RANK #854 / 996 · POP 850,737 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.1%
Towson, the county seat, offers a bustling downtown with shops, restaurants, and Towson University. Baltimore County, Maryland, partly surrounds but does not include Baltimore City, providing a blend of suburban and rural environments. Commuting to Baltimore City is feasible, with options like I-695, I-95, and I-83, as well as MARC train and Light Rail services. The county features diverse communities, from waterfront areas to rolling hills and farmland, with abundant parks, trails, and green spaces like Loch Raven Reservoir for outdoor recreation.
Life in Baltimore County appeals to families and young professionals, with highly-rated public schools. The county's economy is diversified, with major sectors including education, government, and healthcare. Recent economic developments show investment in areas such as data centers, energy, and manufacturing. While residents express concerns about housing costs and utility bills, the county maintains a competitive transportation network and access to global markets.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Center in Woodlawn (Proposed)
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
US Wind Offshore Wind Component Manufacturing Facility at Sparrows Point
US Wind
|
$400M | Under Construction |
|
Northeast - Riverside 230 kV Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$189M | Planned |
|
Hernwood Landfill Solar Project
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Baltimore County has a Boom Town Index score of 14/100, ranking #854 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.0% and a median household income of $88,157, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Baltimore County is $310,800 with median rent at $1,479/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2836, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: 0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.0%. Home values changed +1.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.77% of Baltimore County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.