Garrett County Public RecordsMaryland

Garrett County, MD, had 19,806 registered voters as of October 2022. The county holds primary and general elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 general election, 76% of votes went to the Republican presidential candidate. There are 12 polling locations across the county, overseen by the Garrett County Board of Elections. Major issues include broadband access and economic development. Voter registration is predominantly Republican (about 67%), with Democrats (21%) and Unaffiliated (11%) making up the rest. The administration ensures secure, accessible elections, reflecting strong party identification in local contests.

As of 2023, Garrett County, Maryland, has an estimated population of about 28,600. The median age is approximately 48 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (95.4%), with small minorities of Black or African American (1.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), and others (1.8%). The county’s population is aging, with 22% aged 65 or older, and only 18% under 18 years old.

Garrett County, MD has 12 public schools, including 2 high schools. Graduation rates exceed 90%, with 18.5% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools have an average reading proficiency score of 50% and math proficiency of 32%. The county has a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1, robust school safety programs, and offers adult education through Garrett College. Educational programs include STEM, vocational training, and AP courses.

Garrett County, MD, had an employment rate of 93.7% in 2022. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (19%), retail trade (13%), and accommodation and food services (11%). Most workers are employed in management, sales, and office occupations. Around 82% of residents commute by car, with an average commute of 25 minutes; 73% work within the county, while the remainder commute primarily to Allegany County, MD, or nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Garrett County, MD, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $224,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, with median rents at approximately $840 per month. The housing market leans toward single-family homes and cabins, especially around Deep Creek Lake. Neighborhoods like Oakland, McHenry, and Accident are popular for both year-round living and vacation homes. Recent years have seen modest appreciation in home values. Property taxes average 0.69% of assessed value, resulting in an annual tax bill near $1,545 for a median-priced property.

Garrett County, MD, maintains one of the lowest crime rates in Maryland. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 920 incidents per 100,000 residents, with only 1 violent crime per 1,000 people. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, were the most reported, totaling 140 cases. The sheriff's office emphasizes prompt reporting and community engagement. According to Maryland State Police data, Garrett County consistently ranks among the state’s safest areas.