1st Advantage MortgageWashington County (155,709 residents) has a $77,747 median household income and $1,147 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. County medians do not set your terms. Shop at least three lenders, including a credit union serving Washington County, and confirm each one's Maryland license.
On this page
- Who lives in Washington County
- What it costs to live in Washington County
- Washington County income bands
- Work, industries and travel time in Washington County
- Where Washington County differs from the rest of Maryland
- Nearby counties: income, rent, ownership
- Hagerstown and the rest of Washington County
- What the numbers mean for Washington County borrowers
- People and households in Washington County
- Budget math at the Washington County median
- Lender oversight for Washington County
- Steps before you apply in Washington County
- Other Maryland guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Washington County
The latest five-year Census estimate puts Washington County's population at 155,709; only 10 of Maryland's 24 county-level areas are larger. It covers 458 square miles of land, or about 340 people per square mile. Washington County counts toward the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV metro in the 2023 OMB delineation, so regional figures for Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV include it. Hagerstown (43,665 people) heads the county's list of 61 Census places, 9 incorporated and 52 census-designated.
What it costs to live in Washington County
A typical Washington County rental runs $1,147 a month including utilities, which is 33% below Maryland. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 47% of renter households here. With a median value of $296,100, a typical Washington County house costs 3.8 times what the median household earns in a year. Homeowners 67%, renters 33%. Against the median U.S. county, Washington County rent is 31% above.
| Home costs | Washington County | Maryland | Compared with Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent-burdened renters | 47% | 51% | -4.6 pts |
| Median gross rent | $1,147/mo | $1,705/mo | 33% lower |
| Median home value | $296,100 | $419,900 | 29% lower |
| Burdened owners | 24% | 27% | -2.3 pts |
| Mobile homes | 2.3% | 1.3% | +1.1 pts |
| Owners | 67% | 68% | -0.8 pts |
Washington County income bands
At $77,747, the typical Washington County household income is 18% above the median U.S. county ($65,681). That places it 17th among Maryland's 24 county-level areas.
| Income band | Share in Washington County | Difference from Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 22.0% | +5.9 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 40.2% | +7.9 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.9% | -3.4 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 9.9% | -10.4 pts |
Six-figure households (38%) outnumber those under $35,000 (22%) in Washington County. Census counts 12.4% of Washington County residents in poverty, against 9.4% across Maryland. Gini index for Washington County: 0.440. None of these numbers decides a Washington County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Work, industries and travel time in Washington County
By the Census industry count, 22% of employed Washington County residents work in education and health care and 12% in retail trade. Relative to Maryland (9%), retail trade is 3 points bigger in Washington County (12%). Averaged over the five survey years, 4.2% of the labor force was out of work and looking. 20% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 12% work from home.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Washington County | Gap to Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.4% | -1.5 pts |
| Retail trade | 12.3% | +3.4 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 11.5% | -5.0 pts |
| Construction | 8.7% | +1.4 pts |
| Public administration | 8.3% | -2.8 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 8.1% | +2.9 pts |
Seasonal work is common in many Washington County industries; if that is you, show a full year of income rather than one strong month.
Where Washington County differs from the rest of Maryland
Out of every Maryland county, Washington County is most unusual on these measures.
- Few Maryland counties match Washington County on the share of renters paying 30% or more of income for rent: 47% here, 51% for the state, ranking 5th lowest of 24. Lower rent burdens mean more renters have slack, but test your own numbers.
- The share of adults with a bachelor's degree: 24% in Washington County. Only 4 of 24 Maryland counties are lower. No degree is required for a personal loan; documented income is.
- Few Maryland counties match Washington County on the uninsured rate: 6.3% here, 6.3% for the state, ranking 5th highest of 24. Ask any provider about financial assistance before borrowing for care.
Nearby counties: income, rent, ownership
Distances run center to center, from Berkeley County at 16 miles out to Fulton County at 27. Frederick County leads the group on income ($122,002), Fulton County trails ($65,836), and Washington County out-earns 3 of the six. Some neighbors are in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Washington County resident follows Maryland rules.
| County | Miles | Median household income | Median rent | Homeownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County | - | $77,747 | $1,147/mo | 67% |
| Berkeley County, WV | 16 mi | $80,815 | $1,233/mo | 76% |
| Jefferson County, WV | 21 mi | $98,806 | $1,108/mo | 80% |
| Franklin County, PA | 23 mi | $77,003 | $1,093/mo | 74% |
| Morgan County, WV | 24 mi | $72,179 | $794/mo | 84% |
| Frederick County, MD | 24 mi | $122,002 | $1,774/mo | 77% |
| Fulton County, PA | 27 mi | $65,836 | $809/mo | 78% |
Hagerstown and the rest of Washington County
105,825 of Washington County's 155,709 residents live in its 61 Census places (68%); the 14 largest are listed. Gap between richest and poorest larger place: $185,177, Downsville over Hancock. Median rent ranges from $666 in Sharpsburg to $1,643 in Paramount-Long Meadow. No Washington County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 61.
| Town or CDP | Type | People | Median household income | Median gross rent | Miles from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown | city | 43,665 | $52,221 | $1,114 | 6 mi |
| Halfway | CDP | 10,849 | $71,036 | $1,269 | 2 mi |
| Robinwood | CDP | 8,042 | $90,840 | $1,419 | 8 mi |
| Fountainhead-Orchard Hills | CDP | 6,567 | $103,340 | $1,247 | 8 mi |
| St. James | CDP | 4,824 | $97,361 | $1,289 | 4 mi |
| Boonsboro | town | 3,809 | $95,956 | $1,438 | 10 mi |
| Maugansville | CDP | 3,624 | $79,019 | $1,064 | 7 mi |
| Smithsburg | town | 3,115 | $100,673 | $931 | 13 mi |
| Paramount-Long Meadow | CDP | 2,569 | $122,262 | $1,643 | 8 mi |
| Williamsport | town | 1,949 | $61,607 | $1,262 | 0 mi |
| Wilson-Conococheague | CDP | 1,663 | $64,296 | $1,169 | 3 mi |
| Hancock | town | 1,625 | $34,886 | $924 | 20 mi |
| Keedysville | town | 1,183 | $149,545 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Highfield-Cascade | CDP | 1,089 | $62,368 | $1,460 | 19 mi |
What the numbers mean for Washington County borrowers
Washington County-specific points to check:
- Vehicle repairs. 20% of Washington County workers commute 45+ minutes, so a breakdown can cost a paycheck. Get two written estimates.
- Rent at $1,147. With 47% burdened, a short term and small amount keep risk down.
- Getting ready. Gather pay stubs or benefit letters before you apply (checklist).
People and households in Washington County
College graduates make up 24% of the adult population. Health coverage gaps: 6.3% of Washington County residents are uninsured.
| Residents | Washington County | Difference from Maryland | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 24.1% | -19.3 pts | +2.0 pts |
| Work from home | 12.4% | -6.9 pts | +3.7 pts |
| Poverty rate | 12.4% | +3.0 pts | -0.8 pts |
| No high school diploma | 11.4% | +2.5 pts | n/a |
| Median age | 40.7 | +1.3 yrs | -0.8 yrs |
| No vehicle | 7.7% | -1.1 pts | +2.3 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.2% | -0.7 pts | -0.2 pts |
| No health insurance | 6.3% | 0.0 pts | -1.6 pts |
| Commute length | Washington County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 27.4% |
| 15 to 29 min | 35.4% |
| 30 to 44 min | 17.6% |
| 45 to 59 min | 6.9% |
| 60+ min | 12.7% |
Budget math at the Washington County median
How much room does a median Washington County budget have? Take median income, subtract median rent, and check what is left under a few common debt-to-income limits.
- Monthly gross at the median, Washington County: $6,479
- Housing at the median rent of $1,147 uses 18%
- At 40%, room after rent is $1,445 a month
These are gross figures; take-home pay in Washington County will be lower after taxes and deductions.
Lender oversight for Washington County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Washington County resident can confirm its license with the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. Statewide data and rules: Maryland guide.
Steps before you apply in Washington County
Steps that save money for Washington County residents:
- Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Washington County-area credit union.
- Only work with lenders licensed for Maryland borrowers.
- Ask a Washington County credit union about member loans.
Other Maryland guides
Statewide:
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Washington County earn?
The median is $77,747; 38% earn $100,000 or more and 22% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
What do renters pay in Washington County?
$1,147 a month at the median, about 18% of median household income.
How many towns are in Washington County?
The Census Bureau counts 61 places mainly in the county, led by Hagerstown, Halfway, Robinwood, Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, St. James.
Does my county matter to the questionnaire?
Only your state does. Whether you live in Washington County or elsewhere in Maryland, the same rules apply.
Where can someone in Washington County check a lender's license?
With the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation. If a lender is unlicensed or asks for a fee before funding, walk away.