Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring is a census-designated place in southeastern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, situated immediately north of Washington, D.C., and enclosed by the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495).[1] The community derives its name from a mica-flecked spring discovered in 1840 by Francis Preston Blair, a presidential advisor who acquired surrounding land and established an estate there.[2] As of the 2020 United States census, Silver Spring had a population of 81,015 residents, reflecting its status as a densely populated suburban area with significant ethnic and racial diversity, including substantial White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations.[3] Notable for its lively downtown featuring shops, restaurants, offices, and cultural institutions such as the AFI Silver Theatre, the locale functions as a key commuter hub bolstered by Washington Metro access and proximity to federal employment centers.[1]Geography
Location and Topography
Silver Spring occupies southeastern Montgomery County, Maryland, immediately north of Washington, D.C., with the District line forming its southern boundary. As an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP), its extent is delineated by the U.S. Census Bureau, covering 7.88 square miles of land as of 2020.[4] The community's central geographic coordinates are 38.9907°N latitude and 77.0261°W longitude.[5] Positioned in Maryland's Piedmont Plateau physiographic province, Silver Spring exhibits gently rolling topography characteristic of the region's upland terrain between the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Coastal Plain to the east.[6] Average elevation stands at 341 feet (104 meters) above sea level, with local variations influenced by incised valleys of streams including Sligo Creek and the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, which contribute to the area's moderate relief.[5] Underlying geology consists primarily of metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Piedmont, overlain by residual soils and colluvium that support the prevalent forested and suburban landscape.[7]Climate and Environment
Silver Spring features a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters with moderate precipitation throughout the year. The average annual temperature stands at 13.5 °C (56.3 °F), with seasonal highs reaching 30.8 °C (87.4 °F) in July and lows dropping to around -1.1 °C (30 °F) in January.[8] Annual precipitation averages 47 inches, distributed relatively evenly but peaking in May at 3.5 inches, while snowfall occurs sparingly, totaling about 20 inches per year primarily from December to March.[9][10] Environmental conditions in Silver Spring reflect its suburban-urban interface within Montgomery County, where air quality is generally satisfactory but susceptible to ozone exceedances during summer due to high temperatures, humidity, and stagnant air promoting photochemical reactions.[11][12] Ozone levels often surpass particulate matter as the primary concern, with disparities in exposure linked to population density and traffic patterns, though overall PM2.5 concentrations remain low enough for minimal health risks on most days.[13] Water quality in adjacent streams and the Anacostia River watershed suffers from elevated impervious surfaces—exceeding 40% in developed areas—which accelerate stormwater runoff carrying pollutants like nutrients and sediments, impairing aquatic habitats.[14] Atmospheric nitrogen deposition, derived from regional vehicle emissions and power plants, exacerbates downstream eutrophication in the Potomac River, fostering algal blooms and hypoxic zones that disrupt fisheries and recreational uses.[15] Montgomery County's monitoring indicates fair to poor ratings for many local waterways under Maryland's integrated assessments, driven by non-point source pollution rather than industrial discharges.[16] Efforts to mitigate these include riparian buffers and low-impact development, though urban expansion continues to challenge restoration goals.[17]Parks and Open Spaces
Silver Spring encompasses various urban parks and stream valley areas managed by Montgomery Parks, providing recreational opportunities amid suburban development. These spaces include historic sites, multi-use trails, and natural areas along waterways such as Sligo Creek.[18] The parks system emphasizes preservation of green corridors and public access, with facilities supporting hiking, biking, and community gatherings.[19] Acorn Urban Park, located at 8060 Newell Street, preserves the namesake silver spring discovered in 1840, which gave the area its moniker due to mica flecks in the water. In 1850, Francis Preston Blair commissioned an acorn-shaped gazebo overlooking the spring to symbolize the oak tree site of his 1812 marriage proposal; the structure measures approximately 14 feet in diameter and 17 feet in height.[20][21] The 0.2-acre park features interpretive signage and serves as a small historic enclave amid urban surroundings.[18] Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park follows Sligo Creek through Silver Spring, offering a 10.2-mile paved trail for pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers, with amenities including playgrounds and picnic areas.[22] The trail connects to the broader Anacostia Tributary Trail system, spanning wooded areas and crossing urban streets, while supporting local wildlife and flood control functions.[23] Managed by Montgomery Parks, it extends from Takoma Park northward, providing shaded paths popular for exercise and nature observation.[24] Portions of the Rock Creek stream valley lie within or adjacent to Silver Spring, featuring trails for running and hiking along the waterway.[25] East Silver Spring Urban Park adds neighborhood green space with basic recreational features.[26] A new downtown park, under development by Montgomery Parks, is scheduled to open in spring 2026, incorporating public input for its name and design to enhance urban open space.[27]Demographics
Population Growth and Trends
The population of the Silver Spring census-designated place (CDP) stood at 71,452 in the 2010 United States Census, following a 6.6 percent decline from 76,540 in 2000, attributable primarily to revisions in CDP boundaries that excluded some outlying residential areas previously included.[28][29] By the 2020 Census, the population had rebounded to 81,015, marking a 13.4 percent increase over the decade despite boundary adjustments and regional economic pressures.[30]| Year | Population | Percent Change from Prior Decade |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 76,540 | — |
| 2010 | 71,452 | -6.6% |
| 2020 | 81,015 | +13.4% |
Racial, Ethnic, and Immigration Composition
As of the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2019–2023 5-year estimates, Silver Spring's population exhibits significant racial diversity, with no single racial group comprising a majority. The breakdown includes 36.5% identifying as White alone, 28.4% as Black or African American alone, 8.2% as Asian alone, 0.7% as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.1% as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, 16.9% as some other race alone, and 9.3% as two or more races.[3][33]| Racial Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White alone | 36.5% |
| Black or African American alone | 28.4% |
| Asian alone | 8.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 0.7% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 0.1% |
| Some other race alone | 16.9% |
| Two or more races | 9.3% |
Socioeconomic Indicators
As of the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS), the median household income in Silver Spring CDP was $98,880, exceeding the national median of approximately $75,000 during the same period. Per capita income stood at $55,875, reflecting a relatively affluent population driven by proximity to federal employment hubs in Washington, D.C., and high-skilled sectors.[4] The poverty rate was 9.67% for the population for whom status is determined, lower than the U.S. rate of about 11.5% but indicative of pockets of economic disparity amid high housing costs and immigrant concentrations.[31] Educational attainment is notably high, with 63.4% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national figure of roughly 35%, attributable to the area's professional workforce and access to institutions like the University of Maryland. High school graduation or higher reaches over 90%.[38]| Indicator | Silver Spring Value | U.S. Comparison (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $98,880 | $75,000 |
| Poverty Rate | 9.67% | 11.5% |
| Bachelor's or Higher (25+) | 63.4% | 35% |
| Owner-Occupied Housing Rate | 38.2% | 65% |