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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 20879

Pop. 25,264·Montgomery County·49th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,221/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.6%
Month-over-Month
-4.1%
vs US Median
+$256
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 20879 · $2,221
More expensive than 70% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,880
1 BR
$1,940
2 BR
$2,160
3 BR
$2,730
4 BR+
$3,200
Research median
$2,160/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,652/yr
At $2,221/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyMontgomery County
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.6% YoY, -4.1% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 20879 (Gaithersburg, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 44.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
25,264
Median income
$112,104
Median age
36.4
Renters
30.2%
Age distribution
22.8%
24.8%
24.5%
12.9%
14.9%
Under 1822.8%
18–3424.8%
35–5424.5%
55–6412.9%
65+14.9%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
34%
20.5%
34%
13.6%
White34%
Black20.5%
Hispanic34%
Asian13.6%
Education (25+)
21.4%
24.5%
44.8%
No HS diploma9.4%
HS diploma21.4%
Some college24.5%
Bachelor's+44.8%
Housing tenure
69.8%
30.2%
Owner69.8%
Renter30.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 20879 in Gaithersburg, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$96,197 → $112,104
up 16.5%
Population
27,244 → 25,264
down 7.3%
Renter share
29.3% → 30.2%
+0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
43.2% → 44.8%
+1.6 pts
Median age
35.9 → 36.4
+0.5 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 20879 in Gaithersburg, MD now reports about $112,104, up from $96,197 in 2021. Census counts show ZIP 20879 in Gaithersburg, MD losing about 1,980 residents over the five-year window, down 7.3% on net.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 20879

About renting in ZIP 20879

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 20879 covers Gaithersburg, MD. The median rent here is $2,221/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,940/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,160/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($112,104/yr), ZIP 20879 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 20879?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 20879 (Gaithersburg, MD) is $2,221. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 20879 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 20879's median rent of $2,221/mo is $256 (13%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 20879 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 20879 falls in the middle range for Maryland, ranking #49 out of 140 ZIPs at $2,221/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 20879?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $89,000/year (~$43/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,221/mo in ZIP 20879. The local median household income is $112,104/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 20879?

Rent in ZIP 20879 has increased 7.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 20879 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 20879 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,221/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($112,104/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 20879 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 20879 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.2% of ZIP 20879 households are renters, while 69.8% are owner-occupied. ZIP 20879 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 20879 compare to the rest of Gaithersburg?

ZIP 20879 is pricier than Gaithersburg as a whole. At $2,221/mo, it's $34 above the Gaithersburg citywide median of $2,187/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 20879 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 20879 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,221/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 20879's median household income ($112,104/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 20879 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 20879 (Gaithersburg, MD)

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