Is Burtonsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Burtonsville

Burtonsville, Maryland, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to major metropolitan areas. It is a community that blends residential areas with a growing commercial presence. The town’s location within Montgomery County provides residents with a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

The community is situated in a region known for its historical significance and proximity to Washington D.C. and Baltimore. This strategic location allows for easy commutes and access to a wide range of amenities and cultural attractions. Burtonsville is recognized for its diverse population and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive option for those seeking a suburban environment with urban conveniences.

Is it Safe to Live in Burtonsville?

Burtonsville’s crime rates present a mixed picture. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Burtonsville is approximately 1 in 80 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates that Burtonsville is not among the safest communities in America, relative to Maryland, its crime rate is higher than 57% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When compared to communities of similar population size, Burtonsville’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than the average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The violent crime rate in Burtonsville is about 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the property crime rate is 11 per 1,000 population, suggesting an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The zip code 20866, which serves Burtonsville, has an overall crime index of 77, which is 23% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Within this zip code, violent crime is 11% below the national average, and property crime is 15% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Despite these positive statistics for the zip code, it’s important to note that rape is a concern, with an index 14% above average, while assault is the lowest risk (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Burtonsville shows a median home value of approximately $480,785 as of March 2026, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This figure places Burtonsville’s housing market in a competitive category, scoring 80 out of 100 on competitiveness (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Burtonsville are around $2,600 on average for all bedrooms and property types (as reported by Zillow). This average rent is higher than the national average rent, which is approximately $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). The price range for rentals in Burtonsville typically falls between $1,500 and $4,500 (as reported by Zillow).

The median home price in Burtonsville was $580,000 last month, with a median sale price per square foot of $202, which is down 19.7% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes for sale in Burtonsville are currently listed at an average of $480,784 (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Employment

The average annual salary in Burtonsville is approximately $55,729, which translates to about $26.79 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Burtonsville range between $39,750 and $67,627 annually, with top earners potentially making more (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Certain high-paying professions in Burtonsville include Oncologist Pharmacist, Forensic Pathologist, and Dentist, with annual salaries significantly exceeding the local average (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For part-time positions, the average annual pay is around $78,032, with a wide pay range suggesting opportunities for advancement based on skill and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Maryland was 4.3% in March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Burtonsville is not readily available, the state’s rate provides a general economic context for the area.

Cost of Living

Burtonsville’s overall cost of living is approximately 34% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by housing expenses, which are about 95% higher than the national average.

Utility prices in Burtonsville are 10% higher than the national average, while transportation costs, such as gas prices and bus fares, are on par with the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly higher, at 9% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Healthcare costs in Burtonsville are 19% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). A comfortable living in Burtonsville might require a salary of $75,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on individual expenses and lifestyle choices (as reported by LivingInMaryland.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Burtonsville experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The average annual rainfall is approximately 47.01 inches (as reported by Plantmaps).

Temperatures in Burtonsville can vary significantly throughout the year. Summer high temperatures typically reach the high 80s, while winter low temperatures can drop into the low 20s Fahrenheit. The average monthly temperature hovers around the mid-50s Fahrenheit.

The weather forecast for Burtonsville often includes a mix of sunny days, chances of showers, and thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months. The National Weather Service provides detailed local forecasts for the area.

Education and School Ratings

Burtonsville is served by Montgomery County Public Schools, which are generally highly rated. Burtonsville Elementary School, for instance, has an overall Niche grade of A- and a rating of 5 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). It has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 34% of students proficient in math and 50% in reading (as reported by Niche).

James Hubert Blake High School is a top-rated public school in the area, receiving an A rating from Niche. It serves students in grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche).

Niche ranks Burtonsville among the most diverse suburbs in Maryland, and its public schools are considered highly rated within the state (as reported by Niche). The community is noted for offering a strong educational environment for its residents.

Demographics and Population

Burtonsville has a population of approximately 10,203 people as of 2024, showing a slight increase from the 9,498 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots and Wikipedia). The projected population for 2026 is around 10,361 (as reported by Census Dots).

The racial composition of Burtonsville is diverse. The largest racial/ethnic groups include Black (37.6%), Asian (22.1%), and White (21.2%) residents (as reported by Census Dots). This diversity is notable, with Burtonsville being more diverse than Maryland overall (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Burtonsville is 38.0 years (as reported by Census Dots). In 2024, the median household income was $134,276, though 4.6% of families live in poverty (as reported by Census Dots). For every 100 females, there are approximately 111.9 males in Burtonsville (as reported by World Population Review).

Major Employers and Economic Landscape

Burtonsville benefits from its proximity to major employment hubs in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. While specific major employers within Burtonsville are not detailed in the provided data, the broader Montgomery County and surrounding regions host numerous significant companies and government agencies.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce actively supports the business community, fostering policy, partnerships, and programs for a prosperous future. This chamber represents over 800 business members, employing more than 40,000 individuals across Montgomery County (as reported by The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County).

The economic landscape is further supported by organizations like the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, which aids businesses through networking and advocacy. Howard County also offers a business-friendly environment with a central location and an educated workforce, making the wider region attractive for employers and employees alike (as reported by Howard County Economic Development Authority).