According to recent data, Frostburg has been named the poorest town in Maryland for 2024. This ranking is based on a combination of factors, including median household income and poverty rate:
Population: 7,118
Median Household Income: $44,658 (3rd lowest in the state)
Poverty Rate: 28.9% (highest in the state)
People Living in Poverty: 2,056
Frostburg’s economic challenges stem from a combination of low wages and limited job opportunities. While the cost of living is relatively affordable, it is not enough to offset the high poverty rate and low incomes experienced by many residents.
Comparison With Other Struggling Towns
Other towns in Maryland with high poverty rates and low median incomes include:
| Town | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frostburg | $44,658 | 28.9% | 7,118 |
| Cambridge | $43,120 | 21.3% | 12,326 |
| Salisbury | $41,905 | 24.7% | 32,338 |
| Hagerstown | $40,800 | 25.7% | 43,874 |
| Cumberland | $36,145 | 23.5% | 19,076 |
These towns consistently appear at the top of poverty rankings in Maryland, with Frostburg leading the list.
How Is the Poorest Town Determined?
The rankings are typically based on U.S. Census Bureau data, focusing on:
Median household income
Percentage of residents living below the poverty line
Population size (usually between 1,000 and 25,000 for these rankings)
Frostburg currently holds the title of the poorest town in Maryland, with the highest poverty rate and among the lowest median incomes in the state. This reflects broader economic challenges faced by some communities in Maryland, despite the state’s overall wealth.
Sources:
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-maryland/
- https://stacker.com/stories/maryland/cities-maryland-most-living-poverty
- https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=24&demo=00009
