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
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)