RANK #576 / 996 · POP 588,109 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Annapolis, the state capital and county seat, stands out in Anne Arundel County, known as "America's Sailing Capital" and home to the United States Naval Academy. Located in central Maryland, the county is situated between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offering residents access to both major cities. Commutes average around 30 minutes, with options including MTA bus and light rail services, as well as regional bus lines. With over 500 miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, the county provides extensive outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and numerous parks like Quiet Waters Park and Sandy Point State Park.
Life in the county balances suburban living with access to city amenities. Anne Arundel County Public Schools is the fourth largest school system in Maryland, with 126 schools. The economy is driven by diverse sectors, including the defense industry centered around Fort Meade, which houses U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is also a significant employer and economic contributor. Recent economic developments include new warehouse construction along the I-95 corridor and expansion in the manufacturing sector.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner Generating Stations continued operation
Talen Energy
|
$50M | Operating |
|
BGE Gas Transmission MAOP Reconfirmation Program (W. Benfield Project)
BGE
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Pandora Distribution Center
Pandora
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Battery Energy Storage Systems (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., BGE, Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.)
|
$50M | Operating/Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Various
|
$50M | Operating/Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Anne Arundel County has a Boom Town Index score of 42/100, ranking #576 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.9% and a median household income of $116,009, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Anne Arundel County is $432,000 with median rent at $1,908/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2685, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.9%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.33% of Anne Arundel County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.