RANK #282 / 996 · POP 68,161 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, departing from Cumberland, offers a distinctive experience, traversing valleys and historic towns with views of the Allegheny Mountains. Allegany County, often called "Mountain Maryland," is located in the western part of the state, approximately two hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.. This makes it an option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of major metropolitan areas, with easy commuter traffic. The community offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere with a strong appreciation for its natural beauty and heritage. The county boasts over 70,000 acres of public land, including five state parks and forests, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park, providing extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Life in Allegany County is characterized by a lower cost of living and a focus on outdoor recreation. The area attracts a mix of residents, including families and retirees, drawn to its walkable urban cores like Cumberland and Frostburg, and its rural properties. Allegany County Public Schools serve the area, and Frostburg State University provides higher education opportunities. The economy is diverse, with healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing as key sectors. Recent economic developments include investments in technology-based business parks and initiatives to support environmentally focused innovation.
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Dan's Mountain Wind Project
Clearway Energy Group
|
$180M | Completed |
|
FedEx Ground Distribution Center
FedEx Ground
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Kingspan Roofing + Waterproofing Manufacturing Facility
Kingspan Group
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Allegany County Housing Development (D.R. Horton)
D.R. Horton
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Allegany County has a Boom Town Index score of 72/100, ranking #282 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.1% and a median household income of $55,248, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Allegany County is $143,300 with median rent at $743/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3855, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.1%. Home values changed +4.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.08% of Allegany County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.