Population28,370 (2025 est.)
Mountain Ridges and a Lake Country Rhythm
Garrett County, MarylandGarrett County occupies Maryland’s western mountain country, where Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, and forest recreation help define the landscape. Backbone Mountain includes the state’s highest point. Railroad history, timber, and farming add context to a county whose character differs sharply from Maryland’s coastal and metropolitan areas. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 28,370 residents in Garrett County, Maryland, on July 1, 2025.
Garrett County at a Glance
Population28,370 (2025 est.)
County SeatOakland
Largest TownMountain Lake Park
Established1872
ZIP CodesSee postal resources
Total Area, Including Water658 sq mi (total)
Major RoutesI-68; US 40; US 50; US 219
Area CodesVaries by community
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Discover Garrett County
Garrett County
Garrett County was created from Allegany County in 1872 and named for John Work Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Oakland became the county seat. Railroad travel, timber production, coal mining, and farming all contributed to the county’s development, with tourism becoming another important part of its identity. Its position entirely within Appalachian highlands distinguishes its historical setting from the Chesapeake and coastal communities often associated with Maryland’s broader story.
Deep Creek Lake, mountain forests, and Oakland provide different centers for a visit to Garrett County. The landscape includes Backbone Mountain and the state’s highest point, alongside towns such as Grantsville, Friendsville, and Accident. Seasonal conditions matter in this highland setting: a winter recreation plan and a summer lake visit require different arrangements. The county’s appeal lies in that variety, with rural communities providing context for the better-known outdoor destinations.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Garrett County occupies Maryland’s western mountain country, where Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, and forest recreation help define the landscape. Backbone Mountain includes the state’s highest point.
Community History
Garrett County was created from Allegany County in 1872 and named for John Work Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Around the County
Deep Creek Lake, mountain forests, and Oakland provide different centers for a visit to Garrett County. The landscape includes Backbone Mountain and the state’s highest point, alongside towns such as Grantsville, Friendsville, and Accident.
Mountain towns give the lake country its character.
A Closer Look
Garrett County
Places and perspectives from Garrett County
Garrett County headlines via Google News
Maryland State Senate candidates speak on local issues - WV News
Maryland State Senate candidates speak on local issues WV News
Read the Story Oct 22, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Garrett County
Stories from every corner of Garrett County.
Maryland State Senate candidates speak on local issues - WV News
Maryland State Senate candidates speak on local issues WV News
Oct 22, 2026 • 2 min read
Eugene Cervi posthumously honored as Garrett Volunteer of the Year - The Cumberland Times-News
Eugene Cervi posthumously honored as Garrett Volunteer of the Year The Cumberland Times-News
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
National Night Out in Oakland draws a crowd - WV News
National Night Out in Oakland draws a crowd WV News
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Allegany Garrett Titles & Settlements opens office in county - WV News
Allegany Garrett Titles & Settlements opens office in county WV News
Oct 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Maryland Fall Foliage Report Oct. 15 - Maryland.gov
Maryland Fall Foliage Report Oct. 15 Maryland.gov
Oct 15, 2026 • 2 min read
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Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Accident Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 534 Accident-Bittinger Rd, Accident, MD 21520. 301-746-8863.
Northern Garrett High School – High; grades 09-12. 86 Pride Pkwy, Accident, MD 21520. 301-746-8668.
Northern Middle School – Middle; grades 06-08. 371 Pride Pkwy, Accident, MD 21520. 301-746-8165.
Friendsville Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 841 First Ave, Friendsville, MD 21531. 301-746-5100.
Route 40 Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 17764 National Pike, Frostburg, MD 21532. 301-689-6132.
Grantsville Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 120 Grant St, Grantsville, MD 21536. 301-895-5173.
Broad Ford Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 607 Harvey Winters Rd, Oakland, MD 21550. 301-334-9445.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Garrett Regional Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 251 North Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550. 301-533-4173.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Parks & Public Lands
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Trails
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Utilities
Solid Waste & Recycling Division
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Oakland – 6 N. Second St., Oakland, MD 21550. 301-334-3996.
Accident Branch – 106 S. North Street, Accident, MD 21520. 301-746-8792.
Friendsville Branch – 315 Chestnut Street, Friendsville, MD 21531. 301-746-5663.
Grantsville Branch – 102 Parkside Dr, Grantsville, MD 21536. 301-895-5298.
Kitzmiller Branch – 288 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD 21538. 301-334-8091.
Courts
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
DMV
Maryland — Renew a License or ID
Transportation
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Garrett County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Garrett County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
28,370 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
657.764 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Board of Elections Overview, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Department of Emergency Management, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Sheriff’s Office, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Solid Waste & Recycling Division, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Garrett County Airport, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Department of Human Resources, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official Maryland resources: Title a vehicle; Renew Registration; Renew a License or ID. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Local Businesses
Businesses Serving Garrett CountyExplore the businesses listed for this county.
Businesses serving Garrett County
Additional county facts: county overview and references.
Connect with local businesses.Garrett County