countyscore
49.8
County Score
Schools 79.1Cost of Living 58.8Health 56.4

County Report Card

About Allegany County, Maryland

A Mirror of National Averages

Allegany County holds a composite score of 49.8, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that tracks closely with the typical American county experience.

Outperforming the Maryland Average

While Maryland's state average composite score sits at 47.4, Allegany exceeds this mark with its 49.8 rating. It offers a more competitive overall value proposition than many of its regional neighbors.

Top-Tier Schools and Affordability

The county shines with a remarkable school score of 79.1 and a cost score of 58.8. Renters enjoy a median gross rent of just $786 per month, which is significantly lower than many urban Maryland centers.

Income and Safety Headwinds

Economic growth remains a hurdle as the income score sits at 31.4 with a median household income of $57,393. Safety also presents a challenge, with a score of 32.7 dragging down the composite average.

The Ideal Choice for Frugal Families

Allegany is best suited for families who prioritize high-quality public education and exceptionally low housing costs. It offers a stable, affordable lifestyle for those not dependent on the state's high-wage tech corridors.

2040608010032.658.832.756.479.131.441.548.653.5Tax32.6Cost58.8Safety32.7Health56.4Schools79.1Income31.4Risk41.5Water48.6Weather53.549.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Allegany County DNA

Foverall

How Allegany County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Allegany County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (79.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (32.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.6-19.4
Cost
58.8+10.799999999999997
Safety
32.7-22.299999999999997
Health
56.4
Schools
79.1+25.099999999999994
Income
31.4-19.6
Risk
41.5
Water
48.6-9.399999999999999
Weather
53.5
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Many homeowners in Allegany County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$149,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$149,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,393/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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West Virginia
63.6
Hampshire County
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64.1
Morgan County
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57
Garrett County
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Somerset County
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Bedford County
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Frederick County
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Deep Dives

Allegany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allegany County

via TaxByCounty

Allegany's tax rate ranks low nationally

Allegany County's effective tax rate of 1.078% sits above the national median of 0.890%, putting it in roughly the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $1,609, well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a modest tax burden for the region.

Above average for Maryland

Allegany County ranks in the upper half of Maryland counties, with an effective rate of 1.078% compared to the state average of 0.957%. The median property tax of $1,609 is below the state median of $3,328, a difference driven primarily by lower home values in the county.

Cecil County taxes slightly lower nearby

Among its regional peers, Allegany's 1.078% rate sits between Cecil County (0.981%) and Baltimore County (1.105%). Allegany homeowners pay a median of $1,609 annually, the lowest among this cluster of northern and central Maryland counties.

What you pay on a typical home

On Allegany's median home value of $149,200, the effective tax rate of 1.078% translates to roughly $1,609 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,712 per year, while those owning outright pay around $1,485.

You may be overassessed

Many Maryland property owners are assessed above market value and never challenge their assessments. Allegany homeowners can appeal their property valuations through the county's assessment office—a process that can significantly reduce your annual tax bill if successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allegany County

via CostByCounty

Allegany's affordability advantage

At 16.4%, Allegany County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark and Maryland's 18.3% state average, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. Residents here spend significantly less of their paychecks on housing compared to their national counterparts, where the median household income of $74,755 is 30% higher than Allegany's $57,393.

Best value in Maryland

Allegany County ranks among Maryland's most affordable places to rent, with a median rent of just $786 per month—44% cheaper than the state average of $1,415. This exceptional affordability makes Allegany a standout for budget-conscious renters across Maryland.

Affordable haven vs neighbors

Allegany's $786 median rent is significantly lower than nearby Caroline County ($1,070) and Cecil County ($1,367), though both counties offer stronger median incomes. For renters prioritizing low housing costs over higher wages, Allegany remains the region's most accessible option.

Housing costs in Allegany

Renters spend $786 monthly while homeowners pay $830 for mortgages on a median home valued at $149,200—among the lowest in the state. With a median household income of $57,393, housing consumes just 16.4% of income for renters and 17.4% for owners, leaving more room in the household budget.

Consider Allegany for value

If affordability is your priority, Allegany County delivers the lowest housing costs in Maryland alongside reasonable homeownership opportunities. Compare Allegany's $786 rent and $149,200 median home value to pricier counties like Anne Arundel ($1,990 rent, $450,300 homes) to see real savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allegany County

via IncomeByCounty

Allegany lags the national income average

Allegany County's median household income of $57,393 falls 23% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower tier nationally. This gap reflects economic headwinds that many industrial communities in the Mid-Atlantic region face as manufacturing shrinks.

Bottom quartile among Maryland counties

At $57,393, Allegany's median household income ranks in the bottom quartile of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, trailing the state average of $94,152 by $36,759. The county's per capita income of $30,046 also lags the state average of $46,948 significantly.

Weaker than adjacent rural counties

Allegany's median household income trails Caroline County ($66,368) and falls well short of nearby Baltimore County ($90,904) and Cecil County ($91,146). Among Western Maryland's smaller communities, Allegany faces steeper income challenges than neighboring jurisdictions.

Affordable housing, but tight finances

The rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% suggests housing affordability is manageable—well below the 30% threshold that indicates cost burden. However, with a median income significantly below state and national levels, households have less discretionary income for savings and emergencies.

Build stability through financial planning

While Allegany's income lags regional benchmarks, the low cost of living offers an opportunity to prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about low-cost investment options and programs that help build long-term wealth despite modest household earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allegany County

via CrimeByCounty

Allegany County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Allegany County maintains a robust safety score of 97.5, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,578.6 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data indicates that the county is safer than many comparable regions across the United States.

A Top Performer in Maryland Safety Rankings

The county's safety score of 97.5 sits just above the Maryland state average of 97.4. With five reporting agencies providing data, the county demonstrates a consistent commitment to transparent public safety reporting. This placement positions Allegany as one of the more secure regions within the state's western corridor.

Western Maryland's Competitive Safety Profile

Allegany’s total crime rate of 1,578.6 per 100,000 is notably lower than the state average of 1,638.3. While it faces the typical challenges of a regional hub, its violent crime rate remains at 289.0, keeping it below the state average of 311.8. This comparison highlights the county's relative stability compared to Maryland’s more urbanized areas.

Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crime Incidents

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local offenses, recorded at 1,289.6 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively rare at 289.0, which is nearly 22% lower than the national violent crime average. Residents are more likely to encounter non-violent theft or burglary than physical confrontations.

Securing Your Property in Allegany County

Since property crime is the primary concern, installing motion-sensor lighting can deter unwanted visitors. Ensuring all entry points are secure helps maintain the high standard of safety the community currently enjoys. Simple proactive steps significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a statistic in local property crime data.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Allegany County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Network in Western Maryland

Allegany County manages a compact educational infrastructure of 22 public schools serving 8,181 students. The system is distributed across 14 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools, all operating under a single unified district. This centralized structure ensures a consistent learning environment across the county's diverse geography.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the national benchmark of 87% and the Maryland state average of 89.4%. While per-pupil spending of $10,808 is below the national average, the county’s 62.8 composite school score indicates a high return on investment. These results place Allegany schools well above the state average score of 60.6.

One District Leads the Way

Allegany County Public Schools serves the entire student population of 8,181, maintaining total oversight of the region's educational path. Unlike larger Maryland counties, there are currently no charter schools operating within the district. This single-district model simplifies the administrative landscape for local families.

A Blend of Rural and City Learning

Schools here offer a mix of settings, with 9 rural campuses and 7 city-based locations providing varied environments for students. With an average school size of 372 students, the atmosphere is intimate compared to state peers. Mountain Ridge High is the largest facility with 736 students, while many elementary schools remain quite small.

Set Roots Near High-Performing Schools

For families looking to move, Allegany County offers a high-performing public school system with graduation rates that lead the state. Use school performance data to guide your home search in this scenic region. The combination of strong academic scores and small school sizes makes it an attractive choice for buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allegany County

via RiskByCounty

Allegany's risk sits below the national average

With a composite risk score of 58.52, Allegany County ranks in the "Relatively Low" category, performing better than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This score reflects moderate vulnerability across multiple hazard types, with no single threat dominating the county's risk profile.

A safer choice within Maryland

Allegany County's score of 58.52 falls just below Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the lower half of the state's 24 jurisdictions for overall risk. The county benefits from a more balanced hazard distribution compared to coastal neighbors.

Allegany outpaces western county peers

Compared to nearby Carroll County (59.51) and Cecil County (58.56), Allegany ranks similarly, but all three western counties remain safer than Baltimore City (95.01) and Baltimore County (93.99). Allegany's northwestern location shields it from the elevated hurricane and tornado risks facing the state's urban and coastal zones.

Hurricane and flood concerns top Allegany's list

Allegany's highest risk scores come from hurricane exposure (67.67) and flooding (73.63), both elevated relative to the county's overall low rating. Tornado risk (35.75) and earthquake hazard (52.86) pose secondary concerns, while wildfire danger remains minimal at 20.96.

Prepare for water and wind damage

Residents should prioritize flood and wind insurance, especially those in flood-prone areas along streams and rivers. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, so a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers is essential for peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Allegany County

via WaterByCounty

Allegany County Receives D Grade for Water Compliance

The county recorded 12 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a violation rate of 18.3 per 100,000 residents. While this earns a D grade, the rate remains lower than the Maryland state average of 25.7 per 100,000. Public water systems here face more frequent challenges than the national average.

One-Quarter of Assessed Local Waterways Face Impairment

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 24.3% of the 115 assessed water bodies failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is significantly better than the state average of 43.1%. The primary culprits affecting local water health include pH imbalances, low dissolved oxygen, and rising temperatures.

Active Monitoring Tracks Nutrients and Physical Water Traits

Environmental agencies maintain 31 monitoring sites across the county, capturing 15,478 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on nutrients and physical characteristics to track mountain stream health. This baseline monitoring helps local officials identify shifts in water quality before they reach the tap.

Potomac River Flows Significantly Below Typical Levels

At the Paw Paw gauge, the Potomac River currently flows at 916 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents just 27% of its long-term mean, indicating unusually dry conditions for the region. Such low flows can impact both aquatic habitats and the concentration of minerals in the water supply.

Actionable Steps for Allegany County Residents

Given the D compliance grade and low river flows, residents should consider using certified water filters to mitigate potential contaminants. Low streamflow often leads to higher concentrations of sediment or minerals, so stay informed via annual water quality reports. Property owners near impaired streams should monitor for pH shifts that can affect local plumbing.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allegany County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Appalachian air defines Allegany

With an annual average temperature of 51.2°F, Allegany County is cooler than the national median. This mountain climate experiences a humid continental pattern typical of the Appalachian region.

Well below the Maryland average

The county's 51.2°F average sits significantly below the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It is one of the coldest jurisdictions in the state due to its higher elevation and western position.

Drier but colder than neighbors

Allegany receives 42.2 inches of rain, which is lower than the Maryland average of 45.7 inches. However, its winter average of 30.9°F makes it much colder than the central and coastal regions of the state.

Snowy winters and mild summers

The county endures 50.4 inches of snow annually and a January average of 28.5°F. Summers remain pleasant with a July average of 72.6°F and only 19 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Prepare for snow and heating

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment and robust home heating systems. The mild 70.7°F summer average means cooling needs are lower than in the rest of Maryland.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allegany County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Mountain Soils Define Allegany

Allegany County features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.20, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly sharper than the Maryland state average of 5.31. While specific taxonomic orders are not recorded here, the low pH dictates a specialized environment for native Appalachian flora.

A Versatile Mix of Sand and Silt

The local soil consists of 26.9% sand and 34.9% silt, providing a balanced physical structure for plant roots. With a 13.4% clay content, the earth maintains enough density to prevent immediate nutrient washout. This composition offers moderate workability for gardeners across the county's varying elevations.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter in Allegany reaches a massive 20.34%, more than doubling the state average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity (AWC) is just 0.114 in/in, which is significantly lower than the Maryland average of 0.175. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it struggles to hold onto moisture during dry spells.

High Runoff Potential in Group D

The county falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates very low infiltration rates when the ground is wet. This characteristic increases the risk of surface runoff and makes drainage a primary concern for construction or agriculture. Gardeners should consider raised beds or amendments to manage water flow effectively.

Hardy Growth in Zone 7a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Allegany is perfect for acid-loving perennials like azaleas and blueberries. The high organic matter provides a fantastic base for mountain-hardy vegetables if you manage the moisture levels. Start your garden today by selecting plants that thrive in cool, acidic highland conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allegany County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Allegany

With a lawn difficulty score of 53.5, Allegany County outperforms both the national median of 50.0 and the Maryland state average of 49.8. This USDA Hardiness Zone 7a region offers a slightly more hospitable environment for turfgrass than many of its neighboring counties. You enjoy a moderate maintenance challenge that favors consistent growers.

Cooler Summers Benefit Mountain Lawns

Allegany sees only 19 extreme heat days per year, significantly fewer than the state average of 27 days. While the 42.2 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range, 3,031 growing degree days suggest a shorter, more manageable mowing season. Your grass stays active from the last spring frost on April 29 until late October.

Address Acidic Soil for Better Roots

The local soil pH of 5.20 is notably lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, requiring lime applications to unlock essential nutrients. A low clay content of 13.4% helps prevent heavy compaction but may require more frequent organic matter additions. Testing your soil is the first step to correcting this acidic baseline.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Allegany faced 38 weeks of drought over the last year, with 18.3% of the county currently experiencing severe drought levels. Because 100% of the area is abnormally dry, deep and infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth. Avoid mowing during peak heat to reduce grass stress.

Mountain-Ready Grass Selection

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top performers for this 7a climate, offering the best balance of cold hardiness and heat tolerance. Aim to seed or sod in early September once the summer heat breaks but before the October 24 frost. With the right species, your lawn can thrive despite the mountain terrain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allegany County's county score?
Allegany County, Maryland has a composite county score of 49.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Allegany County rank among counties in Maryland?
Allegany County ranks #10 among all counties in Maryland on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Allegany County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Allegany County is $1,609, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Allegany County a tax score of 32.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allegany County?
The median household income in Allegany County, Maryland is $57,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allegany County earns an income score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allegany County, Maryland a good place to live?
Allegany County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Allegany County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Allegany County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.