Howard County, Maryland
Howard County is located in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 census, the population was 334,529. Since there are no incorporated municipalities, there is no incorporated county seat either. Therefore, its county seat is the unincorporated community of Ellicott City. Howard County is included in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area.
Howard County | |
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Clockwise: Main Street in Ellicott City, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, McKeldin Rapids in Patapsco Valley State Park, Howard County Conservatory, Savage Mill, Town Center in Columbia. | |
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Flag Seal | |
| Nickname: "HoCo" | |
Location within the U.S. state of Maryland | |
Maryland's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 39°15′N 76°56′W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| Founded | May 13, 1838 |
| Named for | John Eager Howard |
| Seat | Ellicott City |
| Largest community | Columbia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 253 sq mi (660 km2) |
| • Land | 251 sq mi (650 km2) |
| • Water | 2.7 sq mi (7 km2) 1.0% |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 328,200 |
| • Density | 1,300/sq mi (500/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional districts | 3rd |
| Website | www |
Recent south county development has led to some realignment towards the Washington, D.C. media and employment markets. The county is home to Columbia, a major planned community of approximately 100,000 founded in 1967.
Howard County is frequently cited for its affluence, quality of life, and excellent schools. Its estimated 2020 median household income of $124,042 (~$143,882 in 2023) makes it one of the wealthiest counties in the US. Many of the most affluent communities in the area, such as Clarksville, Dayton, Glenelg, Glenwood, and West Friendship, are located along the Route 32 corridor in Howard County. The main population center of Columbia/Ellicott City is regularly ranked in Money magazine's Top 10 "Best Places to Live". According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Howard County ranks fourth in the nation for educational attainment, with an estimated 63.6% of residents 25 and over holding a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2022, the Howard County Public School System, was ranked the best school district in Maryland and the Baltimore Area.
In 2010, the center of population of Maryland was located in the Howard County town of Jessup.