RANK #445 / 996 · POP 167,035 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Charles County, Maryland, is known for its blend of suburban and rural environments, situated about 30 miles south of Washington, D.C.. A notable feature is the Historic Port Tobacco Village, once a significant seaport, offering a glimpse into the region's past with its reconstructed 1819 courthouse and historic homes. The county boasts over 300 miles of Potomac River shoreline, providing opportunities for water-based recreation like fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Parks such as Smallwood State Park and Gilbert Run Park offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and paddleboat rentals, while the Indian Head Rail Trail provides a 13-mile paved path through natural areas.
Life in Charles County attracts families and professionals seeking a balance between a relaxed lifestyle and access to major cities. Commuting to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, or Andrews Air Force Base is common, with main highways like Route 301 and Route 5, and commuter bus options available. Charles County Public Schools serve the majority of students, with 39 schools and educational centers, including seven high schools. The economy is diversifying, with growth in sectors such as defense, energetics technology, federal contracting, logistics and distribution, and healthcare. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head is a significant employer and a hub for energetics technology.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Infrastructure Updates
U.S. Navy
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Morgantown 230 kV Battery Storage
Undisclosed
|
$1,122M | Planned |
|
Waldorf Station Mixed-Use Development
Greenberg Gibbons
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Berry Pointe Commercial Development
St. John's Properties
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Ripley Solar Farm
MN8 Energy LLC
|
$28M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Charles County has a Boom Town Index score of 55/100, ranking #445 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.1% and a median household income of $116,882, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Charles County is $382,800 with median rent at $1,839/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3053, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.1%. Home values changed -0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.99% of Charles County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.