Harford County is a county located in the northeastern portion of the state of Maryland.

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.

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

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 population, 5.80% of those under the age of 18 and 6.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

This county contains the following incorporated municipalities:

• two cities:
  1. Aberdeen (incorporated 1892)
  2. Havre de Grace (incorporated 1785)
• one town:
  1. Bel Air (incorporated 1872)

Unincorporated areas are also considered as towns by many people and listed in many collections of towns, but they lack local government. Various organizations, such as the United States Census Bureau, the United States Postal Service, and local chambers of commerce, define the communities they wish to recognize differently, and since they are not incorporated, their boundaries have no official status outside the organizations in question. The Census Bureau recognizes the following census-designated places in the county:

• Aberdeen Proving Ground
• Bel Air North
• Bel Air South
• Edgewood
• Fallston
• Jarrettsville
• Joppatowne
• Perryman
• Pleasant Hills
• Riverside