Frostburg, a small town in Western Maryland, has been named the poorest town in the state for 2025. With its high poverty rate and low median household income, Frostburg faces significant economic challenges that set it apart from other towns in Maryland.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Frostburg the poorest town and how its economic situation compares to other towns in the state.
High Poverty Rate in Frostburg
Frostburg’s poverty rate is a striking 28.9%, the highest in Maryland. This means that nearly 29% of the town’s residents live below the poverty line, which is a significant indicator of economic hardship.
While some areas in Maryland also struggle with poverty, Frostburg stands out as the town with the highest percentage of residents living in poverty. This high poverty rate is a key factor in the town’s designation as the poorest in the state.
Low Median Household Income
Another reason Frostburg is considered the poorest town in Maryland is its low median household income. At $44,658, Frostburg’s median income is the third-lowest in the state. This figure is well below Maryland’s overall median household income, which is much higher.
The combination of high poverty and low income makes it challenging for residents to meet their daily needs, contributing to the town’s overall economic struggles.
Economic Challenges and Lack of Jobs
The economic difficulties in Frostburg can be traced to a combination of low wages and a lack of available jobs. The town’s job market struggles to offer enough opportunities for residents to support themselves financially. This lack of economic opportunities further perpetuates the cycle of poverty, making it difficult for many residents to improve their financial situation.
Cost of Living in Frostburg
Despite its high poverty rate, the cost of living in Frostburg is relatively affordable compared to other areas in Maryland. This lower cost of living may provide some relief to residents, as it allows them to stretch their incomes a bit further.
However, even with affordable living costs, the low income levels and high poverty rate still pose significant challenges for the town’s residents.
Comparison to Other Maryland Cities
While Frostburg is the poorest town in Maryland, other areas in the state also face significant poverty levels. Baltimore City, for example, has a high poverty rate but ranks 7th among Maryland cities when it comes to overall poverty.
Frostburg, however, remains at the top in terms of economic difficulties, with its combination of the highest poverty rate and low median income.
In conclusion, Frostburg has earned its place as the poorest town in Maryland due to its high poverty rate of 28.9% and its low median household income of $44,658. The town faces significant economic challenges, including a lack of jobs and low wages, which make it difficult for many residents to escape poverty.
While the cost of living is relatively affordable, the financial difficulties in Frostburg highlight the need for more job opportunities and economic development to improve the lives of its residents.
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[2] https://www.homestratosphere.com/worst-towns-for-retirement-in-maryland-2025/
[3] https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=24&demo=00009
