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+
Largest cities in Maryland
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.
Carroll County, MD Climate
Carroll County, MD has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F) and receives about 1077 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.6°C
Avg Temp
1077
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 79 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 68 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 92 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 87 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 109 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 99 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 95 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 93 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 98 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 87 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 87 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 83 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carroll County, MD
The most comfortable months to visit Carroll County, MD are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carroll County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.