The 7 Largest Cities in Maryland in 2024

Maryland is in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is known for the historic city of Baltimore, the massive Chesapeake Bay, and as the birthplace of the National Anthem. Maryland may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but its largest cities have a lot to offer.

This article explores the largest cities in Maryland by population, total area, and economic output. Baltimore ranks number one in all three of these categories. Additionally, the suburbs of both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. rank high on these lists. Learn about the seven largest cities and census-designated places in Maryland.

The 5 Largest Cities in Maryland by Population

1. Baltimore

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland by population, total area, and economic impact. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Baltimore as of July 2022 is 569,931. Baltimore is an independent city, meaning it is not part of any county and instead is its own independent administrative division. It is the only independent city in Maryland and one of 41 independent cities in the United States. The population density of Baltimore is 7,235.43 people per square mile. It is a majority African-American city with a large Caribbean-American population. Additionally, Baltimore’s median income is lower than the United States average. In 2021, the median household income in Baltimore was $54,124, compared to the United States average of $69,012. Historically, Baltimore is famous for being a jazz music hub, home to pioneers such as Billie Holiday and Eubie Blake.

2. Columbia

Columbia is in Howard County in Central Maryland. It is a census-designated place, meaning it is an area of concentrated population but not a self-governing city, town, or village. Columbia is a suburb of both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Its population is 104,681, and its population density is 3,278.04 people per square mile. Columbia’s population is majority white and wealthier than the United States average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Columbia in 2021 was $113,592.

3. Germantown

Germantown is a census-designated place in Montgomery County of Central Maryland. Its population is 91,249 and its population density is 5,357.19 people per square mile. Germantown is a large suburb of Washington, D.C. It is racially diverse and wealthier than the national average. In 2021, the median household income in Germantown was $104,061.

4. Waldorf

Waldorf is a census-designated place in Charles County of Southern Maryland. It has a population of 81,410 and a population density of 2,246.23 people per square mile. Waldorf is a suburb of Washington, D.C. It is a majority African American community and is wealthier than the national average. In 2021, the median household income was $103,611.

5. Silver Spring

Silver Spring is a census-designated place in Montgomery County of Central Maryland. Its population is 81,015 and its population density is 10,277.18 people per square mile, making it even more dense than Baltimore! Silver Spring is a suburb of Washington, D.C. It is a racially diverse community, and 34.7% of the population was born outside of the United States, compared to the national average of 13.5%. The most common countries of origin in Silver Spring are El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, and China. In 2021, the median household income in Silver Spring was $91,970, making it wealthier than the national average.

The 5 Largest Cities in Maryland by Area

1. Baltimore

Baltimore is an independent city with a total area of 92.05 square miles, making it the largest city in Maryland by total area. The city is situated on the Patapsco River near its mouth on Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore, like most of Maryland, has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. The summers are long and hot, while winters are mild and cool. Baltimore gets most of its rain during summer. It rarely snows.

2. Waldorf

Waldorf is a census-designated place in Charles County with a total area of 36.47 square miles. The community is located in inland Southern Maryland. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. Since Waldorf is inland, the summers are very hot, and it gets snow during winter.

3. Columbia

Columbia is a census-designated place in Howard County with a total area of 32.19 square miles. The community is located in inland Central Maryland. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. The summers are hot, and the winters are cool.

4. Ellicott City

Ellicott City is located in Howard County with a total area of 30.13 square miles. Despite its name, it is not actually a city but rather an unincorporated community. Ellicott City is in inland Central Maryland. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. It has long, hot summers and cool winters with occasional snow.

5. Frederick

Frederick is a city in Frederick County with a total area of 21.99 square miles. The community is in inland Northern Maryland. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. The summers are hot and humid while the winters are cold and occasionally snowy. Frederick holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in Maryland, which was 109 °F recorded on July 10, 1936.

The 2 Largest Cities in Maryland by Economic Impact

1. Baltimore

Baltimore is part of the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has the 19th-highest GDP of any metropolitan area in the United States. Historically, Baltimore was an industrial city that manufactured steel and automobiles. Today, Baltimore’s economy is powered by the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The University of Maryland is one of Baltimore’s largest employers. Additionally, Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins Hospital, a major hospital, school, and research facility.

2. Frederick

Frederick County is part of the Washington metropolitan area, which has the fifth-highest GDP of any metropolitan area in the United States. Since Frederick is a major suburb of Washington, D.C., many of its workers commute to the Capital. The largest employer in Frederick is Fort Detrick, an army base that primarily researches defense against biological weapons. Frederick is also home to other major medical research facilities, such as the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research and Leidos Biomedical Research.

Conclusion

Maryland may be one of the smallest states by area, but its impact on the country is massive. It is home to two major economic hubs that drive medical research, including the famous jazz city of Baltimore. All of the largest cities in Maryland are near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the two major urban centers of the area. The suburbs of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. tend to be more racially diverse and wealthier than the national average.

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