According to a 2023 study by 24/7 Wall Street, the poorest city in Maryland is Cumberland. It is located in Allegany County in the western part of the state. Cumberland has a population of 20,106 people, and its median household income is just over $25,000 a year. This is well below the state median of $69,272. The town has a long history of economic decline, which began in the early 1900s when the city’s steel mills closed. Since then, Cumberland has lost many jobs and residents, and many of its citizens live in poverty.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Maryland.
| Statistic | Cumberland | Maryland |
| Median household income | $33,952 | $76,178 |
| Poverty rate | 20% | 10% |
| Unemployment rate | 6% | 3% |
| Education attainment rate | 70% | 80% |
| Crime rate | 5% | 3% |
The History Of Cumberland
Cumberland was founded in 1787 and quickly grew into a major industrial center. The city was home to a number of steel mills, railroad yards, and other businesses. However, the decline of the steel and railroad industries in the late 20th century had a devastating impact on Cumberland. Many people lost their jobs, and the city’s economy collapsed.
Why Is Cumberland The Poorest Town In Maryland?
There are a number of reasons why Cumberland is the poorest town in Maryland. One reason is the loss of jobs. Cumberland has lost many jobs in the past few decades, due to the closure of factories and other businesses. This has led to a high unemployment rate and a decline in the city’s population.
Another reason for Cumberland’s poverty is the lack of investment. Cumberland has not received the same level of investment as other parts of Maryland. This is due to a number of factors, including its location in the western part of the state and its economic challenges.
What Are The Challenges Facing Cumberland?
Cumberland faces a number of challenges, including:
Poverty: Cumberland has a high poverty rate, with over 20% of residents living below the poverty line. This is due to a number of factors, including the loss of jobs, low wages, and a lack of affordable housing.
Unemployment: Cumberland has a high unemployment rate, at over 6%. This is due to the loss of jobs and the lack of investment in the city.
Lack of investment: Cumberland has not received the same level of investment as other parts of Maryland. This is due to a number of factors, including its location in the western part of the state and its economic challenges.
Education: Cumberland has a lower education attainment rate than the state average. This can make it difficult for residents to find good-paying jobs.
Crime: Cumberland has a higher crime rate than the state average. This can make it difficult for businesses to operate and for residents to feel safe in their community.
Here is a FAQ about Cumberland, Maryland:
Q: What is the poorest town in Maryland?
A: Cumberland is the poorest town in Maryland, with a median household income of $33,952.
Q: Why is Cumberland the poorest town in Maryland?
A: There are a number of reasons why Cumberland is the poorest town in Maryland, including:
- Loss of jobs: Cumberland has lost many jobs in the past few decades, due to the closure of factories and other businesses.
- Poverty: Cumberland has a high poverty rate, with over 20% of residents living below the poverty line.
- Lack of investment: Cumberland has not received the same level of investment as other parts of Maryland.
Q: What are the challenges facing Cumberland?
A: Cumberland faces a number of challenges, including:
- Lack of investment: Cumberland has not received the same level of investment as other parts of Maryland.
- Education: Cumberland has a lower education attainment rate than the state average.
- Crime: Cumberland has a higher crime rate than the state average.
Q: What are some of the efforts to improve Cumberland?
A: There are a number of efforts underway to improve Cumberland, including:
- Programs and initiatives implemented by the city government to reduce poverty, unemployment, and crime.
- Work by the city to attract new businesses and investment.
- Services provided by non-profit organizations to residents, including job training, education assistance, and housing assistance.
Q: What can I do to help Cumberland?
A: There are a number of things you can do to help Cumberland, including:
- Support businesses and organizations in Cumberland.
- Donate to non-profit organizations that are working to improve Cumberland.
- Volunteer your time to help Cumberland residents.
- Advocate for Cumberland at the local, state, and federal levels
