countyscore
62.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 84Schools 74.9Health 65.3

County Report Card

About Garrett County, Maryland

Garrett County soars above national averages

Garrett County earns an impressive composite score of 62.7, far outstripping the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the top tier of counties for overall livability nationwide.

The leader of the Maryland pack

With a score of 62.7, Garrett County significantly outperforms the state average of 47.4. It serves as a rural powerhouse, offering a different but highly successful model compared to the state's urban centers.

Extreme stability and high affordability

The county is remarkably resilient, boasting a risk score of 84.0 and a cost score of 64.3. Affordable living is a reality here, with median rents at a low $710 and an effective tax rate of just 0.826%.

Water quality and infrastructure needs

The primary area for improvement is water quality, which scores 41.8. While other dimensions are strong, this infrastructure-related score suggests room for modernization and environmental focus.

The ultimate refuge for value seekers

Garrett County is the best choice for those seeking safety, low taxes, and affordable housing without sacrificing quality schools. It is a haven for families and retirees looking for maximum value in a beautiful setting.

Score breakdown

Tax50.9Cost64.3Safety57.2Health65.3Schools74.9Income64.4Risk84Water41.8Weather63.4
🏛50.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Mineral County
West Virginia
63.6
Grant County
West Virginia
70.2
Preston County
West Virginia
63.8
Tucker County
West Virginia
70.7
Allegany County
Maryland
49.8
Somerset County
Pennsylvania
58.6
Fayette County
Pennsylvania
45.7
Hampshire County
West Virginia
64.1

Deep Dives

Garrett County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Garrett County

via TaxByCounty

Garrett County offers Maryland's lowest tax rate

At 0.826%, Garrett County's effective property tax rate sits below the national median of 0.84%, making it one of the nation's more tax-friendly counties. The median property tax bill of $1,792 is 33% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower rates and more modest property values.

Lowest effective rate in Maryland

Garrett County's 0.826% effective tax rate is the lowest among Maryland's 24 counties, significantly below the state average of 0.957%. Its median tax bill of $1,792 is 46% below the state median of $3,328, offering substantial savings to homeowners.

Substantially lower than Appalachian neighbors

Garrett County's 0.826% rate undercuts Allegany County and all surrounding jurisdictions, delivering the region's most affordable property tax burden. Homeowners here pay roughly $1,600 less annually than comparable Frederick County properties.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Garrett County's median of $217,000 will generate approximately $1,792 in annual property taxes at the 0.826% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate rises to $2,016; without one, it drops to $1,483.

You may be paying too much

Even in low-tax counties, assessment disputes arise when values don't reflect local market conditions. Garrett County homeowners should verify their assessment against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if their property appears overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garrett County

via CostByCounty

Garrett County: Maryland's affordability champion

Garrett County residents spend just 12.3% of income on rent—dramatically below the national average and the lowest ratio among all Maryland counties profiled here. At $710 monthly, Garrett rents are less than half the national typical rent, making it exceptionally accessible even on the county's modest $69,031 median income.

Unmatched affordability in rural Maryland

Garrett's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio crushes Maryland's state average of 18.3%, delivering the deepest housing affordability cushion in the state. The county's $710 median rent stands 49.8% below Maryland's state average, making Garrett a hidden gem for budget-conscious renters.

West Maryland's budget sanctuary

Garrett County's $710 median rent undercuts even rural Dorchester ($959) by 26%, while its 12.3% ratio beats every other county profiled. This mountain county offers genuine affordability that reflects lower regional demand and a smaller economic footprint than areas closer to Baltimore and D.C.

Housing becomes truly optional burden

Renters pay just $710 monthly while homeowners spend $874—remarkably low costs on the $69,031 median income, consuming only 12-15% of earnings. This leaves 70%+ of household income available for savings, healthcare, education, and other priorities.

Garrett offers unbeatable housing math

If affordability is your primary concern, Garrett County delivers the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Maryland at 12.3%—nearly half the state average. Remote workers and retirees should compare Garrett's 12.3% against Charles County's 18.9% to understand your potential savings in real dollars.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garrett County

via IncomeByCounty

Garrett County incomes below national average

Garrett County's median household income of $69,031 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $5,724. The county's rural, mountainous terrain and economy centered on tourism, forestry, and small business create a distinctive earnings landscape.

Lower-income county in Maryland

Garrett County ranks near the bottom of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions with a median household income $25,121 below the statewide average of $94,152. Limited high-wage employment sectors and distance from major job centers shape this income gap.

Mountain county economy contrasts with suburbs

Garrett County's $69,031 median trails neighboring Frederick County ($120,458) by over $51,000, reflecting the vast economic divide between rural Appalachian Maryland and suburban growth corridors. Even Dorchester County to the east ($60,495) earns less, making Garrett County's broader economic base relatively resilient.

Lowest rent burden in the state

Garrett County boasts Maryland's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.3%, well below the 30% affordability threshold and the state average. This affordability advantage, paired with modest median home values of $217,000, makes homeownership accessible for many residents.

Affordability creates savings opportunity

Garrett County's low cost of living, especially for housing, frees up household budgets for savings and investing. Residents should capitalize on this advantage by building emergency funds and long-term investment accounts despite modest absolute incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garrett County

via CrimeByCounty

Garrett County: A National Safety Leader

Garrett County secures a safety score of 98.4, placing it among the safest counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 984.2 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 98.4 far exceeds the Maryland state average of 97.4. Garrett’s total crime rate is nearly 40% lower than the state average of 1638.3 per 100,000.

The Safest Option in Western Maryland

Garrett County maintains a lower crime rate than Frederick County, which reports 1197.9 incidents per 100,000. It is comparable to Kent County but offers even lower violent crime numbers.

Low Violent Crime Defines Garrett County

Violent crime is rare here, with just 69.3 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime represents the vast majority of local reports at 914.9.

Stay Secure in Garrett County

Property theft is the primary risk even in low-crime areas like Garrett. Consider installing outdoor lighting and smart sensors to protect your home and seasonal property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garrett County

via HealthByCounty

Garrett County health outcomes lag US averages

At 76.8 years, Garrett County residents live roughly two years shorter than the US average of 78.8 years. The county's 16.6% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 15.7%.

Garrett County ranks below Maryland state average

Garrett County's 76.8-year life expectancy falls short of Maryland's 77.0-year state average by a small margin. The county sits in the lower half of Maryland health rankings.

Mountain county faces regional health challenges

Garrett County's 76.8 years trails Frederick County's 80.0 years by more than three years. As Maryland's westernmost county, Garrett lags most neighboring regions in life expectancy.

Uninsured rate among state's highest; moderate provider access

At 8.4%, Garrett County has the state's highest uninsured rate, exceeding the Maryland average of 6.4% by two percentage points. With 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is moderate but below state levels.

One in 12 Garrett residents lack health coverage.

If you're among the uninsured, affordable plans await at marylandhealthconnection.gov. Call 1-855-642-8572 to explore options and connect with local health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garrett County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Settings in the Mountains

Garrett County operates a focused network of 12 public schools, including 8 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools. The district serves 3,500 students in total, emphasizing a tight-knit community feel. No charter or alternative schools are currently part of the public infrastructure.

Excellent Outcomes in a Small District

Garrett County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national average of 87%. The county manages these high marks with a per-pupil spend of $9,479, which is slightly below the state average. Its school score of 59.9 nearly mirrors the Maryland state average of 60.6.

One District Serving the Entire County

Garrett County Public Schools oversees all 3,500 students across its 12 campuses. This unified approach allows for a streamlined curriculum and consistent support for all local families. The absence of charter schools means the traditional public system is the central pillar of the community.

The Essence of Rural Education

Eight schools are located in rural areas, while four serve local towns. The average school size is just 292 students, the smallest in this Maryland cohort, ensuring high levels of individual attention. Southern Garrett High School is the largest campus, though it still feels personal with only 624 students.

Small-Town Charm and Strong Schools

For those who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Garrett County is an ideal choice for homebuying. The high graduation rate suggests a supportive environment for students even in the state's westernmost corner. Look for properties near Oakland or McHenry to find a home in this high-performing mountain district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garrett County

via RiskByCounty

Garrett County Ranks Among America's Safest

Garrett County scores just 16.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the safest counties nationally and far below the national median. This exceptionally low risk reflects reduced exposure to most major hazard types, with all scores falling well below national norms. Even the county's highest risk—hurricane at 63.83—remains moderate compared to the national average.

Maryland's Safest County Overall

Garrett County ranks as Maryland's safest jurisdiction with a composite score of 16.00, dramatically below the state average of 60.22 and substantially safer than every other Maryland county. Only Garrett and Kent County present very low risk ratings statewide. This exceptional safety profile makes Garrett County one of the most disaster-resilient regions in Maryland.

Safer Than All Regional Peers

Garrett County's composite score of 16.00 is substantially lower than Allegany County and every other surrounding jurisdiction in the region. Frederick County (74.20) and Washington County present dramatically higher risk profiles. Garrett's mountain geography and inland location insulate it from coastal hazards that plague eastern Maryland counties.

Hurricane Risk Only Notable Concern

Garrett County's sole significant hazard is hurricane risk at 63.83, which still remains moderate relative to coastal Maryland counties. Earthquake risk (32.44), flood risk (34.70), and wildfire risk (31.93) all present minimal exposure, while tornado risk is exceptionally low at 21.21. Overall, Garrett residents face one of the nation's most favorable natural disaster profiles.

Standard Coverage Meets Your Needs

Garrett County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides sufficient protection for most residents. Consider adding hurricane coverage as a precautionary measure given the county's 63.83 hurricane risk, though catastrophic storms remain unlikely. Earthquake and flood riders are optional unless your property lies in an unusual microgeographic exposure zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garrett County

via WeatherByCounty

The coldest pocket of Maryland

Garrett County's 49.8°F annual average is the lowest in this group and well below the national median. Its high-altitude Appalachian climate is unique within the state.

Maryland's ultimate winter destination

As the coldest county in the state, Garrett sits 6.1 degrees below the Maryland average of 55.9°F. Its climate more closely resembles parts of New England than the rest of Maryland.

Far snowier than its neighbors

Garrett averages 104.9 inches of snow, more than double the amount seen in neighboring Allegany. It also records only 3 days of extreme heat, the lowest in the region.

Massive snowfall and cool summers

Winters are long and harsh with 104.9 inches of snow and a January average of 27.8°F. Summers are very mild, with July averaging only 70.7°F.

Winter gear is a necessity

Residents must have heavy-duty snow removal tools and winter-ready vehicles to handle 100-plus inches of snow. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as the county only sees 3 days above 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garrett County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Inceptisols of the Western Highlands

Garrett County is dominated by Inceptisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.07. This acidity is sharper than the state average of 5.31 and the national median of 6.5. These young soils reflect the rugged, mountainous terrain of Maryland's western tip.

Dense silt and clay ratios

The soil is comprised of 40.2% silt and 14.6% clay, with a lower sand content of 28.8%. This creates a heavy silt loam that can be challenging to work when wet. The high silt percentage gives the soil a floury feel when dry but a slick, muddy texture after rain.

Explosive organic matter in high altitudes

With an extraordinary 12.76% organic matter, these soils are far richer than the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in sits below the state average of 0.175. The abundance of organic material provides excellent natural nutrients for hardy plants.

Poor drainage and high water tables

This land is classified as very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group C/D. Water moves slowly through these soils, which often remain saturated for long periods. Farmers and builders must account for this slow percolation to avoid flooding or structural issues.

Hardy gardening in Zone 6a

As Maryland's coldest region in Zone 6a, Garrett County requires plants that can handle a shorter growing season. The 12.76% organic matter is a major asset, but you should use raised beds to overcome the very poor drainage. Focus on cold-hardy root vegetables and brassicas for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garrett County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler High-Altitude Lawns in Garrett County

Garrett County presents a unique challenge with a 51.1 difficulty score, which is slightly easier than the national average. As the only Maryland county in Zone 6a, this high-altitude region experiences much cooler conditions than the rest of the state.

Shorter Seasons and Minimal Summer Heat

With only 3 extreme heat days per year and 46.1 inches of rain, the climate is remarkably cool. The shorter growing season of 2,667 degree days means less frequent mowing but a tighter window for grass to establish in the spring.

Handling Very Poorly Drained Acidic Soils

The soil foundation is a very poorly drained silt loam with a low pH of 5.07. Homeowners must prioritize drainage improvements and significant lime applications to overcome the 14.6% clay content and highly acidic conditions.

Monitoring Moisture in the Western Highlands

Although 91.2% of the county is abnormally dry, no areas are currently in severe drought. Over the past year, the county spent 36 weeks in various drought stages, so mulching your grass clippings can help maintain critical soil moisture.

Cool-Season Grasses for the 6a Zone

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are perfect for this cooler mountain climate. Start your seeding projects in late May after the May 6 spring frost to ensure the soil is warm enough for successful germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garrett County's county score?
Garrett County, Maryland has a composite county score of 62.7 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 Garrett County rank among counties in Maryland?
Garrett County ranks #1 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 Garrett County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Garrett County is $1,792, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Garrett County a tax score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garrett County?
The median household income in Garrett County, Maryland is $69,031 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garrett County earns an income score of 64.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garrett County, Maryland a good place to live?
Garrett County scores 62.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Garrett 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 Garrett County with other counties side by side.

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