RANK #631 / 996 · POP 273,829 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Frederick County, Maryland, is often recognized for its historic downtown Frederick, a 40-block area with 18th and 19th-century architecture, shops, and restaurants. Located in western Maryland, the county sits about an hour's drive from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it a commuter-friendly area. The community offers a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, with views of the Appalachian Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Catoctin Mountain Park, the Appalachian Trail, and various local parks for hiking and other activities.
Life in Frederick County balances suburban and rural living, attracting families and professionals. The public school system is highly rated, and the county offers diverse housing options. Commute options include MARC train service and MTA commuter buses to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The economy is driven by expanding life science, technology, and manufacturing sectors, with major employers in these fields. Additionally, there is investment in data center development and a growing e-commerce presence.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Aligned Data Centers Campus Expansion
Aligned Data Centers
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Quantum Frederick Data Center Development
Quantum Maryland, LLC
|
$500M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Frederick County has a Boom Town Index score of 37/100, ranking #631 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.0% and a median household income of $115,724, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Frederick County is $412,500 with median rent at $1,633/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2805, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.0%. Home values changed +0.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.61% of Frederick County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.