Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Detrick, MD
Wondering what life is like in Fort Detrick, MD? With a population of about 7,900, this small city offers affordable living—median home prices are around $345,000 and average rents about $1,620. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low violent crime rates (197 per 100k), and a manageable average commute of 27 minutes. Educational opportunities are strong, both at public schools and nearby colleges, while the area’s mild climate and 56% sunny days make outdoor activities easy year-round. Whether you’re seeking convenience, safety, or community, Fort Detrick is a great place to call home.
Demographics - Fort Detrick, MD
Demographics - Fort Detrick, MD
Fort Detrick is home to nearly 7,900 residents with a median age of 34, offering a balanced mix of families and professionals. The population is diverse, with a majority identifying as White, along with significant Black, Asian, and other minority communities. About 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, making for a culturally rich environment.
Population:
7,900
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
18.2%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
14.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Detrick, MD?
Living in Fort Detrick is moderately affordable, with a cost of living index of 111.8 and median home values around $345,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,620, and monthly utility expenses are in line with national averages. State income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%, making the area accessible for a range of budgets.
Median House Value:
$345,000
Gross Rent:
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
2.00%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
111.8
Grocery:
107.2
Housing:
117.7
Utilities:
104.4
Transportation:
109.3
Health Care:
102.7
Miscellaneous:
101.3
Crime
Is Fort Detrick, MD a safe place to live?
Fort Detrick offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,168 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of experiencing violent crime, estimated at 1 in 508. Overall, the community enjoys a secure, family-friendly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
197
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,168
Crime Index:
1,365
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 508
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Detrick, MD year-round?
Residents in Fort Detrick experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters dipping to 25°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area receives about 41 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The surrounding community features a median household income of $85,900 and a low poverty rate of 7.5%. Most adults (92.1%) have completed high school, and over a third hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With an average commute time of 27 minutes and unemployment at just 3.7%, the area is both economically stable and convenient.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$85,900
Family Income:
$96,200
Per Capita Income:
$38,700
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$46,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,620
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.9%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
37.4%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Detrick, MD?
Fort Detrick families benefit from reputable public schools, such as Monocacy Elementary and Middle Schools, known for favorable student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Private schooling options and proximity to higher education institutions like Hood College and Frederick Community College—both within a few miles—enhance educational opportunities. The area’s strong educational environment supports learners at every stage.

Public Schools
Name:
Monocacy Elementary School
Street:
7421 Hayward Rd
Phone:
240-236-1400
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Monocacy Middle School
Street:
8009 Opossumtown Pike
Phone:
240-236-4700
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Regional Catholic School
Street:
8414 Opossumtown Pike
Phone:
301-662-6722
Students:
550

Colleges
Name:
Hood College
City:
Frederick
State:
MD
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Frederick Community College
City:
Frederick
State:
MD
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fort Detrick is robust, with major facilities like Frederick Health Hospital and military medical centers providing comprehensive services and emergency care. Residents benefit from high health insurance coverage at 93.9% and a favorable physician-to-population ratio of 2.5 per 1,000. The area’s healthcare index of 77.2 suggests reliable access to quality medical resources.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Frederick Health Hospital
Address:
400 W 7th St, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone:
(240) 566-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fort Detrick Medical Department Activity
Address:
1434 Porter St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702
Phone:
(301) 619-7175
Type:
Military Medical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Detrick, MD?
The Fort Detrick housing market is stable, with a median home price of $345,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 65%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,620 and a low vacancy rate of 6.3%. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$345,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration located at 1601 Bowmans Farm Rd in Frederick. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle services, accessible by phone or online for added convenience. This location ensures streamlined support for all transportation needs in the Fort Detrick area.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
1601 Bowmans Farm Rd, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.