What to know when moving to Washington Grove, MD
TL;DR: Washington Grove at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 70.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 4.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $160,417, making it a financially stable community.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 17.3% of residents use public transit, so a car is likely necessary.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $594,200 if you're looking to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Washington Grove features a small population of just 590, creating an intimate environment. With a poverty rate of only 3.7%, the area reflects a strong economic status among its residents. The low renter percentage indicates a community largely composed of homeowners, which might appeal to those looking for stability.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a rental-friendly environment, as only 4.5% of the population are renters.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median home value is $594,200, which suggests a higher cost of living.
- Median household income stands at $160,417, reflecting a wealthy community.
- Poverty rate is low at 3.7%, indicating economic stability.
- Low renter percentage at 4.5% suggests a community predominantly of homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Maryland, crime rates are showing some positive trends. The violent crime rate is 351.9 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national rate of 325.3, but has dropped 18.7% since 2022. Property crime is at 1,817.5 per 100,000, which is 17.5% higher than the national average of 1,546.9, with a slight increase of 5.5% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 351.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 18.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,817.5 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, up 5.5% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Maryland).
Schools & Higher Ed
Washington Grove has access to a variety of educational institutions for further learning and development.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 8
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 7
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Montgomery County receives about 34.9 inches of precipitation annually, with 107 rainy days. Snowfall averages around 1.9 inches per year, with approximately 13 snow days. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks worth exploring.
- Wheaton Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 4,697 reviews
- Cabin John Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 1,125 reviews
- South Germantown Recreational Park - 4.7 stars from 974 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Montgomery County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, with a labor force of 553,416. This reflects a stable job market with substantial employment opportunities.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 534,197
- Labor force: 553,416
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.