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Fort Detrick

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Command Headquarters
Fort Detrick (Barquist) Health Clinic
Fort Detrick Chapel
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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Frederick, Maryland, is significantly higher than the national average, driven primarily by high housing costs.

While the exact percentage varies slightly by source and the time of reporting, it is consistently reported as being well above the U.S. average. 

Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Frederick, based on data available in 2025.

Cost relative to national average:

  • Overall: Frederick's cost of living is approximately 30% higher than the national average.
  • Housing: Housing is the biggest factor, with costs being anywhere from 79% to 85% more expensive than the national average.
  • Utilities: Utility prices are around 10% higher than the national average.
  • Groceries: Grocery costs are roughly 10% higher than the national average.
  • Healthcare: Healthcare expenses are about 11% higher than the national average.
  • Transportation: Transportation costs are slightly higher, around 2–4% more than the national average.

Housing costs:

  • Rent: A one-bedroom apartment is around $1,600 per month, while a three-bedroom averages approximately $2,200 per month.
  • Home purchase: The average home price in Frederick is about $450,000. 

Salary needed to live comfortably:

  • A single adult needs to earn an estimated salary of around $78,288 per year to live comfortably.
  • A single adult with no children needs to make at least $27.91 per hour, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. 

Comparison to other areas

Despite being expensive Frederick is still more affordable than Washington, D.C. especially regarding housing.  

Higher than other cities: For reference, Frederick's 2025 cost of living is higher than that of Miami and Chicago, though less expensive than Boston or New York City.

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

  • Maximum speed for the installation is 25 MPH, 15 MPH for housing areas, and 10 MPH when passing PT or troop formations.
  • The Fort Detrick traffic code prohibits drivers from using hand-held cell phones, Blackberries or similar items, such as personal data assistants, and also prohibits vehicle operators from viewing DVDs while driving on post. Drivers may use hands-free accessories that allow them to keep both hands free to control the vehicle. An earphone is authorized as long as it only covers one ear, leaving the other ear free to hear alarms and surrounding traffic. Similar prohibitions apply to the use of the "direct connect," or walkie-talkie feature available on some cell phones. Violations of this restriction are considered serious offenses.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, including back seat passengers.
  • Maryland's current law requires that children under eight years old to ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.  Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a restraint must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt, in every sitting position in the vehicle.
  • The use of radar or laser speed detectors on-post, except by law-enforcement personnel is prohibited.
  • Individuals may not use headphones or earphones while jogging because they interfere with the ability to hear signals, alarms and traffic sounds. During periods of reduced visibility, joggers must wear appropriate bright-colored or fluorescent clothing or reflective personal protective equipment. Individual runners will run facing the flow of traffic.
  • Newly arriving personnel are required to report to the Vehicle Registration Office, to obtain a temporary pass for privately owned vehicles. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • As of 01 Oct 09 it is illegal to text and operate a motor vehicle in Maryland.

Fort Detrick's special and critical installation information emphasizes traffic safety, installation access, anti-terrorism (AT) measures, and environmental compliance. Drivers must observe speed limits, wear seatbelts, and are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones, while AT programs include layered defenses and physical security measures. The installation also manages environmental programs to ensure compliance and resource conservation, with access control procedures in place for all personnel and vehicles.

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

Fort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) installation supporting a multi-governmental community that conducts biomedical research and development, medical material management, worldwide communications, and the study of foreign plant pathogens.

The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, provides sustainable base operations support, quality of life programs, and environmental stewardship to facilitate the sustainment of vital national interests.

The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, supports five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services.

Within the DoD, Fort Detrick supports elements of all four military services. Major Department of the Army mission partners include the US Army Medical Research and Development Command and the 21st Signal Brigade.

History

Fort Detrick, located in Frederick, Maryland, began as a military airfield in 1931 and evolved into a crucial biomedical research hub for the U.S. government. While famously known for its history with biological warfare research during the Cold War, its modern mission is focused on defensive biodefense, medical logistics, and advanced biomedical research for a range of federal agencies.

History:

Early days (1931–1943): The base began as Detrick Field, an airfield named after U.S. Army flight surgeon Major Frederick Louis Detrick.

Biological warfare research (1943–1969): In 1943, following the U.S. entry into World War II and concerns over Axis powers developing bioweapons, the airfield was renamed Camp Detrick and became the center for U.S. biological warfare research. Scientists at Camp Detrick pioneered new methods for biocontainment, decontamination, and sterilization, which are still used worldwide.

Transition to defensive research (1969–present): In 1969, President Richard Nixon officially terminated the U.S. offensive biological weapons program, shifting Fort Detrick's focus to defensive research. The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) was established to develop medical countermeasures, such as diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, against biological threats. In 1971, Nixon allocated part of the base to civilian biomedical research, establishing the National Cancer Institute-Frederick Campus.

21st-century campus:

Fort Detrick is now a multi-agency campus, housing research, logistics, and communications organizations. Since the September 11, 2001, and anthrax attacks, biodefense research has been consolidated under the National Interagency Biodefense Campus (NIBC), a partnership of multiple federal agencies.

Population

11,601 grand total for Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Campus.

Each branch of the U.S. military is represented at Fort Detrick totaling 12,097 government personnel assigned here.

Location

Fort Detrick is located in Frederick, Maryland, in the heart of Frederick County, the third fastest growing county in Maryland.  Fort Detrick is the center of the biomedical technology growth that has occurred in the county. Frederick is situated to the West of Baltimore, MD, (46 miles) and Washington, DC, (45 miles). It adjoins Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The base operator's phone number is 301-619-8000 or DSN 312-343-8000.

Directions

If arriving to Ft. Detrick by air, you will land at one of three different airports: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) (55 miles); Washington Dulles International (IAD) (45 miles); Reagan National (DCA) (54 miles).

If traveling to Ft. Detrick by bus, shuttle or taxi: There are many civilian Airport Shuttle Services which offer 24 hour door-to-door transportation from BWI, National, and Dulles Airports to Frederick/Fort Detrick. Cost is ranges from $60-$125 for 1 person and $10-$15 for each additional person. A 24 hour advance notice is recommended (although shuttles are available without 24 hour notice) at the following pick-up areas: outside the baggage claim area at BWI and DCA. At IAD it is at 2F, outside in the parking lot. They accept cash and major credit cards.

Bus Service

Check your local Frederick Greyhound Bus Terminal for the latest bus schedules to and from local airports. 301-663-3311

Taxi Service

Civilian taxi service is available to a variety of local areas. Fares for trips from airports to Fort Detrick are expensive and can range from $100 and up.

USO Locations

USO Locations & Operation Hours: USO International Gateway Lounge, BWI Airport, lower level. Hours 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. USO Ronald Reagan National Airport, Terminal A, upper level. Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rail Transportation

MARC train departs Airports to Union Station. Upon arrival at Union Station you can take the Brunswick Line to Frederick, Brunswick, Point of Rocks and Harpers Ferry. There are 3 trains per day that leave Union Station towards Frederick. Go to www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-station-information for current rates and schedules.

Directions from Washington DC: Take 1-270 North to Frederick and it will merge with U.S. Route 15 North (270 North becomes 15 North). Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.

Directions from Baltimore, Maryland: Take 1-70 West to Frederick and follow the signs to Route 15 North, exit 53A.  Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.

Base Access

Fort Detrick is a closed post. If you do not have a CAC Card, you must enter through the Nallin Farm Gate off of Opposumtown Pike. Please stop at the visitors center directly to the right as you enter the gates. You must have your ID card, drivers license, POV registration and proof of POV insurance to obtain visitors pass and access entry to the installation. Follow gate guard's instructions after entering the installation.

Base Transportation

Currently, there is no post transportation on this installation.

Contact Information

Fort Detrick's main information line number is 301-619-8000. Army Community Service (Main Desk) may be reached at 301-619-2197.