Fun Fact: Which Maryland County Anchors a Mini Financial Capital of America?

Wicomico County, Maryland, has emerged as a surprising leader in financial activity, with Salisbury being recognized as the top “real” financial capital in America, according to a recent study by Journo Research in collaboration with Plus500. This study analyzed 387 core-based statistical areas across the U.S. to identify key finance hubs, and Salisbury claimed the number one spot.
While many associate financial dominance with larger cities like New York or San Francisco, the data highlights smaller metropolitan areas as emerging powerhouses of economic activity. These regions, including the one in Wicomico County, offer vibrant business opportunities, robust job markets, and thriving ecosystems for entrepreneurs.

The study evaluated each area based on the number of finance firms per 100,000 residents, assigning scores out of 10 to reflect their impact. Salisbury stood out with an impressive 224.35 firms per 100,000 residents, far surpassing other metropolitan areas. Despite its smaller overall job market, Salisbury’s high density of finance-related businesses makes it a hotspot for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The city’s strong local economy and supportive environment for startups solidify its place as an unexpected leader in the financial sector.

Below is the list of the top 10 financial hubs around the county:

Top 10: Finance Capitals of the US

Rank  Core based statistical areas  Firms per 100k  Job Availability  Index (/20) 
1 

 

 Salisbury, MD 224.35 3,714 15.75
2  Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 146.02 106,569 15.10
3  Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO 138.83 83,376 14.57
4  Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT 151.12 29,259 14.42
5  Salt Lake City-Murray, UT 140.24 50,602 14.30
6  Sioux Falls, SD-MN 153.34 13,543 13.78
7  Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 107.40 259,090 13.54
8  Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA 125.75 48,847 13.51
9  Omaha, NE-IA 127.24 41,175 13.46
10  Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 107.41 129,392 13.19


Note: A reader has helpfully pointed out that data used in the study cited includes a census-designated area that extends outside the State of Maryland, and beyond Salisbury proper. The reader also observes that the measure of density of financial services may offer an incomplete, or even misleading, view of the Salisbury-area workforce — and caution should be exercised when trying to compare relatively small census-designated areas like the Salisbury area versus much more populated zones like some others noted atop this analysis. MACo acknowledges the limitations of the source information, and advises readers to use their best judgment in drawing conclusions from the reports.

For more information on the study and the other states on the list visit Plus500.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.