Land Market Insights and Pricing in Allegany County, Maryland

Allegany County, Maryland, offers a striking landscape defined by the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, featuring dramatic elevation changes and diverse terrain. The county's 424 square miles of land encompass steep mountain fronts, narrow valleys, and the winding North Branch Potomac River. Crossed by major highways like I-68 and US-220, Allegany serves as a crucial regional crossroads. The rugged topography concentrates development in valley towns like Cumberland and Frostburg, while vast forested areas, including Green Ridge State Forest, dominate the eastern half. Land use varies from limited agriculture in fertile valleys to forestry and outdoor recreation on the ridges. With a median home price of $149,200, significantly below the national average, Allegany presents affordable land opportunities. However, prospective buyers should note the 1.08% property tax rate, slightly above the national average, and consider the county's 5.9% unemployment rate when evaluating long-term investment potential.