RANK #356 / 996 · POP 261,059 · MD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Harford County, Maryland, offers a blend of suburban and rural landscapes, with Havre de Grace standing out as a notable waterfront city where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Located about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore, the county provides convenient access to major urban centers like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Commute times average around 30 minutes, with public transportation options including the MARC Train and commuter buses. The community offers a mix of historic charm and natural beauty, with numerous parks and waterways like Rocks State Park and the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Life in Harford County is characterized by a family-friendly atmosphere, with highly rated public schools and a variety of recreational sports for both children and adults. The economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as defense, technology, manufacturing, and logistics. Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major U.S. Army facility, is a significant employer and has attracted numerous defense contractors to the area. Recent economic developments include investments in technology and research, with a focus on workforce development and supporting local businesses.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Constellation Natural Gas Plant (larger facility)
Constellation Energy
|
$800M | Proposed |
|
Oystercatcher Energy Storage
Cardinal Energy Storage East, LLC
|
$500M | Planned |
|
New University of Maryland hospital in Aberdeen
University of Maryland
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Fairview Farms Solar
Madison Energy Investments LLC
|
$30M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Harford County has a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, ranking #356 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $106,417, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Harford County is $351,100 with median rent at $1,475/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3031, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +1.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.77% of Harford County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.