Is Temple Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Temple Hills
Temple Hills, Maryland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated within Prince George’s County and serving as a suburb of Washington, D.C. This community provides a diverse living experience, characterized by an urban-suburban mix and a prevalence of rental housing. Residents often find themselves surrounded by numerous dining options and green spaces, contributing to a dynamic yet comfortable atmosphere.
The demographic profile of Temple Hills reveals a diverse population with a significant African American presence, alongside White, Asian, and other racial and ethnic groups. This diversity is a key feature of the community, reflecting the broader cultural tapestry of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The population is distributed across various age groups, with a notable percentage of both younger residents and those in their prime working years.
Is it Safe to Live in Temple Hills?
When considering safety in Temple Hills, it’s important to examine the available crime statistics. The community experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with specific concerns noted for both violent and property crimes. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Temple Hills is a significant consideration for potential residents.
NeighborhoodScout reports that Temple Hills has one of the highest crime rates when compared to communities of all sizes across the United States. Within Maryland, a substantial majority of communities have lower crime rates than Temple Hills. This indicates that safety is a notable factor for those evaluating a move to this area.
Violent Crime Statistics
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Temple Hills is reported at approximately 1 in 182 residents (NeighborhoodScout). This statistic is higher than the average for Maryland, where the chance is closer to 1 in 238. These figures highlight a key area of concern for the community’s safety profile.
While the statistics indicate a higher risk, it is also important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within Temple Hills. Some areas may experience lower rates, while others face greater challenges.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime presents another important aspect of safety in Temple Hills. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime, which includes incidents like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, is reported at about 1 in 28 residents (NeighborhoodScout). This translates to a rate of 36 per one thousand population.
Compared to the state of Maryland, where the chance of being a victim of property crime is around 1 in 49, Temple Hills shows a higher incidence. This disparity underscores the need for residents to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Cost of Living in Temple Hills
The cost of living in Temple Hills, Maryland, is notably higher than the national average, influenced significantly by housing expenses. Overall living costs are substantial, impacting the budgets of both individuals and families residing in the area. This elevated cost is a critical factor for anyone considering a relocation.
According to Salary.com, the total monthly expenses in Temple Hills are approximately $2,916 for a single person and $6,241 for a family of four. These figures position Temple Hills as one of the more expensive cities in the United States, reflecting broader economic conditions in the region.
Housing Costs
Housing costs are a primary driver of the elevated cost of living in Temple Hills. The median home value in Temple Hills is around $366,200 (Niche), which is higher than the national median home value. This figure indicates a substantial investment is required for homeownership in the area.
Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,394 per month (Apartments.com). This is higher than the national average rent, suggesting that securing affordable housing, whether through purchase or rent, requires careful financial planning.
Utilities and Transportation
While housing is a major expense, other daily costs in Temple Hills are more in line with national averages or slightly lower. Food expenses are reported to be 0.9% below the national average (Salary.com). Similarly, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also slightly lower than the national average.
These costs contribute to the overall financial picture for residents. Understanding these varied expenses is crucial for budgeting and financial management when living in Temple Hills.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Temple Hills presents a landscape with a median home value that is higher than the national average. Homeownership is a significant financial commitment in this area, with prices reflecting the demand and economic conditions of the region. The market shows a trend of moderate price changes over recent periods.
Data from Zillow indicates that the average home value in Temple Hills was approximately $323,870 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease over the preceding year. This median home value is a key indicator for prospective buyers assessing the market conditions.
Home Prices and Value
The median listing home price in Temple Hills is around $375,000 (Realtor.com®), with the average home value also reported in a similar range by various sources. Redfin noted a median sale price of $223,000 in March 2026, though this figure appears to be an outlier compared to other recent data points which place the median home value higher. For instance, Niche reports a median home value of $366,200, and Livability.com states $373,191.
The homeownership rate in Temple Hills is around 35.9% (Data USA), indicating that a majority of residents choose to rent. This lower homeownership rate suggests that rental properties are a significant part of the housing market. The price per square foot for homes in Temple Hills is approximately $207, showing an increase of 5.1% since the previous year (Redfin).
Rental Market Trends
The rental market in Temple Hills is active, with a variety of apartments and houses available. The average rent for an apartment is reported to be around $1,583 per month as of April 2026, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year (RentCafe). This trend suggests a steady demand for rental properties in the area.
Rental prices vary by the number of bedrooms, with studio apartments being the most budget-friendly option. One-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom units, and three-bedroom homes or townhomes increase in price accordingly, catering to different household needs and budgets. For example, one-bedroom apartments average around $1,465 per month, while two-bedroom units are approximately $1,672 (RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Temple Hills, Maryland, presents a dynamic job market with a growing employment rate. The most common sectors for employment among residents include public administration, administrative and support services, and retail trade. These industries provide a range of opportunities for the local workforce.
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Temple Hills saw a growth rate of 6.81%, indicating a positive trend in job creation (Data USA). This growth suggests an expanding economy and increasing opportunities for those seeking employment within the community.
Major Employers and Industries
Key employment sectors in Temple Hills are diverse, with Public Administration being a significant industry, employing approximately 769 residents (Data USA). Other major sectors include Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services, which employs around 581 individuals, and Retail Trade, with 497 residents working in this field.
The job roles most commonly held by residents include those in Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Fire Fighting & Prevention, and Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Occupations. These roles highlight the varied skill sets and professional backgrounds present in the Temple Hills workforce.
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Temple Hills, Maryland, is reported to be around $79,269 per year, or an hourly rate of $38 (ERI SalaryExpert). This figure is competitive within the region, offering a solid income potential for residents. However, other sources provide slightly different averages, with ZipRecruiter noting an average of $73,794 annually and Data USA indicating a median household income of $66,841.
The unemployment rate in Temple Hills stands at 6.8% (Niche). While this rate is a point of consideration, it is important to compare it with broader regional and national figures to fully understand the employment landscape.
Climate and Weather
Temple Hills experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperatures throughout the year typically range from an average low of 28°F to a high of 87°F, with rare excursions outside this range. The weather patterns are generally partly cloudy year-round.
The climate offers distinct seasonal variations, with specific periods being more favorable for outdoor activities. Understanding these patterns is key for residents in planning their activities and daily lives.
Temperature and Seasons
The warm season in Temple Hills lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 79°F. July is the hottest month, often reaching a high of 87°F and a low of 70°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures remaining below 52°F.
January is typically the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 29°F to a high of 43°F. The temperature range throughout the year provides a clear distinction between the warmer and colder months.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Temple Hills receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, with seasonal variations. May typically sees the most rain, averaging around 3.5 inches, while January experiences the least, with approximately 2.1 inches (Weather Spark). The wet season, from late April to late August, has a greater than 30% chance of a given day experiencing precipitation.
June records the highest number of wet days, averaging over 11 days with measurable precipitation. The drier season extends from late August to late April, with October having the fewest wet days, averaging about 7 days. Snowfall is also a factor during the winter months, with an average of 6.1 inches in February, though the snowless period lasts for about eight months of the year.
Education and Schools
Temple Hills, Maryland, is served by the Prince George’s County Public Schools district, which includes a number of public schools within the community. While the district itself receives a lower rating, some individual schools within Temple Hills show promise or are noted for specific programs.
Academic performance varies among the schools, with some schools demonstrating test scores below state averages. Factors such as student-teacher ratios and minority enrollment are also key characteristics of the educational landscape in Temple Hills.
Public School Performance
Public schools in Temple Hills have an average math proficiency score of 7%, which is significantly lower than the Maryland average of 27%. Reading proficiency scores are also below the state average, with Temple Hills schools averaging 27% compared to Maryland’s 45% (Niche). Overall, schools in Temple Hills have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
The student body in Temple Hills schools is overwhelmingly composed of minority students, with 99% of the student population being Black, which is higher than the Maryland public school average. This demographic makeup is a significant characteristic of the local educational environment.
Notable Schools and Programs
Among the public schools serving Temple Hills, Maya Angelou French Immersion, Imagine Lincoln Pcs, and Samuel Chase Elementary School are frequently highlighted as top-ranked institutions (Niche). Crossland High School is noted for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which have shown improvement in recent years (Movoto).
Despite some schools showing potential, others, such as Benjamin Stoddert Middle and Samuel Chase Elementary, struggle with test scores well below state averages. High rates of chronic absenteeism are also a concern across many schools in the area, potentially impacting overall academic performance.
Demographics and Diversity
Temple Hills, Maryland, is a community characterized by its rich diversity, with a significant African American population forming the majority. The racial and ethnic makeup reflects a broad spectrum, including White, Asian, and other racial groups, contributing to a vibrant cultural mosaic.
The population of Temple Hills is approximately 8,969 residents as of 2024 (Data USA), with a median age of 35.9 years (Data USA). The gender distribution shows a higher percentage of females compared to males.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Temple Hills is predominantly African American, accounting for approximately 77.6% of the population (Point2Homes). White residents make up about 6.8%, with smaller percentages identifying as Asian or belonging to two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 4.4% of the population.
This demographic profile highlights Temple Hills as a diverse community, with a strong representation of African American culture and heritage. The community also includes a notable percentage of foreign-born residents, with 10.5% of individuals being born outside the country (Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The age distribution in Temple Hills shows a median age of 35.9 years (Data USA), with approximately 21.9% of residents under the age of 15, and about 13.1% aged 65 or older (Point2Homes). This distribution indicates a mix of younger families and older adults within the community.
Households in Temple Hills average about 2 members, with roughly 52.1% being families and 47.9% consisting of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (Point2Homes). The homeownership rate is around 35.9%, with a larger portion of residents opting to rent.
Pros and Cons of Living in Temple Hills
Temple Hills offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages for its residents. The community’s proximity to Washington D.C. provides access to employment and cultural opportunities, while its suburban setting offers a quieter lifestyle compared to a major urban center.
However, the higher cost of living, particularly in housing, and crime rates that exceed national averages are significant factors to consider. These aspects shape the overall experience of living in Temple Hills.
Advantages of Temple Hills
One of the primary advantages of living in Temple Hills is its suburban appeal combined with urban accessibility. It offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of a large city while remaining close to the amenities and job markets of Washington D.C. The community also boasts a diverse population, contributing to a rich cultural environment.
Additionally, while housing costs are high, they can be more affordable compared to some neighboring areas. The presence of parks and various dining options also adds to the quality of life for residents.
Disadvantages of Temple Hills
The most significant drawbacks to living in Temple Hills include its higher-than-average cost of living and crime rates. The median home value and average rent are substantial, requiring a considerable financial commitment. Furthermore, the crime statistics suggest a need for heightened awareness and caution among residents.
The educational system, while having some standout schools, generally shows lower performance metrics compared to the state average, which may be a concern for families prioritizing academic achievement. The community’s high unemployment rate also warrants consideration for those seeking employment.