County Crime & Safety

Prince George’s County, Maryland, has seen a mixed crime trend in recent years. In 2022, violent crime dropped by 8% compared to 2021, with 88 homicides reported versus 133 the previous year. Property crimes, however, increased by 19%, notably due to a rise in auto thefts to over 7,000 cases. The county police emphasize community engagement and transparency, regularly publishing crime data and encouraging residents to report incidents through their online and tip line services for enhanced safety.

Education, Employment and Housing

Prince George’s County, MD, operates over 200 public schools, including 25 high schools, serving more than 130,000 students. About 90% of residents hold a high school diploma, and 33% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average SAT score is 950. The county invests in adult education and career-readiness programs, with 10+ specialized centers. School safety initiatives include security personnel on all campuses. Notable magnet and STEM programs enhance educational quality, helping Prince George’s County Public Schools rank in Maryland’s top half for diversity and college readiness.

As of 2023, Prince George's County, MD boasts a labor force participation rate of 73%, with an unemployment rate of 4%. Leading employment sectors include education and health services (24%), public administration (19%), and professional/business services (13%). Top occupation types are office/administrative support (15%), management/business (12%), and education/training (11%). About 60% of residents commute outside the county for work, primarily to Washington, D.C., with an average one-way commute time of 35 minutes.

Prince George’s County, MD, offers diverse housing, with a homeownership rate around 62% and a median home value near $385,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,800. Popular neighborhoods include Bowie, Greenbelt, and Hyattsville, featuring single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. The county’s property tax rate is roughly 1.29%, higher than the national average. The area’s proximity to Washington, D.C. drives demand, supporting both strong home and rental markets.

Demographics

As of 2023, Prince George’s County, MD has an estimated population of 955,300. The median age is 37.7 years, with 51% female and 49% male. The county’s racial composition is approximately 59% Black or African American, 21% Hispanic or Latino, 13% White (non-Hispanic), 4% Asian, and 3% other or multiracial. The county is among the most affluent majority-Black areas in the U.S., marked by vibrant diversity and steady population growth.

Elections

Prince George’s County, MD, has over 639,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 74% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 16% unaffiliated/other. The county administers primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 89% voted Democratic. There are 40+ polling locations and multiple early voting sites. Key issues include education, public safety, and economic development. The Board of Elections oversees the process, ensuring accessible voting and compliance. Voter turnout was approximately 67% in the 2020 general election. Party dynamics strongly favor Democrats in most local, state, and federal races.