RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · MD

Potomac

Pop. 45,902·1st most expensive in Maryland·Potomac rents are up 23.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$4,338/mo
Year-over-Year
+23.3%
Month-over-Month
+5.2%
vs US Median
+$2,373
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Potomac rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Potomac · $4,338
More expensive than 98% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
27/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% above what Potomac's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$4,338/mo
Expected by trend
$3,883/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Potomac's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$3,020
1 BR
$3,080
2 BR
$3,470
3 BR
$4,340
4 BR+
$5,120
Research median
$3,470/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$52,056/yr
At $4,338/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 23.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+23.3% YoY, +5.2% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Potomac, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 84.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
45,902
Median income
$236,675
Median age
47.4
Renters
15.2%
Age distribution
23.3%
26.2%
14.3%
24.2%
Under 1823.3%
18–3412%
35–5426.2%
55–6414.3%
65+24.2%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
60.8%
20.4%
White60.8%
Black4.6%
Hispanic10.1%
Asian20.4%
Other4%
Education (25+)
84.9%
No HS diploma2.5%
HS diploma4.3%
Some college8.3%
Bachelor's+84.9%
Housing tenure
84.8%
15.2%
Owner84.8%
Renter15.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Potomac, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$3,259 → $4,338
up 33.1%
Income
$198,870 → $236,675
up 19.0%
Population
46,891 → 45,902
down 2.1%
Renter share
15.1% → 15.2%
+0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
83.8% → 84.9%
+1.1 pts
Median age
46.6 → 47.4
+0.8 yrs

Since 2022, the typical rent in Potomac, MD has climbed from $3,259 to $4,338, a 33.1% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Potomac, MD now reports about $236,675, up from $198,870 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 2.1% since 2021, moving from about 46,891 residents to roughly 45,902. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Potomac, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Potomac

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Potomac rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Potomac on your salary?

At $4,338/mo, how Potomac rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Potomac rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Potomac. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Potomac

About renting in Potomac, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Potomac is $4,338/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $3,020/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,470/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,080/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,340/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($236,675/yr), Potomac ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 23.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Potomac an affordable city for renters?

Potomac is considered very affordable for renters. At $4,338/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($236,675/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Potomac falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Potomac?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $174,000/year (~$84/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,338/mo in Potomac. The local median household income is $236,675/yr, meaning the typical Potomac household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Potomac?

Rent in Potomac has increased 23.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Potomac rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Potomac is one of the pricier cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #1 out of 95 tracked cities at $4,338/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Potomac?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Potomac ($4,338/mo): Rockville ($2,426/mo), McLean ($2,769/mo), Bethesda ($2,971/mo).

What percentage of Potomac residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 15.2% of Potomac households are renters, while 84.8% are owner-occupied. Potomac leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Potomac rent compare to the national average?

Potomac's median rent of $4,338/mo is $2,373 (121%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #1 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $4,338/mo, rent takes ~22% of Potomac's median household income ($236,675/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Potomac 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Potomac affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Potomac
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Potomac, MD

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Potomac.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.