The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21561 sells for about $362,700, or $207 per square foot.
Prices are up +5.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 120 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,030 a month.
ZIP 21561 — Swanton
The housing market in 21561 is characterized by a high share of seasonal and vacation properties, resulting in a high vacancy rate and limited year-round inventory. Prices have seen steady appreciation driven by demand for lakefront and recreational access, though the market remains niche. Most figures are derived from 2024 ACS data and regional market reports; specific monthly sales counts and active listing counts are estimated based on regional trends as exact ZIP-level real-time data is not publicly published.
This ZIP is best suited for vacation-home buyers, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize proximity to lake recreation over proximity to urban employment centers.
Median prices moved up 5.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 120 days on market with 18.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 0.3% · poverty 10.6% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 2.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 1.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 21561, Garrett County MD
Schools serving the area are part of the Garrett County Public Schools system, which generally serves a rural, low-density population.
The area has significant exposure to seasonal home risks and flood-prone zones near Deep Creek Lake, with insurance premiums reflecting regional mountain-climate hazards.
Economic momentum is driven primarily by tourism and seasonal recreation associated with Deep Creek Lake, with limited large-scale industrial or corporate infrastructure development.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling to Oakland or regional employment hubs via rural state highways.
The area is anchored by Deep Creek Lake, offering extensive boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, alongside proximity to Wisp Resort for seasonal skiing.
The rental market is heavily influenced by short-term vacation rentals due to the proximity to Deep Creek Lake, creating high vacancy pressure for long-term residential leases.
The local economy is heavily reliant on tourism, hospitality, and seasonal recreation services centered around Deep Creek Lake.
Development is largely restricted to low-density residential and recreational expansion, with no major commercial infrastructure projects currently reported.
Garrett County utilizes a triennial assessment cycle for property tax purposes.
Parcels are subject to Garrett County property taxes and standard state-level school and utility district levies.
Property insurance costs are elevated due to the area's classification as a high-hazard zone for winter weather and seasonal flooding.
Data retrieved from Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
No public schools report a street address in this area. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
A major regional destination for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Provides year-round recreation including skiing, mountain biking, and adventure sports.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.