District 6
RANK #907 / 996 NAT · #16 / 18 MD · POP 167,035
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +11%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
The data is not encouraging — Charles County scores just 8/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #907 of 996 counties. Job growth at +4.1% and median household income of $116,882 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Charles County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $382,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,839/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Charles County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.1% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +4.1% clip. Home values shifted -0.5% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.99% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Charles County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.