What to know when moving to Gwynn Oak, MD
TL;DR: Gwynn Oak at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 38.9% of residents are renters and the median household income is $64,284.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,390, which is quite manageable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.3%, some families might find it challenging.
- Commute:
- 6.7% of residents commute using public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for about 140 rainy days a year, so keep an umbrella handy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Gwynn Oak features a mix of renters and homeowners, with 38.9% of the population renting their homes. The area has a median household income of $64,284, which gives it a relatively affordable living situation compared to some neighboring areas. With 30.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the community has a moderately educated population.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area as the poverty rate stands at 13.3%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,390, making it accessible for many residents.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $248,400, which reflects moderate housing costs.
- 30.8% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a community with educational aspirations.
- Poverty rate is 13.3%, indicating some financial challenges for a portion of the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Maryland has a property crime rate of 1,817.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 17.5% higher than the national average. Violent crime in the state is at a rate of 351.9 per 100,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average by 8.2% but has decreased by 18.7% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 351.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,817.5 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate dropped by 47.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Maryland).
Schools & Higher Ed
Gwynn Oak residents have access to a total of 31 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area, with 28 of those included in College Scorecard data. Notable institutions include Towson University and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, both located within Baltimore County.
- Towson University
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Goucher College
- Stevenson University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Baltimore County sees about 40.8 inches of rainfall annually, with 140 rainy days. The area experiences very little snow, averaging just 2.1 inches per year, making it relatively mild in winter.
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: 4.8 stars (6,738 reviews)
- Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area: 4.6 stars (6,733 reviews)
- Druid Hill Park: 4.5 stars (4,193 reviews)
- The Walters Art Museum: 4.8 stars (3,802 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.