Is Fort Washington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Washington
Fort Washington, Maryland, offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to Washington D.C. The community is situated in Prince George’s County, bordering the Potomac River. It provides a blend of residential areas and natural beauty, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balance between urban access and a quieter environment.
The area is characterized by a diverse population and a growing community. With a median age nearing 46 years, it attracts a mix of families and established residents. The community’s development and amenities continue to evolve, shaping its identity as a desirable place to live.
Is it Safe to Live in Fort Washington?
Fort Washington’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a notable presence of property crime. This suggests that while the community is not among those with the highest crime rates nationally, residents should remain aware of their surroundings.
Violent crime rates in Fort Washington are reported at 3 per one thousand inhabitants, and property crime rates are 13 per one thousand population. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime is approximately 1 in 64. Notably, motor vehicle theft is a particular concern, with a higher-than-average rate compared to other communities nationwide (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data).
Crime Statistics and Trends
Fort Washington’s crime rate is measured at 24.01 per 1,000 residents annually (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some neighborhoods are considered safer, with the southwest part of the city generally viewed as the most secure, crime levels can vary. The northeast sections experience the most incidents, while the southeast has the fewest.
The cost of crime per resident in Fort Washington is estimated at $568 annually, which is above the national and state averages (according to NeighborhoodScout). This figure reflects criminal justice system costs, direct victim costs, and lost economic contributions from offenders.
Cost of Living in Fort Washington
The cost of living in Fort Washington is notably higher than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, contribute significantly to this elevated cost. Prospective residents should anticipate expenses that are above the typical U.S. figures.
Overall, Fort Washington is considered 5% more expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are a primary driver, with the median home price and average rent reflecting this trend. Utilities, transportation, and food also factor into the overall cost of maintaining a household in the area.
Housing Costs
The median home price in Fort Washington was approximately $464,300 as of early 2026 (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Recent market trends show fluctuations, with median sale prices around $520,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 12.1% from the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rental prices are also on the higher side, with the average rent for an apartment being $2,500 per month, which is 25% higher than the national average (according to Zillow). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $1,448 per month, while two-bedroom units average $1,620 per month (according to RentCafe).
Salary and Income
The median household income in Fort Washington is robust, standing at approximately $143,333 annually (according to Data USA). This is complemented by a high average per capita income of $71,825 (according to Data USA).
The average salary in Fort Washington is around $60,921 per year, or $29.29 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely depending on the profession, with some roles, such as Cyber Security and Nurse Practitioner, commanding higher compensation.
Job Market and Major Employers
Fort Washington’s job market is influenced by its proximity to Washington D.C., offering diverse employment opportunities. The unemployment rate in Fort Washington, MD, is reported at 3.1% (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the region’s economy is supported by a broad range of industries. The presence of government, defense, and technology sectors in the greater Washington D.C. area likely contributes to local employment.
Employment Landscape
The employment rate in Fort Washington, MD, is currently around 93.09% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). This indicates a stable job market with a significant portion of the working-age population employed.
The labor force count in the broader area is substantial, numbering over 510,000 individuals. This large labor pool suggests a dynamic job market capable of supporting various professional fields.
Climate in Fort Washington
Fort Washington experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 29°F to 88°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range (according to myPerfectWeather).
The area receives a considerable amount of rainfall, with May being the wettest month, averaging 3.5 inches. Snowfall is also a factor during winter months, contributing to the seasonal weather patterns.
Temperature and Precipitation
Summers in Fort Washington are warm and muggy, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 88°F and a low of 70°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average lows of 30°F and highs of 44°F.
The annual precipitation averages around 46 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). While rain is present year-round, July typically experiences the most wet days, with an average of 11.8 days receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Schools in Fort Washington
Fort Washington’s public schools present a mixed picture regarding academic performance. The average math proficiency score is 9%, and the reading proficiency score is 30%, both below the Maryland state averages (according to Niche).
The schools in Fort Washington have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools. Minority enrollment is high, at 96% of the student body, which is more than the state average (according to Niche).
School Performance and Diversity
Top-ranked public schools in Fort Washington include Indian Queen Elementary School and Fort Washington Forest Elementary School. However, overall academic performance metrics indicate challenges when compared to state averages.
The student body is highly diverse, with a majority being Black or African American. This demographic makeup is consistent with the broader trends in Maryland public schools, though the proficiency scores suggest areas for improvement.
Demographics of Fort Washington
Fort Washington is home to a population of approximately 25,100 people, with a projected growth to over 26,000 by 2026 (according to Data USA and Livability.com). The community is diverse, with a significant African American population.
The median age in Fort Washington is around 45.9 years, indicating a population that is largely established. The gender distribution is relatively even, with a slightly higher number of males per 100 females.
Population and Diversity
The racial composition of Fort Washington is predominantly African American, accounting for about 59% of the population. Hispanic and White residents make up significant portions as well, at approximately 19% and 11%, respectively (according to Niche).
Citizenship in Fort Washington is high, with about 89.9% of residents being U.S. citizens. A notable percentage, around 21.5%, were born outside the country, contributing to the community’s cultural richness.