The metro area lies mainly within the rich, fertile Cumberland and Shenandoah valleys, and is approximately a 60–90 minute drive from Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown is approximately 75 miles (121 km) driving distance from all three cities.

[2] Washington County (2008 population estimate 145,384)[3] City: Towns: Census Designated Places (CDPs): Other unincorporated communities:

The 2008 estimate is 263,753, making Greater Hagerstown-Martinsburg the 169th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

[12] Metropolitan Hagerstown-Martinsburg also registered a higher net numerical population gain from 2006 to 2007 than Baltimore-Towson, MD MSA during the same time period.

Hagerstown Regional Airport (IATA: HGR, ICAO: KHGR), also known as Richard A. Henson Field provides passenger service for the Hagerstown Metro Area residents The Martinsburg Regional Airport (IATA: MRB, ICAO: KMRB), just south of Martinsburg is a designated general aviation reliever facility and also home to the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing flying the C-17 Globemaster III.