Charles County, Maryland Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Maryland
The population of Charles County, Maryland is 168,710 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $120,592, the median home value is $402,300, and the median age is 38.8.
The population of Charles County has grown 18.6% since 2010 (147,159 → 174,478), a +1.22% annualized rate.
168,710
Population
+1.22%
Annual growth
369
People / sq mi
$120,592
Median Income
$402,300
Median Home Value
Charles County covers 458 sq mi of land at 368.5 people per square mile.
About Charles County, MD
Charles County is a county in Maryland with a population of 168,710. It ranks #10 among counties in Maryland by population. The median age is 38.8, in line with the national median. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
The median household income in Charles County is $120,592, above the US median of $74,580. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $402,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,897. The homeownership rate of 81.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Charles County reflects 31.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 43.1 minutes each way.
Charles County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Charles County had a population of 147,159 in 2010 and 174,478 in 2024, a 18.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 174,478 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.22%.
174,478
Population (2024)
147,159
Population (2010)
174,478
Peak (2024)
1.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 147,159 |
| 2011 | 149,215 |
| 2012 | 150,700 |
| 2013 | 152,710 |
| 2014 | 154,448 |
| 2015 | 155,775 |
| 2016 | 157,474 |
| 2017 | 159,718 |
| 2018 | 161,879 |
| 2019 | 163,733 |
| 2020 | 166,692 |
| 2021 | 168,822 |
| 2022 | 170,376 |
| 2023 | 172,268 |
| 2024 | 174,478 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.4% |
| Black or African American | 49.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.8
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
13.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 13.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $120,592+$18,940 vs state |
| Mean household income | $140,010 |
| Per-capita income | $50,540 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Charles County is public administration, accounting for 20.4% of workers.
How residents commute
3.9%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
72.8%
Public transit
14.2%
Work from home
43.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$402,300+$4,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,897
Median rent
81.2%
Homeownership rate
63,053
Total housing units
95.5%
Occupied
4.5%
Vacant
18.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.6%
With health insurance
96.0%
With broadband internet
50.1%
Foreign-born
13.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.8%
With a disability
89.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
31.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Maryland
Other counties in Maryland
Part of Maryland
Metro areas in Maryland
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Charles County, Maryland has a population of 168,710 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 369 people per square mile.
The population of Charles County has grown 18.6% since 2010 (147,159 → 174,478), a +1.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Charles County, Maryland is $120,592, with mean (average) household income of $140,010 and per-capita income of $50,540. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Charles County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (49.2%), White (35.4%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Charles County, Maryland is 38.8 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Charles County is $402,300 and median monthly rent is $1,897. 81.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 63,053 total housing units, 4.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Charles County, Maryland is public administration, employing 20.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Charles County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.
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Statewide data for Maryland
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.