The Largest Cities In Maryland

Maryland is a state found on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. It is divided into 23 counties with 157 self-governing municipalities. About 26.2% of its population lives in the municipalities that also covers about 4.4% of the total state's land. The 2010 United States Census showed that Maryland is inhabited by approximately 5.8 million individuals thereby ranking among the top 20 most populous states. The state covers an area spanning about 9,707.24 square miles. The largest city in Maryland is Baltimore. 

Top Five Cities in Maryland

Baltimore

With over 612,000 inhabitants, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland. It is situated 40 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1729 as a seaport. The economy in the city is made vibrant by the over 2.8 million people who live in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Although the population growth rate is decreasing, the city is still the largest in Maryland. The negative population growth was brought by deindustrialization which saw the closure of major industries. Baltimore exhibits historic architecture spanning more than 2 centuries with some rare neoclassical designs.

Columbia

Columbia is the second-largest city in Maryland with a population of about 99,700 and it occupies 32.2 square miles. Columbia is only 20 miles south-west of Baltimore and 25 miles northeast of Washington D.C. Columbia is a comparatively young city having been founded in 1967 with the intention of eliminating subdivisions and religious, racial and class segregation. The town is well-planned with open spaces, pathways, and modern amenities making it one of the best places to live and work in America.

Germantown

Germantown was founded in Montgomery County in the 19th century. The population stands at 90,700 making it the third-largest city in Maryland. Germantown is found only 25 miles outside of Washington D.C. hence an important section of the US capital metropolitan area. Germantown has in recent decades experienced high economic growth leading to a rapid increase in population. The city is under the administration of Montgomery County.

Silver Spring

The city was named after the mica-flecked spring that was discovered by explorer Francis Preston in the 1840s. It is the fourth populous city in Maryland with about 76,716 residents, but the second largest in Montgomery County after Germantown. Silver Spring covers approximately 7.92 square miles

Waldorf

Waldorf is found in Charles County 23 miles south-southeast of Washington D.C. Being in the fifth position, it has a population of 67,752 as per the 2010 census. The city was a minor center known as Beantown established before it was established as a railway center in 1900. The city is a bedroom community hosting those who work in Washington D.C.

Economic Activities Leading to Growth of Cities in Maryland

Maryland state has one of the best performing economies in the US with its households being some of the highest incomes in the country. The cities have the highest number of millionaires per capita while poverty levels in the state are the lowest in the US. Maryland’s proximity to Washington D.C. gives the cities an economic lifeline with most of the staff for many companies residing in Maryland’s cities. The aerospace industry, research labs, and the Johns Hopkins University give a boost to the Baltimore economy. Agriculture, fishing, biotechnology, and tourism are other major economic activities.