As of 2000, the population is 218,590. Its county seat is Bel Air. The county was named for Henry Harford (ca. 1759-1834), illegitimate son of Frederick Calvert, sixth Lord Baltimore. Harford was the last Proprietor of Maryland, but did not inherit his father's title because of his illegitimacy.
This county is a part of the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
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2 Law and government 3 Geography 4 Demographics 5 Cities and towns |
History
Harford County was formed in 1773 by the splitting of Baltimore County.
Law and government
Harford County was granted a charter form of government in 1972.
Geography
Harford County includes three municipalities:
Unincorporated areas are also considered as towns by many people, but they lack local government. The United States Census Bureau recognizes the following Census-Designated Places in Harford County:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,364 km² (527 mi²). 1,140 km² (440 mi²) of it is land and 224 km² (86 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 16.40% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 218,590 people, 79,667 households, and 60,387 families residing in the county. The population density is 192/km² (496/mi²). There are 83,146 housing units at an average density of 73/km² (189/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 86.77% White, 9.27% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.52% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.69% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 1.91% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 79,667 households out of which 38.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% are married couples living together, 10.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.20% are non-families. 19.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.72 and the average family size is 3.14.
In the county the population is spread out with 27.90% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 10.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $57,234, and the median income for a family is $63,868. Males have a median income of $43,612 versus $30,741 for females. The per capita income for the county is $24,232. 4.90% of the population and 3.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 5.80% are under the age of 18 and 6.70% are 65 or older.