What to know when moving to Westminster, MD
TL;DR: Westminster at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 37.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 24.1% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $102,835, offering a solid financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit usage is quite low at only 0.4%, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,236 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Westminster is primarily a residential area, with a population of 40,191. The community features a good educational background, as 37.2% of residents have at least a bachelor's degree. With a median household income of $102,835, it caters to those who prioritize a stable and prosperous living environment. However, the renter percentage is relatively low at 24.1%, suggesting that most people own their homes.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban living with strong public transit options, as only 0.4% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,236, while median home values sit at $394,100, indicating a relatively high cost for homeownership.
- 37.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate stands at 7.5%, reflecting a community with a solid educational background and low poverty levels.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Maryland, the crime rates reflect varying trends, with property crime showing a slight increase while violent crime rates have decreased significantly.
- Violent crime: 351.9 per 100k, down 18.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,817.5 per 100k, up 5.5% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 47.8% since 2022, currently at 5.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Maryland).
Schools & Higher Ed
Westminster has access to several educational institutions, making it a convenient place for students and families alike.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Nearby institutions include Carroll Community College and McDaniel College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Westminster experiences an average of 35.5 inches of precipitation annually, along with about 94 rainy days. Summers are warm with average highs reaching 84°F, while winters can be quite cool, averaging a low of 25°F.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Carroll County Farm Museum (4.6 stars, 966 reviews)
- NR Adventure Park (5 stars, 874 reviews)
- Taneytown Memorial Park (4.5 stars, 490 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.