Howard County

As of the latest data, Howard County, MD, has a population of approximately 330,000. The racial composition is around 55% White, 19% Asian, 18% Black or African American, and 6% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is about $121,000, and the poverty rate is roughly 5%. The median age is 39.5 years. Educational attainment is high, with around 60% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of 2023, Howard County, MD's median home value is approximately $520,000. The median monthly rent is around $1,850. The housing market has seen a year-over-year appreciation rate of about 5%. The county boasts a high homeownership rate of 72%, with approximately 28% of residents renting. Average days on the market for listings is about 30 days, indicating a relatively brisk market. The area is known for its excellent schools and high quality of life, making it a popular choice for families and professionals.

Howard County, Maryland, holds elections for federal, state, and local offices. As of the latest cycle, the key races include the County Executive, County Council, and Board of Education. In the 2022 elections:

1. County Executive Race:

   • Incumbent: Dr. Calvin Ball (Democrat)
   • Challenger: Allan Kittleman (Republican, former County Executive)

2. County Council:

   • The council consists of five seats, one for each district. Notable candidates include incumbent Liz Walsh (District 1) and Deb Jung (District 4).

3. Board of Education:

   • The non-partisan Board of Education has several seats up for election. Incumbents are Vicky Cutroneo and Christina Delmont-Small.

Voter turnout in Howard County is typically robust, with the 2020 election seeing around 75% voter participation. Primary elections usually occur in June with general elections in November.

As of recent data, Howard County, MD is notably well-educated. About 64% of residents aged 25 and older possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly surpassing the national average of 33% and the Maryland state average of 40%. Additionally, approximately 27% of residents hold a graduate or professional degree, compared to 13% nationally. The high school graduation rate is over 95%, compared to the U.S. average of around 88%. The county's focus on academic excellence is highlighted by its robust public school system, consistently ranking among the top in the state. Overall, Howard County's educational attainment levels are markedly higher than both state and national averages, reflecting the community's strong emphasis on education.

As of the latest data, Howard County, MD, has an unemployment rate of around 3.4%, below the national average of approximately 3.9% and the state average of about 4.1%. The county supports over 180,000 jobs.

Top industries in Howard County include:

1. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Employs about 18.2% of the workforce.
2. Health Care and Social Assistance: 12.5%.
3. Educational Services: 10%.

Nationally, the top industries are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: ~14%.
2. Retail Trade: ~11%.
3. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: ~10%.

Compared to national averages, Howard County boasts a higher concentration in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, reflecting its proximity to technology hubs and government contracting firms in the DC-Baltimore corridor.

Howard County, MD, is one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. As of recent data, the median household income in Howard County is approximately $121,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income for the entire state of Maryland is around $84,000, while the national median household income stands at about $68,700. The high income levels in Howard County are reflective of the area's strong job market, high educational attainment, and desirable living conditions.

Howard County's income levels significantly surpass both state and national averages, highlighting its economic affluence.

As of the latest available data, Howard County, MD, is generally considered a safe area with lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the crime rate per 1,000 residents was approximately 14.5. Below is a summary table showing the number of incidents for various types of crimes per 1,000 residents:

Please note that these values may change as new data becomes available, so it's advisable to check the latest crime statistics from reliable sources like the Howard County Police Department or local government websites.