Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Ritchie, MD
Considering a move to Fort Ritchie, MD? With a small-town population of around 400, Fort Ritchie offers affordable living with a median home price of $215,000 and average rents near $1,150. The community enjoys low crime rates, a peaceful rural setting, and good access to healthcare and public schools. Commute times average just under 30 minutes, while the area experiences four distinct seasons and 54% sunny days yearly. Fort Ritchie is a great fit for those seeking quiet living with convenient access to nearby amenities.
Demographics - Fort Ritchie, MD
Demographics - Fort Ritchie, MD
Fort Ritchie is a close-knit community of about 400 residents, with a median age of 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with small Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and around 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This small-town atmosphere offers a sense of familiarity and neighborliness for newcomers.
Population:
400
Density:
420 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
4.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Ritchie, MD?
Living in Fort Ritchie is affordable, with a median home value of $215,000 and average rents at $1,150, making housing costs lower than many areas in Maryland. The overall cost of living index is just below the national average, while utilities and groceries remain reasonable for most households. Residents also benefit from moderate state tax rates and manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,295
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.6
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
84.0
Utilities:
107.0
Transportation:
99.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Fort Ritchie, MD a safe place to live?
Fort Ritchie enjoys low crime rates, with only 145 violent crimes and 1,050 property crimes per 100,000 people, offering a safe environment for families and individuals. The odds of encountering violent crime are about 1 in 690, providing peace of mind for those considering a move. Property-related risks are comparatively low as well.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,195
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Ritchie, MD year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons in Fort Ritchie, with mild summers averaging highs of 83°F and chilly winters reaching lows near 23°F. The area receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on over half the days each year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Fort Ritchie earn a median income of $68,500, with a family income averaging $76,000 and a poverty rate of just over 9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average under 30 minutes, reflecting the area's rural charm and accessibility. The community has a low unemployment rate and a small percentage using public transport.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$68,500
Family Income:
$76,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,400
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Ritchie, MD?
Families in Fort Ritchie benefit from public schools like Cascade Elementary and Smithsburg Middle, which offer small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Private and higher education options, including Hagerstown Community College and Mount St. Mary's University, are located within a short drive. This provides a range of educational opportunities from early years through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Cascade Elementary School
Street:
14519 Pennersville Rd
Phone:
301-766-8082
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Smithsburg Middle School
Street:
68 N Main St, Smithsburg, MD 21783
Phone:
301-766-8353
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Broadfording Christian Academy
Street:
13535 Broadfording Church Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone:
301-797-8886
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Hagerstown Community College
City:
Hagerstown
State:
MD
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
Mount St. Mary's University
City:
Emmitsburg
State:
MD
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Fort Ritchie residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Meritus Medical Center and Waynesboro Hospital nearby. The area supports a strong healthcare network, with 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% of residents covered by health insurance. Health services are reliable and comprehensive for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Meritus Medical Center
Address:
11116 Medical Campus Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742
Phone:
(301) 790-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Waynesboro Hospital
Address:
501 E Main St, Waynesboro, PA 17268
Phone:
(717) 765-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Ritchie, MD?
The local housing market in Fort Ritchie features a median home price of $215,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,150, making it affordable for buyers and renters. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the foreclosure rate remains low, indicating a stable market. Modest appreciation rates and low vacancy suggest steady demand in this community.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents access vehicle services through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in nearby Hagerstown, providing convenient DMV services for licensing and registration. The location is easy to reach for Fort Ritchie locals, with online resources available for added convenience. This ensures efficient handling of all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
18306 Col Henry K Douglas Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.