Somerset
Maryland

What stands out

Three things set Somerset County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 3% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is in the top 4% of American counties (44 per 100,000), and home internet speed is in the top 5% of American counties (298 Mbps). Within Maryland it ranks 2nd of 24 counties for the restaurant count per person, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Somerset County, Maryland. 24,672 people live here with you. The population grew 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +340).

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 $52,149 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,162. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 86% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Maryland takes 4.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,425 a year.

Home

The median home costs $210K, cheaper than 59% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $911 a month. Property tax is 1.05% of home value, roughly $1,648 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 62% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 44 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.7 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 18 active physicians in the county, about 7.3 per 10,000 people. 7.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 49% 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 58°F, highs near 67 and lows near 48, warmer than 60% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 77 out of 100, riskier than 77% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 298 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.