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
Among US counties, Charles County stands out first on household income: a median of $120,592, above the US median of $78,538. With 168,710 residents, Charles County is a county in Maryland. It is the #10-largest of all counties in Maryland nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $120,592, putting Charles County near the top of US counties. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.5% — below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $402,300, with typical rent around $1,897.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 31.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 14.2% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 43 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Charles County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
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.