What to know when moving to Fort Washington, MD
Fort Washington at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A median household income of $124,838 with 18.5% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 32 nearby colleges and universities, including Prince George's Community College.
- The Reality Check:
- Housing costs are high with a median gross rent of $1,751.
- Commute:
- 4.9% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,751/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fort Washington is characterized by a relatively high income level, with a median household income of $124,838. The community has a low poverty rate of 4.9% and a notable 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. However, only 18.5% of the population are renters, indicating a strong owner-occupied housing market. With a public transit commuting share of just 4.9%, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a lower housing cost, as the median gross rent is $1,751.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,751, which reflects the demand for housing in the area.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $418,100, showing a strong investment in property.
- With 35.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community is relatively well-educated.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.9%, suggesting a stable economic environment.
Source: Census ACS 5-Year (Data Profile).
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Maryland, the annual violent crime rate is 351.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the national average of 325.3. The state has seen an 18.7% decrease in violent crime from 2022 to 2025. Property crime stands at 1817.5 incidents per 100,000, which exceeds the national rate of 1546.9 by 17.5%.
- Violent crime: 351.9 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, with a trend of decreasing rates.
- Property crime: 1817.5 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1546.9, with a trend of increasing rates.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 47.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fort Washington has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 32 nearby colleges and universities. This includes 4 institutions within Prince George's County and 29 that have College Scorecard data available.
- Notable nearby institutions include Prince George's Community College and the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, the area is home to various amenities perfect for outdoor activities. Nearby options include:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - 4.8 stars from 57,170 reviews
- Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum - 4.6 stars from 47,484 reviews
- National Museum of African American History and Culture - 4.8 stars from 30,316 reviews
- International Spy Museum - 4.4 stars from 17,346 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Prince George's County, the unemployment rate is 4.3% as of December 2025, with a labor force of approximately 499,442 people. There are 477,940 individuals employed in the county.
- Unemployment rate: 4.3% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 477,940 in the county.
- Total labor force: 499,442 in the county.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).