ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Though Maryland isn’t geographically as large as states like New York or California, it actually contains a significant portion of the U.S. population. With more than 6 million residents, Maryland is full of people, especially in the counties neighboring Washington, D.C. Our list will take you through the 10 most populated counties in Maryland, and why they’re home to so many residents.
The population of a county can reveal how quickly it’s growing, where the economic growth may be happening, and how many people are being born compared to the death rate. Additionally, how many people live in a county determines the number of businesses and people you’ll encounter in local communities, marking the difference between rural and urban living.
Note: The BayNet used figures and estimates from July 2024 from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the most populated counties in Maryland.
Which Counties Have The Largest Populations In Maryland?
Charles County – Around 170 Thousand
Charles County is located in Southern Maryland with a population of around 170,000, and it’s known for its rich history and beautiful forested areas. The Patuxent River and Potomac River border Charles County, and it’s often considered one of the wealthiest counties in the United States due to its high median household income.
Carroll County – Around 180 Thousand
Situated in Central Maryland, Carroll County is much smaller than other counties on this list, with over 170,000 residents, similar to Charles County. Though Carroll County is located near Baltimore, it’s an overall rural county with a large agricultural presence and was originally populated by Native Americans.
Harford County – Around 260 Thousand
With over 250,000 residents, Harford County is an important part of Central Maryland since it’s home to multiple noteworthy communities like Havre de Grace and Bel Air. A short drive from Baltimore, Harford County borders the Chesapeake Bay and offers numerous waterside views that are perfect for visiting during the warm seasons.
Frederick County – Around 300 Thousand
Frederick County is located in north-central Maryland, known for its booming dairy industry and agricultural roots. Around 300,000 people live in Frederick County, and it’s the largest county in Maryland based on its overall square mileage.
Howard County – Around 340 Thousand
Ellicott City and Columbia are two major Maryland communities that make their homes in Howard County, which has a population of over 300,000 residents in total. Howard County is an affluent area and has a high population of college-educated individuals, so it’s one of the wealthiest counties in all of America.
Baltimore City – Around 570 Thousand
For readers who don’t live in Maryland, Baltimore City is probably the most recognizable community on our list. Baltimore is Maryland’s “big city” and over 500,000 people call it home. With plenty of attractions like the National Aquarium and Fells Point, Baltimore is easily one of the best tourist cities in the state of Maryland, plus its location on the Chesapeake Bay offers beautiful views near the harbor. Baltimore City isn’t technically a county, but it is a county equivalent separate from Baltimore County.
Anne Arundel County – Around 600 Thousand
Maryland’s capital, Annapolis, is located in Anne Arundel County. As such, this county is rich with history and offers numerous events throughout the year. Containing a population of around 600,000, Anne Arundel County is one of the most notable counties in Maryland, and its notoriety has remained in place for centuries.
Baltimore County – Around 850 Thousand
Baltimore County is a charming area in the northern section of Maryland that contains a few hundred thousand more residents than Baltimore City, at about 850,000. A variety of popular colleges like Towson University are found in Baltimore County, and its location near Pennsylvania allows residents to commute to various communities in the surrounding area.
Prince George’s County – Around 960 Thousand
Prince George’s County contains the second-largest population in Maryland at about 960,000 people. The National Harbor and College Park are two of Prince George’s County’s biggest attractions, as people come from all over the country to pursue higher education at the University of Maryland.
Montgomery County – Around 1.08 Million
Montgomery County is the biggest county in Maryland by overall population size, as it’s home to over 1 million residents, with a diverse makeup of different cultures. Bordering Washington, D.C., Montgomery County offers communities like Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Rockville, so there are plenty of distinct cities to choose from within the county. Plus, many noteworthy government organizations have campuses in Montgomery County, including the National Institutes of Health…