Garrett County
countyGarrett County, located in the westernmost part of Maryland, is a mountainous region characterized by its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. As of 2020, the population was 28,806, making it the third-least populous county in the state. The county seat is Oakland. Garrett County offers a tranquil, rural environment with a strong sense of community. Its economy is driven by tourism and recreation, agri-business, energy, and specialty manufacturing. Deep Creek Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Maryland, is a major attraction, along with numerous state parks and forests. Garrett College and a consistently ranked K-12 public school system contribute to the area's educational landscape. Garrett County is distinctive for its stunning natural features, including Maryland's highest point at Hoye-Crest on Backbone Mountain and Muddy Creek Falls, the state's highest free-falling waterfall. The county's history is tied to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and it remains a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and a close-knit community feel.
Garrett County, Maryland
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 24-023
- Country
- United States
- County
- Garrett County
- Region
- Western Maryland
- Elevation
- 3,360 ft
- Total Area
- 656 sq mi
- Land Area
- 647 sq mi
- Water Area
- 8.6 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.28
- Longitude
- -79.37
- Climate
- Temperate mountain climate with four distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Hoye-Crest (Backbone Mountain) · Deep Creek Lake · Muddy Creek Falls · Potomac River · Youghiogheny River
- Neighboring Areas
- Allegany County, MD · Fayette County, PA · Somerset County, PA · Grant County, WV · Mineral County, WV · Preston County, WV
- Population (2020)
- 28,806
- Est. Population (2024)
- 28,615
- Median Age
- 48.3
- Median Income
- $67,688
- Poverty Rate
- 11.25%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 95% White, 1% Black, 0% Native American, 0% Asian, 0% Islander, 1% Other, and 2% Two or more races. 1% of the population is Hispanic.
- Government Type
- Board of County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- School District
- Garrett County Public Schools
- Unemployment Rate
- 4%
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Agri-business · Energy · Specialty Manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Tourism and Recreation · Agri-Business · Energy · Specialty Manufacturing · Construction · Professional Technical Services · Public Sector
- Major Employers
- Beitzel Corporation · Pillar Innovations · Phenix Technologies · Total Biz Fulfillment · Simon Pearce · Garrett Container Systems
- Schools
- 12
- Students
- 3,300
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Garrett County Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Garrett College
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 40 · U.S. Route 219 · Maryland Route 135 · Maryland Route 495 · Garrett County Airport · CSX railways
- Utilities
- Public water · Sewer systems · Natural gas (select areas) · 3-phase electrical service · Broadband connectivity
- Major Facilities
- Garrett Regional Medical Center · Frederick A. Thayer III Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Deep Creek Lake State Park · Swallow Falls State Park · Herrington Manor State Park · New Germany State Park · Casselman River Bridge State Park · Garrett State Forest · Savage River State Forest · Potomac-Garrett State Forest · Wolf Den Run State Park · Big Run State Park
- Parks & Trails
- Garrett County Parks · Hiking trails · Mountain bike trails
- Founded
- 1872
- Named After
- John Work Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
- Historical Significance
- Garrett County was the last county to be formed in Maryland and played a significant role in the state's transportation history due to the B&O Railroad.
- Key Events
- Formed from Allegany County · Baltimore & Ohio Railroad spurred economic growth · President Cleveland honeymooned at Deer Park Resort in 1886