Howard County, Maryland

"HoCo" redirects here. For other uses, see HOCO.

Howard County
County
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.
Flag of Howard County
Flag
Official seal of Howard County
Seal
Nickname: 
"HoCo"
Map of Maryland highlighting Howard County
Location within the U.S. state of Maryland
Map of the United States highlighting Maryland
Maryland's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°15′N 76°56′W / 39.25°N 76.93°W / 39.25; -76.93
Country United States
State Maryland
FoundedMay 13, 1838
Named forJohn Eager Howard
SeatEllicott City
Largest communityColumbia
Area
 • Total
253 sq mi (660 km2)
 • Land251 sq mi (650 km2)
 • Water2.7 sq mi (7 km2)  1.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
328,200
 • Density1,300/sq mi (500/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts3rd
Websitewww.howardcountymd.gov

Howard County is a county 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.[1] Howard County is part of the larger Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area. The county is part of the Central Maryland region of the state.

Recent 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.[2] 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".[3][4][5] 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.[6][7][8] In 2022, the Howard County Public School System was ranked the best school district in Maryland.[9]

In 2010, the center of population of Maryland was located in the Howard County town of Jessup.[10]

  1. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics: 2012 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates (DP03): All Counties Within United States". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  3. ^ "CNN Money Magazine: 2010 Best Places To Live". Archived from the original on August 6, 2010. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
  4. ^ "These Are the Best Places to Live in the U.S. Right Now". Money. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  5. ^ "Ellicott City Ranked Best Place to Live in Maryland | Howard County". www.howardcountymd.gov. September 15, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  6. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  7. ^ "The Demographic Statistical Atlas of the United States - Statistical Atlas". statisticalatlas.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  8. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Howard County, Maryland". www.census.gov. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "2022 Howard County Public Schools Rankings". Niche. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  10. ^ "Centers of Population by State: 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.