Howard County, Maryland Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Maryland
The population of Howard County, Maryland is 333,916 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $146,982, the median home value is $576,700, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Howard County has grown 17.7% since 2010 (288,618 → 339,668), a +1.17% annualized rate.
333,916
Population
+1.17%
Annual growth
1331
People / sq mi
$146,982
Median Income
$576,700
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 251 sq mi of land at 1330.6 people per square mile.
About Howard County, MD
What sets Howard County apart is money: median household income runs $146,982, above the US median of $78,538. With 333,916 residents, Howard County is a county in Maryland. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Maryland in the country, at #6 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $146,982, putting Howard County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 3.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $576,700, with typical rent around $2,038.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 64.5% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 23.2% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Howard County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 288,618 in 2010 and 339,668 in 2024, a 17.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 339,668 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.17%.
339,668
Population (2024)
288,618
Population (2010)
339,668
Peak (2024)
1.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 288,618 |
| 2011 | 293,596 |
| 2012 | 299,223 |
| 2013 | 303,590 |
| 2014 | 306,989 |
| 2015 | 311,417 |
| 2016 | 315,581 |
| 2017 | 319,409 |
| 2018 | 322,895 |
| 2019 | 325,951 |
| 2020 | 332,821 |
| 2021 | 335,370 |
| 2022 | 336,439 |
| 2023 | 337,341 |
| 2024 | 339,668 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.9% |
| Black or African American | 20.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
14.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $146,982+$45,330 vs state |
| Mean household income | $180,793 |
| Per-capita income | $65,860 |
| Poverty rate | 3.3%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
67.4%
Public transit
23.2%
Work from home
28.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$576,700+$179,000 vs state
Median home value
$2,038
Median rent
71.7%
Homeownership rate
124,489
Total housing units
96.4%
Occupied
3.6%
Vacant
28.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
98.5%
With broadband internet
35.3%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
8.4%
With a disability
73.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
64.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Maryland
Other counties in Maryland
Part of Maryland
Metro areas in Maryland
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Maryland has a population of 333,916 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 1331 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has grown 17.7% since 2010 (288,618 → 339,668), a +1.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Maryland is $146,982, with mean (average) household income of $180,793 and per-capita income of $65,860. 3.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (48.9%), Black or African American (20.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Maryland is 39.4 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $576,700 and median monthly rent is $2,038. 71.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 124,489 total housing units, 3.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Maryland is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.
Howard County, MD Climate
Howard County, MD has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F) and receives about 1128 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12°C
Avg Temp
1128
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 84 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 74 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 99 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 89 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 117 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 100 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 97 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 102 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 88 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 93 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 87 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 Howard County, MD
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, MD are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.