| Statistic | Shady Side | Maryland | National |
| Population | 4,885 | 6,045,680 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 735 | 627 | 91 |
| Median age | 46.8 | 38.3 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 67% | 54% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 36% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 96% | 82% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 0% | 7% | 13% |
The population of Shady Side is 4,885, with a population density of 735 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 46.8 and 67% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 36% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Shady Side goes, 4% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 40% report an income exceeding $150,000. The Shady Side demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
Understanding the Shady Side racial demographics and ethnic composition is paramount for addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and fortifying communities. In Shady Side, the racial breakdown indicates 81.9% White, 11.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 2.8% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Notably, 96.2% of households reported speaking English only, while 0.1% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 4.6% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Areas like Shady Side, characterized by below-average population density, offer a quieter lifestyle, closer connection to nature, strong community ties, improved affordability and enhanced safety, appealing to individuals seeking a break from urban life. These regions often boast a more affordable cost of living, with housing prices typically more accessible and residents may benefit from lower taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas also tend to have lower crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas, contributing to a greater sense of security for residents and their families. The Shady Side population density is 735 people per square mile, which ranks lower than 50% of cities nationwide, presenting ample opportunity to enjoy these advantages.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Shady Side demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Shady Side demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Understanding Populations: Reporting and analyzing the demographic data in Shady Side can allow us to gain insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges of different demographic groups within communities. Demographics can play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and well-being for all individuals and communities. Shady Side population data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and promoting the well-being and resilience of societies.
Education Allocation: Education planning benefits significantly from Shady Side demographic information, which helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends, and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources effectively and devising impactful educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to improve access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Shady Side demographic data is essential in education for advancing equity, fostering student success, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
| Race | Shady Side | Maryland | National |
| White | 81.90% | 57.19% | 73.35% |
| Black | 11.16% | 29.63% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 2.40% | 6.08% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.27% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 3.85% | 3.12% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.70% | 3.67% | 4.75% |
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