Washington County Public RecordsMaryland

Washington County, MD had 96,021 registered voters in 2024, with affiliations of approximately 42% Republican, 33% Democrat, and 25% unaffiliated or other parties. The county conducts primary, general, and municipal elections, with 47 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 62% voted Republican and 36% Democrat. Key issues include education, taxes, and public safety. The Washington County Board of Elections organizes and manages the process, ensuring accessibility and integrity across the county’s diverse communities.

Washington County, MD, operates 47 public schools, including 9 high schools, serving about 22,000 students. Approximately 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 21% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a priority, with the county reporting lower-than-average incidents compared to state statistics. The average school test score is about 44%, below the Maryland average. Washington County Public Schools offer diverse educational programs, including magnet, STEM, and technical pathways, along with strong adult education options such as GED and workforce development courses through Hagerstown Community College.

As of 2023, Washington County, MD, had an employment rate of approximately 61.7%. The leading industries include healthcare and social assistance (16.2%), retail trade (12.8%), and manufacturing (11.1%). Major occupation types are office and administrative support (13.6%) and production roles (8.9%). About 83% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 26.9 minutes; around 31% work within the county, while others commonly travel to Frederick or Montgomery counties. Remote work accounts for roughly 13% of employees.

Washington County, MD features a median home value of around $270,000 and a median monthly rent of about $1,300. Homeownership rate stands near 67%. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with growth in new subdivisions around Hagerstown. Neighborhoods like Funkstown and Smithsburg are sought after for their schools and amenities. Property values have risen roughly 7% in the past year. The average property tax rate is about 1.05%, making it relatively affordable compared to state averages, attracting both families and retirees. Rental demand remains steady, especially in more urban locales.

As of 2023, Washington County, MD, has an estimated population of about 156,000. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The median age is approximately 41. Racially, the county is 81% White, 11% Black or African American, 3% Asian, 4% two or more races, and 5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population is relatively stable, with modest growth in diversity over recent years.

Washington County, MD, has a crime rate lower than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 262 per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 388. Property crime stood at 1,435 per 100,000, also below the national average of 1,958. The Sheriff's Office and Hagerstown Police encourage prompt crime reporting, contributing to a 7% decline in crime rates over the past five years. Recent initiatives focus on community engagement and enhanced patrols to maintain safety throughout the region.