Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Plata, MD
Considering a move to La Plata, MD? This charming town of about 10,200 residents combines small-town appeal with easy access to metro DC. With median home values around $395,000 and typical 2-bedroom rents at $1,650, housing is relatively affordable for the region. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (146 per 100K), a 37-minute average commute, and strong local schools, plus the convenience of the College of Southern Maryland. Expect four distinct seasons, 59% sunny days, and a friendly, close-knit community—ideal for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - La Plata, MD
Demographics - La Plata, MD
La Plata is home to approximately 10,200 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of 40.8 years and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The town's population is primarily White (55.2%) and Black (34.6%), with a modest presence of other ethnic groups. Around 9.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
10,200
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.2%
Black:
34.6%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Plata, MD?
The cost of living in La Plata is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.5. Median home values are about $395,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are around $1,650, making housing costs a key factor for newcomers. Utility, transportation, and healthcare expenses are also above the national average, but residents benefit from Maryland’s progressive state tax rates.
Median House Value:
$395,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.5
Grocery:
105.0
Housing:
118.7
Utilities:
110.3
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
102.5
Crime
Is La Plata, MD a safe place to live?
La Plata maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime is more common, with a rate of 1,220 per 100,000, but overall, the city’s crime index suggests a safer environment than many urban areas. Residents have a 1 in 685 chance of experiencing violent crime, indicating a generally secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
146
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Crime Index:
1,366
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 685
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in La Plata, MD year-round?
La Plata experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and mild winters with lows around 27°F. The town receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 59% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year. Seasonal changes provide a pleasant variety for those who appreciate both warm and cool weather.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents of La Plata enjoy strong household incomes, with a median of $102,300 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%. The community is well-educated, as 94% hold at least a high school diploma and over a third have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 37 minutes, reflecting the town’s proximity to major employment centers while maintaining a suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$102,300
Family Income:
$111,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,900
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$46,300
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
37.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
35.5%
Education
How are the schools in La Plata, MD?
La Plata boasts strong educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like La Plata High School and Milton M. Somers Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is also available, and the College of Southern Maryland provides higher education right in town. The area’s educational resources make it attractive for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
La Plata High School
Street:
6035 Radio Station Rd
Phone:
301-934-1100
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Milton M. Somers Middle School
Street:
300 Willow Ln
Phone:
301-934-4663
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s School
Street:
13735 Notre Dame Place
Phone:
301-934-9595
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
College of Southern Maryland
City:
La Plata
State:
MD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of Maryland, College Park
City:
College Park
State:
MD
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
41,000
Healthcare
La Plata offers quality healthcare access, anchored by the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, which provides general and emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% of the population covered by health insurance, medical services are readily accessible. The area’s healthcare index of 76.1 reflects an overall positive healthcare environment.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
Address:
5 Garrett Ave, La Plata, MD 20646
Phone:
(301) 609-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Plata, MD?
The housing market in La Plata is stable, with a median home price of $395,000 and a 6.2% appreciation rate over the past year. About 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with a 5.5% vacancy rate. The foreclosure rate is low, making this community an appealing choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$395,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
La Plata residents are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in nearby Waldorf, providing convenient access to driver's licensing and vehicle registration services. The office is located at 15 Post Office Rd, and additional resources are available through the state’s DMV website. This ensures efficient handling of all motor vehicle needs for local residents.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
15 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
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.