Median Income
$78,986
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$300,900
7% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$777
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Emmitsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,855
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,762/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,986
Per Capita$35,036
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$4,729M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$300,900
Rent$777
Ownership73.2%
Zillow$362,106
Housing Units1,115
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property1,176/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking13.8%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation409 ft (125 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+10.5%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Emmitsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emmitsburg receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Emmitsburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emmitsburg is $78,986, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emmitsburg is $300,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Emmitsburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,176 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Emmitsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Emmitsburg has a population of 2,855 with a density of 1,762 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 5.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Emmitsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Emmitsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Emmitsburg is $78,986, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,036. The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,237 business establishments, including 225 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 15.4% of workers work from home.
Income: Emmitsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,986 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,036 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,220 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,237 |
| County GDP | $4,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 225 |
| Healthcare | 165 |
| Retail | 307 |
| Manufacturing | 106 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,531 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Emmitsburg is $300,900, 7% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,106, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $777 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $5,531 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $300,900 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $362,106 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $126 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $777 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,115 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,531 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Emmitsburg, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,859. The dentist ratio is 1:3,029. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emmitsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,859 |
| Dentists | 1:3,029 |
| Mental Health | 1:768 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,266/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 165 |
Emmitsburg has a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,176 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Emmitsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Emmitsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 46.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,175.9/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 135 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Emmitsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 409 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 409 ft (125 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,762/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7052°N, 77.3213°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gettysburg Regional (GTY) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0480 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.48 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.17 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
132 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
47 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
43 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
53 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
64 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
69 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
284 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 226 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Emmitsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 31°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Emmitsburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Emmitsburg
What is the population of Emmitsburg?
Emmitsburg has a population of 2,855 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 1,762 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Emmitsburg expensive to live in?
Emmitsburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,986, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $300,900 (7% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Emmitsburg safe?
Emmitsburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,176 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Emmitsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emmitsburg?
Emmitsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Emmitsburg?
The job market in Emmitsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 2,237 business establishments in the area, including 225 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 15.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emmitsburg?
The median home value in Emmitsburg is $300,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,106. For renters, the median monthly rent is $777. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,531.
How are the schools in Emmitsburg?
Schools in Emmitsburg score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Emmitsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 10.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emmitsburg?
The obesity rate in Emmitsburg is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,859.
What is transportation like in Emmitsburg?
The average commute in Emmitsburg is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emmitsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emmitsburg is 83.5% White, 5.9% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.