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Population Review

Washington County, Maryland Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in Maryland

The population of Washington County, Maryland is 155,033 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $74,157, the median home value is $275,900, and the median age is 41.0.

The population of Washington County has grown 6.4% since 2010 (147,727 → 157,228), a +0.45% annualized rate.

Washington County within Maryland · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

155,033

Population

+0.45%

Annual growth

339

People / sq mi

$74,157

Median Income

$275,900

Median Home Value

Washington County covers 458 sq mi of land at 338.7 people per square mile.

About Washington County, MD

What distinguishes Washington County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 339 people per square mile. With 155,033 residents, Washington County is a county in Maryland. It ranks #11 among counties in Maryland by population.

The typical household earns $74,157 a year, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $275,900, with typical rent around $1,100.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.0% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Washington County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Washington County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Washington County had a population of 147,727 in 2010 and 157,228 in 2024, a 6.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 157,228 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.45%.

2024 · 157K20102024
Washington County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

157,228

Population (2024)

147,727

Population (2010)

157,228

Peak (2024)

0.45%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010147,727
2011148,807
2012149,090
2013149,055
2014149,128
2015149,160
2016149,715
2017150,247
2018150,699
2019151,066
2020154,677
2021155,117
2022155,407
2023156,116
2024157,228

Race & Ethnicity

White76.8%
Black or African American11.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.0

Median Age

49.2%

Female

50.8%

Male

17.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
6.1%
20–24
6.0%
25–34
12.8%
35–44
12.8%
45–54
13.1%
55–59
7.2%
60–64
6.4%
65–74
10.3%
75–84
5.4%
85+
2.1%

Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$74,157$-27,495 vs state
Mean household income$95,432
Per-capita income$37,391
Poverty rate8.6%+2.3% vs state
Unemployment rate2.9%
Employment-to-population56.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.0%
Finance & real estate
11.4%
Construction
8.6%
Retail trade
8.4%
Public administration
8.0%
Manufacturing
7.1%
Education & health care
7.0%
Information
5.2%

The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.

How residents commute

1.0%

Drive alone

1.2%

Carpool

75.3%

Public transit

11.0%

Work from home

29.5 min

Avg commute

Housing

$275,900$-121,800 vs state

Median home value

$1,100

Median rent

65.9%

Homeownership rate

63,965

Total housing units

92.9%

Occupied

7.1%

Vacant

34.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.9%

With health insurance

93.5%

With broadband internet

29.1%

Foreign-born

7.3%

Veterans (18+)

15.3%

With a disability

90.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

88.7%

High School+

23.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Maryland

Other counties in Maryland

Part of Maryland

Metro areas in Maryland

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington County, Maryland has a population of 155,033 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 339 people per square mile.

The population of Washington County has grown 6.4% since 2010 (147,727 → 157,228), a +0.45% annualized rate.

The median household income in Washington County, Maryland is $74,157, with mean (average) household income of $95,432 and per-capita income of $37,391. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.8%), Black or African American (11.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Washington County, Maryland is 41.0 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.

The median home value in Washington County is $275,900 and median monthly rent is $1,100. 65.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 63,965 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Washington County, Maryland is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.

Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.


Washington County, MD Climate

Washington County, MD has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 980 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

11.8°C

Avg Temp

980

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°100mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Washington County, MD — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-1° / 30°67 mm
February1° / 33°62 mm
March5° / 42°82 mm
April11° / 52°84 mm
May17° / 62°100 mm
June22° / 71°95 mm
July24° / 75°89 mm
August23° / 74°85 mm
September19° / 67°81 mm
October13° / 55°82 mm
November7° / 45°82 mm
December2° / 35°71 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 Washington County, MD

The most comfortable months to visit Washington 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 -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.

JuneSeptemberAugust

Where to stay near Washington County

Visiting or relocating to Washington County, MD? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Washington County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.