Moving to Accident, Maryland

The current estimated population of Accident is 320, with a gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The population has remained steady over the years, reflecting the town’s rural setting and small community atmosphere.

City Facts

  • Founded: 1786
  • County: Garrett County
  • Land Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population Density: 640 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 301
  • Zip Code: 21520

Geography and Location

Accident is a small town located in the Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland, in Garrett County. It is about 10 miles north of Deep Creek Lake, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, and 20 miles east of the West Virginia border. The town’s rural surroundings consist of rolling hills, forests, and farmland, making it a quiet retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life. Accident is one of the oldest towns in the area and has a quaint, historic feel, with charming homes and local businesses that serve the community. The nearby mountains provide opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, while the town itself offers a peaceful environment. Despite its small size, Accident’s location near Deep Creek Lake and several state parks makes it a desirable spot for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.5 years
Median household income: $22,500
Median house value: $91,500

Population by Race

Races in Accident:

  • White Non-Hispanic (99.7%)

Ancestries: German (36.8%), English (11.9%), United States (11.6%), Irish (6.2%), Italian (5.1%), Dutch (2.0%).

Elevation: 2395 feet

Land area: 0.5 square miles

Map of Accident, MD

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Accident

  • High school or higher: 82.6%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 10.1%
  • Unemployed: 6.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Accident town

  • Never married: 25.3%
  • Now married: 53.2%
  • Separated: 3.0%
  • Widowed: 14.9%
  • Divorced: 3.7%

1.4% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +3 (+0.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Accident:

  • GARRETT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 16 miles; OAKLAND, MD)
  • MEYERSDALE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 26 miles; MYERSDALE, PA)
  • POTOMAC VALLEY HOSPITAL (about 29 miles; KEYSER, WV)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Accident:

  • MORGANTOWN MUNI-WALTER L. BILL HART FLD (about 41 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV; Abbreviation: MGW)
  • ARNOLD PALMER REGIONAL (about 45 miles; LATROBE, PA; Abbreviation: LBE)
  • JOHN MURTHA JOHNSTOWN-CAMBRIA CO (about 58 miles; JOHNSTOWN, PA; Abbreviation: JST)

Other public-use airports nearest to Accident:

  • GARRETT COUNTY (about 5 miles; OAKLAND, MD; Abbreviation: 2G4)
  • SEVEN SPRINGS (about 26 miles; SEVEN SPRINGS BOROUGH, PA; Abbreviation: 7SP)
  • CONNELLSVILLE (about 32 miles; CONNELLSVILLE, PA; Abbreviation: VVS)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Accident:

  • FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (about 27 miles; FROSTBURG, MD; Full-time enrollment: 4,672)
  • WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (about 45 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV; Full-time enrollment: 19,666)
  • WESTMORELAND COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; YOUNGWOOD, PA; Full-time enrollment: 3,223)
  • CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (about 50 miles; CALIFORNIA, PA; Full-time enrollment: 5,183)
  • UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-JOHNSTOWN (about 56 miles; JOHNSTOWN, PA; Full-time enrollment: 2,851)
  • FAIRMONT STATE COLLEGE (about 58 miles; FAIRMONT, WV; Full-time enrollment: 5,317)
  • INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA-MAIN CAMPUS (about 71 miles; INDIANA, PA; Full-time enrollment: 12,307)

Schools

Public high schools in Accident:

  • NORTHERN GARRETT HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 554; Location: 86 PRIDE PKWY; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • NORTHERN HIGH EVENING SCHOOL (Students: 1; Location: 86 PRIDE PKWY; Grades: 12 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Accident:

  • NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 459; Location: 371 PRIDE PKWY; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • ACCIDENT ELEMENTARY (Students: 272; Location: 534 ACCIDENT-BITTINGER RD; Grades: PK – 05)