District 1
RANK #830 / 996 NAT · #11 / 18 MD · POP 261,059
1YR FORECAST: +0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
Harford County, Maryland, offers a blend of suburban and rural landscapes, with Havre de Grace standing out as a notable waterfront city where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Located about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore, the county provides convenient access to major urban centers like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Commute times average around 30 minutes, with public transportation options including the MARC Train and commuter buses. The community offers a mix of historic charm and natural beauty, with numerous parks and waterways like Rocks State Park and the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Life in Harford County is characterized by a family-friendly atmosphere, with highly rated public schools and a variety of recreational sports for both children and adults. The economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as defense, technology, manufacturing, and logistics. Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major U.S. Army facility, is a significant employer and has attracted numerous defense contractors to the area. Recent economic developments include investments in technology and research, with a focus on workforce development and supporting local businesses.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Constellation Natural Gas Plant (larger facility)
Constellation Energy
|
$800M | Proposed |
|
Oystercatcher Energy Storage
Cardinal Energy Storage East, LLC
|
$500M | Planned |
|
New University of Maryland hospital in Aberdeen
University of Maryland
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Fairview Farms Solar
Madison Energy Investments LLC
|
$30M | 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 — Harford County scores just 16/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #830 of 996 counties. Job growth at +0.9% and median household income of $106,417 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Harford County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $351,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,475/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Harford County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.9%). Home values shifted +1.1% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.77% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Harford County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.