La Vale, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, La Vale, Maryland had a total population of 4,196, the 221st largest community in Maryland, with a median household income of $77,500, which is 25% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.6% — among the lowest in Maryland.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x.
La Vale Quick Facts
How La Vale Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,388 | 4,196 | -4.4% |
| Median household income | $77,634 | $77,500 | -0.2% |
| Median home value | $171,300 | $170,800 | -0.3% |
How La Vale Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 68 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
La Vale Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Other Cities in Allegany County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | 18,804 | $48,162 | 25.1% | $123,200 |
| Frostburg | 6,977 | $52,977 | 28.8% | $181,700 |
| Cresaptown | 5,121 | $68,370 | 3.3% | $142,600 |
| Bel Air | 1,837 | $97,685 | 0.2% | $195,700 |
| Westernport | 1,588 | $47,688 | 22.2% | $86,300 |
| Bowmans Addition | 1,102 | $82,475 | 29.0% | $187,300 |
| Potomac Park | 978 | $53,221 | 17.3% | $139,400 |
| Bowling Green | 966 | $76,140 | 7.7% | $132,000 |
| Lonaconing | 889 | $54,250 | 20.9% | $89,400 |
| Eckhart Mines | 670 | $64,100 | 2.5% | $182,700 |
Cities Similar to La Vale
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perryville | 4,447 | $77,733 | $295,200 | 18.8% | 11.4% |
| Delmar | 4,261 | $85,174 | $226,500 | 25.8% | 10.0% |
| North East | 4,134 | $91,603 | $292,300 | 39.9% | 7.5% |
| Indian Head | 4,055 | $89,063 | $303,700 | 15.7% | 9.7% |
| Capitol Heights | 4,020 | $97,155 | $331,900 | 20.5% | 8.9% |
Population Overview
La Vale is a small community located in Maryland, within Allegany County. The total population is 4,196. It ranks as the 221st most populous out of 527 Census-designated places in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in La Vale is 45.7 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 39.4 years. 12.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in La Vale is $77,500. This is 25% lower than the state median of $103,678. It is also 4% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%. This is 51% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $170,800. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $419,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, La Vale is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 83.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
La Vale has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (90.8% vs 46.6%). The Black or African American population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 28.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 12.5%. The Asian population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 6.5%.
Education
36.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 43.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for La Vale, Maryland is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Maryland state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 527 Census-designated places in Maryland. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of La Vale, Maryland?
La Vale, Maryland has a population of 4,196 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in La Vale, MD?
The median household income in La Vale is $77,500, which is 4% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in La Vale, MD?
The poverty rate in La Vale is 4.6%. This means approximately 194 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of La Vale, Maryland?
La Vale's population is 90.8% White, 2.3% Black, 2.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in La Vale, MD?
The median home value in La Vale is $170,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x.
How educated is La Vale, Maryland?
36.9% of adults (25+) in La Vale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.