As of 2025, Frostburg has been identified as the poorest town in Maryland. Here’s what sets Frostburg apart in terms of economic challenges:
Key Economic Indicators for Frostburg
- Median Household Income:
- Frostburg has the third-lowest median income in Maryland at $44,658, significantly below the state average.
- Poverty Rate:
- The town has the highest poverty rate in Maryland at 28.9%, with approximately 2,056 individuals living below the poverty line.
- Population:
- Frostburg is a small town with a population of 7,118, which limits job opportunities and economic growth compared to larger cities.
- Cost of Living:
- While Frostburg ranks in the bottom 15% for cost of living affordability, this does little to offset the impact of low wages and high poverty rates.
Comparison with Other Poor Towns
Other towns such as Hagerstown (poverty rate: 22.9%) and Cumberland (poverty rate: 21.8%) also face significant economic challenges but do not surpass Frostburg’s poverty levels. Hagerstown, for example, has a higher population and slightly better median income, making its situation less severe than Frostburg’s.
Frostburg’s combination of low income levels, high poverty rates, and limited economic opportunities has solidified its position as the poorest town in Maryland. Efforts to improve job availability and wages could help alleviate these challenges for its residents.
Sources
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-maryland/
- https://www.houzeo.com/blog/cheapest-places-to-live-in-maryland/
- https://foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore/maryland-public-school-with-100-student-poverty-named-national-model-school-salem-avenue-elementary-school-thomas-garner-washington-county-the-blitz
- https://stacker.com/stories/maryland/cities-maryland-most-living-poverty
- https://foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore/maryland-school-with-100-poverty-outperforms-state-averages-heres-how-washington-county-hagerstown-salem-avenue-elementary-thomas-garner-molly-adams-stacey-yost