Median Income
$43,947
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,600
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
44% higher than US avg
How Lonaconing Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,093
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density3,036/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,947
Per Capita$20,392
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty17.8%
County GDP$1,073M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,600
Rent$739
Ownership63.5%
Zillow$109,371
Housing Units496
Rent Burden36.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking19.5%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,498 ft (457 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+10.2%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute22 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lonaconing a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lonaconing receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lonaconing offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lonaconing is $43,947, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lonaconing is $77,600, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lonaconing is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Lonaconing experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches, including 72.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lonaconing has a population of 1,093 with a density of 3,036 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lonaconing vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lonaconing vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lonaconing is $43,947, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,392 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 704 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lonaconing vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,947 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,392 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,654 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.8% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 704 |
| County GDP | $1,073M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Lonaconing is $77,600, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,371, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% 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. 63.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 496 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,204 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,600 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,371 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.1% |
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 | 63.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.5% |
| Housing Units | 496 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Lonaconing, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357. The dentist ratio is 1:2,984. 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lonaconing vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,357 |
| Dentists | 1:2,984 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,866/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Lonaconing has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Lonaconing vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Lonaconing experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°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 45.2 inches. The area receives 72.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,498 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,498 ft (457 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,036/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5656°N, 78.9788°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mineral County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
176 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
88 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
72 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Lonaconing has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 26°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Lonaconing. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $730 |
| Preschool | $747 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $579 |
| Preschool | $579 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lonaconing
What is the population of Lonaconing?
Lonaconing has a population of 1,093 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 3,036 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Lonaconing expensive to live in?
Lonaconing has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,947, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,600 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lonaconing safe?
Lonaconing is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Lonaconing?
Lonaconing has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches, with 72.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lonaconing?
Lonaconing has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 704 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lonaconing?
The median home value in Lonaconing is $77,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,371. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,204.
How are the schools in Lonaconing?
Schools in Lonaconing score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Lonaconing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lonaconing?
The obesity rate in Lonaconing is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357.
What is transportation like in Lonaconing?
The average commute in Lonaconing is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lonaconing?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lonaconing is 95.2% White. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.