Garrett
Maryland

What stands out

If you had to describe Garrett County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 9% of American counties (9 of 100), winter sunshine is in the bottom 10% of American counties (-1.2 on the USDA scale), and the restaurant count per person is in the top 15% of American counties (1.1 per 1,000). Within Maryland it ranks 1st of 24 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Garrett County, Maryland. 28,856 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +4).

Maryland is the only state that levies both an estate tax and an inheritance tax, and its counties add their own income taxes of up to 3.2% on top of the state rate. Household income is the highest in the country, concentrated in the Washington suburbs of Montgomery and Howard counties. Social Security is not taxed and there is a pension exclusion for residents 65 and over.

Money

The typical household here brings in $64,447 a year, higher than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,523. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 52% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Maryland takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,009 a year.

Home

The median home costs $339K, pricier than 77% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $686 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $1,813 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.7 years, longer than 60% of American counties. There are 36 active physicians in the county, about 12.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under Maryland law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 60 and lows near 39, colder than 77% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 128 Mbps down, slower than 79% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.