a well‑structured district that offers a range of programs, including STEM electives and arts integration. Schools typically have modern facilities and a strong emphasis on college readiness. Parents can review school performance data and visit campuses through the district’s official website or by contacting the district office for detailed information.

Where can I find quality healthcare facilities in Gaithersburg? Healthcare 1 answer

Gaithersburg hosts several hospitals and specialty clinics that cover general medicine, pediatrics, and advanced diagnostics. These facilities are part of larger health networks that offer comprehensive services. Visiting the city’s health department website or local directories can help you locate the nearest hospital or specialty clinic and review patient ratings.

What public transportation options are available for commuting? Getting Around 1 answer

The city is served by a regional transit authority that offers bus routes connecting to nearby metro lines and commuter rail services. These options provide access to major employment centers and the capital region. Timetables and route maps are available on the transit authority’s website, and mobile apps can help plan trips in real time.

What makes Gaithersburg unique compared to neighboring towns? General 1 answer

Gaithersburg blends a tech‑driven economy with a family‑friendly atmosphere. The city hosts a mix of cultural festivals, historic sites, and modern amenities. Its proximity to research institutions fosters a community that values education and innovation. Residents often enjoy a balance of urban conveniences and suburban tranquility, making it a distinctive place to live.

How does Gaithersburg’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Gaithersburg’s cost of living index is 143, meaning it is 43% higher than the national average. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs are notably above average. While the average salary of $93,000 per year is solid, you’ll likely need to adjust your budget for higher rent and daily expenses. Using online cost‑of‑living calculators can help you estimate monthly outlays more precisely.

What industries dominate the job market in Gaithersburg? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Gaithersburg’s economy is heavily oriented toward technology, research, and healthcare. Many employers focus on software development, biomedical research, and advanced manufacturing. The city’s proximity to major research institutions and corporate campuses creates a steady demand for skilled engineers. Checking local job boards and professional networking sites can give you a current snapshot of openings in these se...

Is Gaithersburg a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Gaithersburg has a safety score of 68 out of 100, which is above the national average for many suburban areas. Neighborhoods vary, but overall crime is moderate, with most incidents involving non‑violent offenses. Checking local crime statistics through city publications or community forums can provide a clearer picture of specific areas you’re considering.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gaithersburg? Housing 1 answer

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gaithersburg is about $1,784. This figure reflects the current market and is useful for comparing listings on local rental sites or contacting real estate agents. Keep in mind that rent can vary by neighborhood and building amenities, so it’s wise to view multiple options and negotiate where possible.

What are some popular recreational activities in Gaithersburg? Things to Do 1 answer

The city offers a variety of parks, trails, and community centers that host sports leagues, cultural festivals, and fitness classes. Seasonal events such as farmers markets, music concerts, and art fairs are common. Checking the city’s event calendar or community bulletin board will give you up‑to‑date information on upcoming activities.

What should I know about moving into Gaithersburg? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Gaithersburg, it’s helpful to research local utility providers, register for the city’s resident portal, and understand the zoning rules for residential areas. Planning a move during off‑peak months can reduce costs, and using local moving services that specialize in the region can streamline the process. Don’t forget to update your address with banks, subscription services, and the postal system.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Gaithersburg? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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