Median Income
$58,418
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$199,200
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$720
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Mountain Lake Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,033
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density1,059/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$58,418
Per Capita$34,649
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,790M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$199,200
Rent$720
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$274,125
Housing Units1,108
Rent Burden22.5%
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking17.6%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Elevation2,506 ft (764 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Mountain Lake Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Lake Park receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mountain Lake Park offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Lake Park is $58,418, 22% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mountain Lake Park is $199,200, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $720 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Lake Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches, including 104.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Mountain Lake Park has a population of 2,033 with a density of 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,033
Total Population
2023 Census
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Lake Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Lake Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Lake Park is $58,418, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,649 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,168 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Lake Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,418 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,649 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,168 |
| County GDP | $1,790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Mountain Lake Park is $199,200, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,125, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $720 (38% 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. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,108 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $199,200 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,125 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $720 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
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 | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,108 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.46% |
In Mountain Lake Park, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050. The dentist ratio is 1:2,041. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mountain Lake Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,050 |
| Dentists | 1:2,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,314/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Mountain Lake Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 104.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,506 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,506 ft (764 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,059/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4000°N, 79.3811°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Garrett County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0427 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.22 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.13 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km WNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
123 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
125 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 96 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
5 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1968 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF2 |
78 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 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
46 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
84 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
COFFMAN/CHESTNUT RIDGE |
1,048 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
62 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
547 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-3°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Mountain Lake Park has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 28°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and November the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Lake Park. 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 | $1,069 |
| Toddler | $722 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $651 |
| Toddler | $591 |
| Preschool | $591 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Lake Park
What is the population of Mountain Lake Park?
Mountain Lake Park has a population of 2,033 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Mountain Lake Park expensive to live in?
Mountain Lake Park has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,418, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $199,200 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $720 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Mountain Lake Park?
Mountain Lake Park has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 104.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Mountain Lake Park?
The job market in Mountain Lake Park faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 1,168 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mountain Lake Park?
The median home value in Mountain Lake Park is $199,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,125. For renters, the median monthly rent is $720. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,909.
How are the schools in Mountain Lake Park?
Schools in Mountain Lake Park score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Mountain Lake Park hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Lake Park?
The obesity rate in Mountain Lake Park is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050.
What is transportation like in Mountain Lake Park?
The average commute in Mountain Lake Park is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mountain Lake Park?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Lake Park is 92.5% White, 0.6% Asian. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.