Carroll County, Maryland Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Maryland
The population of Carroll County, Maryland is 174,318 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $115,876, the median home value is $406,400, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Carroll County has grown 5.9% since 2010 (167,230 → 177,108), a +0.41% annualized rate.
174,318
Population
+0.41%
Annual growth
389
People / sq mi
$115,876
Median Income
$406,400
Median Home Value
Carroll County covers 448 sq mi of land at 389.4 people per square mile.
About Carroll County, MD
What sets Carroll County apart is money: median household income runs $115,876, above the US median of $78,538. Carroll County is a county in Maryland with a population of 174,318. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Maryland nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $115,876, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.7%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $406,400, with typical rent around $1,370.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 39.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Remote work is widespread — 15.6% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 35 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Carroll County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Carroll County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carroll County had a population of 167,230 in 2010 and 177,108 in 2024, a 5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 177,108 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.
177,108
Population (2024)
167,230
Population (2010)
177,108
Peak (2024)
0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 167,230 |
| 2011 | 167,072 |
| 2012 | 167,085 |
| 2013 | 167,264 |
| 2014 | 167,383 |
| 2015 | 167,201 |
| 2016 | 167,189 |
| 2017 | 167,687 |
| 2018 | 168,421 |
| 2019 | 168,774 |
| 2020 | 172,910 |
| 2021 | 174,282 |
| 2022 | 175,569 |
| 2023 | 176,735 |
| 2024 | 177,108 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.2% |
| Black or African American | 4.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $115,876+$14,224 vs state |
| Mean household income | $138,928 |
| Per-capita income | $51,465 |
| Poverty rate | 3.7%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carroll County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
76.1%
Public transit
15.6%
Work from home
34.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$406,400+$8,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,370
Median rent
83.9%
Homeownership rate
66,167
Total housing units
95.9%
Occupied
4.1%
Vacant
16.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.2%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
27.8%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
93.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
39.7%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Maryland
Part of Maryland
Metro areas in Maryland
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll County, Maryland has a population of 174,318 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 389 people per square mile.
The population of Carroll County has grown 5.9% since 2010 (167,230 → 177,108), a +0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carroll County, Maryland is $115,876, with mean (average) household income of $138,928 and per-capita income of $51,465. 3.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carroll County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.2%), Black or African American (4.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carroll County, Maryland is 41.3 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Carroll County is $406,400 and median monthly rent is $1,370. 83.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 66,167 total housing units, 4.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carroll County, Maryland is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Carroll County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Maryland
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.