Harford County, Maryland | |
|---|---|
 Harford County Courthouse | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMaryland | |
| Coordinates:39°32′N76°18′W / 39.54°N 76.30°W /39.54; -76.30 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| Founded | December 17, 1773 |
| Named after | Henry Harford |
| Seat | Bel Air |
| Largest city | Aberdeen |
| Area | |
• Total | 527 sq mi (1,360 km2) |
| • Land | 437 sq mi (1,130 km2) |
| • Water | 90 sq mi (230 km2) 17% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 260,924 |
• Estimate (2023) | 264,644 |
| • Density | 597/sq mi (231/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | www |
Harford County is a county located in the U.S. state ofMaryland. As of the2020 census, the population was 260,924.[1] Itscounty seat isBel Air.[2] Harford County is part of theBaltimore metropolitan area and theWashington–Baltimore combined statistical area. The county is part of theCentral Maryland region of the state.
In 1608 the area was inhabited byMassawomecks andSusquehannocks.[3]: 16–17 The first European to see the area wasJohn Smith in 1608 when he traveled up theChesapeake Bay fromJamestown.[3]: 14–15 In 1652, the English and Susquehannocks signed atreaty at what is nowAnnapolis for the area now called Harford County.[3]: 24
Harford County was formed on March 22, 1774, from the eastern part ofBaltimore County with a population of 13,000 people.[3]: 13, 60 On March 22, 1775, Harford County hosted the signers of theBush Declaration, a precursor document to theAmerican Revolution.[3]: 102 On January 22, 1782, Bel Air became the county seat.[3]: 67
Havre de Grace, a city incorporated in 1785 within Harford County, was once under consideration to be thecapital of the United States rather than Washington, D.C.[3]: 250 It was favored for its strategic location at the top of theChesapeake Bay; this location would facilitatetrade while being secure in time of war.[4] Today, the waterways around Havre de Grace have become adversely affected by silt runoff, which is one of the primary environmental issues of Harford County.[5] While today the site is a MarylandNational Guard military reservation, the land was used as the Havre de Grace Racetrack where racehorseMan o' War ran in 1919 and 1920.[6]
During the 1900s the Bata Shoe Company employed numerous Eastern Europeanrefugees at theBelcamp factory.[7]: 4 In the 1940s theSusquehanna River tributaryBroad Creek was dammed to form the 55 acres (0.22 km2) at what is now theBroad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation.[8] In June 1972Hurricane Agnes overflowed the dam and flooded areas in many states.[9] On theCounty Health Rankings & Roadmaps by theRobert Wood Johnson Foundation with theUniversity of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, "prior to the 2016 report ... Harford's yearly rankings[10] typically fell between ninth and 10th place, primarily because of the percentage of county residents who were obese or who smoked."[11] Scenes fromTuck Everlasting,From Within, andHouse of Cards were all filmed in Harford County.[citation needed]
In 2011 the Office of National Drug Control Policy deemed Harford County a designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.[12]
The county was named forHenry Harford (c. 1759–1834), the illegitimate son ofFrederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. Henry Harford was born to Calvert's mistress, Hester Whelan, whose residence still stands as part of a private residence on Jarretsville Pike, in Phoenix, Maryland. Harford served as the last Proprietary Governor ofMaryland but, because of his illegitimacy, did not inherit his father's title.[3]: 53 There are 79 properties and districts listed on the National Register in the county, including oneNational Historic Landmark calledSion Hill.[13]
Harford County has environmental issues in three major areas:land use,water pollution/urban runoff, andsoil contamination/groundwater contamination.
As the county sits at the headwaters of theChesapeake Bay along theSusquehanna River, it plays a key role in controllingsediment andfertilizerrunoff into the bay as well as fosteringsubmerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) regrowth. The county has had to balance the needs of land owners to practice agriculture and/or pave land (creatingimpervious surfaces) with effects of runoff into the bay.
Harford County has been burdened by soil contamination and groundwater contamination since the creation of theAberdeen Proving Ground in 1917. The military installation performs research for theU.S. Army, including weapons testing, and has released various chemical agents into soil and groundwater, includingmustard gas andperchlorate. The bordering towns ofAberdeen,Edgewood andJoppatowne have been affected by this contamination.[14][15]
Aberdeen Proving Ground contains threeSuperfund priority sites as of 2006[update]. Groundwater contamination byMTBE, a mandatorygasoline additive, has also affectedFallston.[16][17]
_entering_Harford_County%2c_Maryland_from_Baltimore_County%2c_Maryland.jpg)
Harford County also faces controversy from residents living nearScarboro Landfill and Harford Waste Disposal Center, the only municipallandfill. The landfill, approved to triple in size in 2007, is the subject of complaints by neighbors of operating violations, such as large areas of open trash and blown litter;leachate breaks which contaminate area residential wells and flow intoDeer Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River; and increased health problems.[citation needed]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 527 square miles (1,360 km2), of which 437 square miles (1,130 km2) is land and 90 square miles (230 km2) (17%) is water.[18]
Harford County straddles the border between the rolling hills of thePiedmont Plateau and the flatlands of theAtlantic Coastal Plain along theChesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The county's development is a mix of rural and suburban, with denser development in the larger towns ofAberdeen andBel Air and alongRoute 40 and other major arteries leading out ofBaltimore. The highest elevations are in the north and northwest of the county, reaching 805 ft. near the Pennsylvania border in the county's northwestern corner. The lowest elevation is sea level along the Chesapeake Bay.
The January freezing isotherm runs across the northern part of the county and divides it into ahumid subtropical climate (Cfa) and a hot-summerhumid continental climate (Dfa.) Average monthly temperatures in Bel Air range from 32.6 °F in January to 76.6 °F in July, while in Aberdeen they range from 33.5 °F in January to 77.2 °F in July.[20]
| Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[21] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 80,499 | 41.69% | |||
| Democratic | 64,422 | 33.36% | |||
| Unaffiliated | 44,691 | 23.14% | |||
| Libertarian | 1,254 | 0.65% | |||
| Other parties | 2,241 | 1.16% | |||
| Total | 193,107 | 100% | |||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 83,050 | 55.33% | 62,453 | 41.61% | 4,587 | 3.06% |
| 2020 | 80,930 | 54.61% | 63,095 | 42.58% | 4,161 | 2.81% |
| 2016 | 77,860 | 58.25% | 47,077 | 35.22% | 8,735 | 6.53% |
| 2012 | 72,911 | 57.89% | 49,729 | 39.48% | 3,314 | 2.63% |
| 2008 | 71,751 | 58.19% | 48,552 | 39.38% | 2,992 | 2.43% |
| 2004 | 71,565 | 63.48% | 39,685 | 35.20% | 1,478 | 1.31% |
| 2000 | 52,862 | 57.82% | 35,665 | 39.01% | 2,897 | 3.17% |
| 1996 | 39,686 | 50.76% | 29,779 | 38.08% | 8,726 | 11.16% |
| 1992 | 36,350 | 45.05% | 27,164 | 33.67% | 17,173 | 21.28% |
| 1988 | 38,493 | 65.73% | 19,803 | 33.81% | 270 | 0.46% |
| 1984 | 37,382 | 68.41% | 17,133 | 31.36% | 127 | 0.23% |
| 1980 | 26,713 | 52.44% | 20,042 | 39.34% | 4,186 | 8.22% |
| 1976 | 24,309 | 55.00% | 19,890 | 45.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1972 | 25,141 | 73.16% | 8,737 | 25.42% | 488 | 1.42% |
| 1968 | 15,799 | 51.48% | 9,914 | 32.30% | 4,978 | 16.22% |
| 1964 | 9,968 | 42.38% | 13,550 | 57.62% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 12,090 | 56.54% | 9,293 | 43.46% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 12,657 | 65.77% | 6,588 | 34.23% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 10,770 | 60.99% | 6,809 | 38.56% | 80 | 0.45% |
| 1948 | 6,168 | 52.49% | 5,494 | 46.76% | 88 | 0.75% |
| 1944 | 6,751 | 58.25% | 4,839 | 41.75% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 6,501 | 53.91% | 5,500 | 45.61% | 59 | 0.49% |
| 1936 | 5,327 | 46.20% | 6,165 | 53.46% | 39 | 0.34% |
| 1932 | 3,954 | 39.02% | 6,073 | 59.93% | 107 | 1.06% |
| 1928 | 6,479 | 64.53% | 3,506 | 34.92% | 55 | 0.55% |
| 1924 | 3,545 | 45.69% | 3,841 | 49.51% | 372 | 4.80% |
| 1920 | 4,175 | 49.86% | 4,134 | 49.37% | 65 | 0.78% |
| 1916 | 2,302 | 40.16% | 3,345 | 58.36% | 85 | 1.48% |
| 1912 | 1,737 | 30.40% | 3,064 | 53.63% | 912 | 15.96% |
| 1908 | 2,742 | 45.91% | 3,148 | 52.71% | 82 | 1.37% |
| 1904 | 2,561 | 43.91% | 3,151 | 54.02% | 121 | 2.07% |
| 1900 | 3,145 | 45.42% | 3,509 | 50.67% | 271 | 3.91% |
| 1896 | 3,374 | 47.49% | 3,360 | 47.29% | 371 | 5.22% |
| 1892 | 2,449 | 40.67% | 3,309 | 54.95% | 264 | 4.38% |
Harford County is, like thePennsylvania Dutch Country to its north, a strongly Republican region. No Democratic presidential candidate has carried Harford County sinceLyndon Johnson’s landslide of 1964, although recent trends have shown the county voting less Republican over the past few elections. In the period before World War II Harford leaned strongly Democratic as it had sizeable Confederate sympathies,[23] but during and sinceWorld War II the county has turned away from its traditional allegiances.[citation needed]
Harford County was granted acharter form ofgovernment in 1972. This means that the county is run by a County Executive and Council President, both elected at large, as well as Council Members, elected from districts. Currently, there are six districts in Harford County. Also elected at large is the Sheriff, who runs theHarford County Sheriff's Office, the State's Attorney, who prosecutes all crimes in the county, the Register of Wills, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
The HarfordCounty Executive isRobert Cassilly (Republican). Primary law enforcement in the county is handled by theHarford County Sheriff's Office, which has precincts inJarrettsville,Edgewood andBel Air. The current Sheriff is Jeffrey Gahler (R). TheMaryland State Police also have a barrack located in Bel Air which serves the citizens of Harford County. Municipal police needs are provided by theBel Air Police Department, theAberdeen Police Department and theHavre De Grace Police Department. The current State's Attorney is Alison Healey, the first woman to hold the post. Directors are nominated by the Executive and approved by the council. The Volunteer Fire & EMS Association department[24] is led by Russell Eyre.[25]
Patrick Vincenti is the council president. Dion F. Guthrie represents district A which includes Joppa and Edgewood. Aaron David Penman represents district B which includes Abingdon and Fallston. Tony "G" Giangiordano represents district C which includes Bel Air and Forest Hill. James Reilly represents district D which includes Jarrettsville, Street, and Darlington. Jessica Boyle-Tsottles represents district E which includes Churchville and Aberdeen. Jacob D. Bennett represents district F which includes Belcamp and Havre de Grace.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 14,976 | — | |
| 1800 | 17,626 | 17.7% | |
| 1810 | 21,258 | 20.6% | |
| 1820 | 15,924 | −25.1% | |
| 1830 | 16,319 | 2.5% | |
| 1840 | 17,120 | 4.9% | |
| 1850 | 19,356 | 13.1% | |
| 1860 | 23,415 | 21.0% | |
| 1870 | 22,605 | −3.5% | |
| 1880 | 28,042 | 24.1% | |
| 1890 | 28,993 | 3.4% | |
| 1900 | 28,269 | −2.5% | |
| 1910 | 27,965 | −1.1% | |
| 1920 | 29,291 | 4.7% | |
| 1930 | 31,603 | 7.9% | |
| 1940 | 35,060 | 10.9% | |
| 1950 | 51,782 | 47.7% | |
| 1960 | 76,722 | 48.2% | |
| 1970 | 115,378 | 50.4% | |
| 1980 | 145,930 | 26.5% | |
| 1990 | 182,132 | 24.8% | |
| 2000 | 218,590 | 20.0% | |
| 2010 | 244,826 | 12.0% | |
| 2020 | 260,924 | 6.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 264,644 | [26] | 1.4% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[27] 1790–1960[28] 1900–1990[29] 1990–2000[30] 2010–2020[1] | |||
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 260,924. The median age was 40.8 years, 22.5% of residents were under 18, and 16.9% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.2 males. 79.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 20.9% lived in rural areas.[31][32][33]
The racial makeup of the county was 72.9% White, 14.5%Black or African American, 0.3%American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.1%Asian, 0.1%Native Hawaiian andPacific Islander, 2.1% from some other race, and 7.1% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 5.4% of the population.[33]
There were 98,282 households in the county, of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 24.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[32]
There were 103,284 housing units, of which 4.8% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 76.7% were owner-occupied and 23.3% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.2%.[32]
As of the2010 United States census, there were 244,826 people, 90,218 households, and 66,335 families residing in the county.[34] The population density was 560.1 inhabitants per square mile (216.3/km2). There were 95,554 housing units at an average density of 218.6 per square mile (84.4/km2).[35] The racial makeup of the county was 81.2% white, 12.7% black or African American, 2.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.9% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.5% of the population.[34] In terms of ancestry, 28.1% were German, 19.8% were Irish, 12.2% were English, 9.9% were Italian, 6.8% were Polish, and 6.2% were American.[36]
Of the 90,218 households, 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 26.5% were non-families, and 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.13. The median age was 39.4 years.[34]
The median income for a household in the county was $77,010 and the median income for a family was $88,370. Males had a median income of $59,734 versus $44,706 for females. The per capita income for the county was $33,559. About 4.0% of families and 5.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.[37]
As of thecensus[38] of 2000, there were 218,590 people, 79,667 households, and 60,387 families residing in the county. The population density was 496 people per square mile (192 people/km2). There were 83,146 housing units at an average density of 189 per square mile (73/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 86.77%White, 9.27%African-American, 0.23%Native American, 1.52%Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 0.69% fromother races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 1.91% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 22.5% were ofGerman, 13.1%Irish, 9.8%Italian, 9.2% English, 8.1% "American" and 6.0% Polish ancestry.
In 2000 there were 79,667 households, out of which 38.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.20% were non-families. 19.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $57,234, and the median income for a family was $63,868. Males had a median income of $43,612 versus $30,741 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $24,232. About 3.60% of families and 4.90% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 5.80% of those under age 18 and 6.70% of those age 65 or over.
According to theMaryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the following were the top employers in Harford County:
| Employer | # of Employees Nov. 2014[39] | # of Employees Dec. 2011[40] |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | 16,797 | 15,582 |
| Upper Chesapeake Health | 3,129 | 2,900 |
| Rite Aid (Mid-Atlantic Customer Support Center) | 1,300 | 1,500 |
| Kohl's | 1,255 | NA |
| Harford Community College | 1,029 | 982 |
| Klein's ShopRite of Maryland | 1,000 | 800 |
| Wal-Mart | 900 | 497 |
| Jacobs Technology | 865 | 787 |
| Home Depot | 500 | NA |
| Target Corporation | 500 | 495 |
| Wegmans Food Markets | 499 | 525 |
| BSC America | 475 | 250 |
| American Infrastructure | 445 | 352 |
| Macy's | 431 | NA |
| Booz Allen Hamilton | 430 | NA |
| McDonald's | 420 | NA |
| Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) | 410 | 415 |
| Frito-Lay | 379 | 435 |
| Sephora USA | 378 | 454 |
| Leidos (formerlySAIC) | 370 | 607 |
| Independent Can | 350 | NA |
| Saks Fifth Avenue | 320 | 525 |
| CACI | 313 | 292 |
| APG Federal Credit Union | 305 | NA |
| SafeNet | 300 | NA |
| Areas USA | 251 | NA |
| Citizens Care & Rehabilitation Center | 250 | 250 |
| Dixie Construction | 250 | NA |
| Jones Junction Auto Group | 250 | NA |
| Northrop Grumman | 250 | 250 |
| Redner's Markets | 250 | 250 |
| Wawa | 250 | 252 |
| Giant Food | 249 | 378 |
| Mars Super Markets | 249 | NA |
| L-3 Communications | NA | 400 |
| Alcore | NA | 350 |
| Blue Dot of Maryland | NA | 330 |
| Custom Direct | NA | 295 |
| Weis Markets | NA | 290 |
| Constar | NA | 251 |
| Arc of Harford County | NA | 250 |
TheSusquehanna Symphony Orchestra, formerly the Harford Community Orchestra, is an orchestra that is based in Harford County. The group is made up of 70 musicians from many professions.[41]
TheHavre De Grace Decoy Museum is a museum dedicated to working and decorative decoys used on the Chesapeake Bay.[42]
Harford Community College hosts many cultural spots. The Student Center hosts the Chesapeake Gallery, a collection of artwork from established artists, as well as students and faculty, and the Chesapeake Theater, a theater venue used by the Phoenix Festival Theater Company, a student run theater group.[43]
Harford Community College also has the Joppa Hall, which houses the Blackbox Theatre, an additional theater venue used by the Harford Dance Theater Company and the HCC Actors Guild. The Joppa Hall also houses the Joppa Recital Halls, a venue for musical performances.[44]
Also at HCC is the Hays-Heighe House, a museum dedicated to the history of Harford County.[45]
The Historical Society of Harford County, one of the oldest county historical societies in Maryland, was established in 1885 to preserve, promote, and interpret the history of the county and its people. Today, it is headquartered on Main Street in downtown Bel Air in the historic 1936 Old Bel Air Post Office Building, where it maintains an archive, exhibit space, and research library.[46]
No major league sports teams are based in Harford County. The list of sports teams and organizations are shown below:
| Program | Colors | Conference | League | Facilities | Level |
| Aberdeen IronBirds | North Division | South Atlantic League | Ripken Stadium | High-A Minor League Baseball | |
| Harford Community College Fighting Owls | MD JUCO | NJCAA | Harford Sports Complex | College | |
| Aberdeen Eagles | Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference | MPSSAA | Various | High School | |
| Bel Air Bobcats | |||||
| C. Milton Wright Mustangs | |||||
| Edgewood Rams | |||||
| Fallston Cougars | |||||
| Harford Technical Cobras | |||||
| Havre De Grace Warriors | |||||
| Joppatowne Mariners | |||||
| North Harford Hawks | |||||
| Patterson Mill Huskies | |||||
| Harford Christian Eagles | N/A | MACSAC | |||
| John Carroll Patriots | MIAA -B (Boys) IAAM (Girls) Baltimore Catholic League (Basketball) |
Harford County is the home of several sports icons, including2006 Winter Olympics figure skating competitorKimmie Meissner,Baseball Hall of Famer and formerBaltimore OrioleCal Ripken, and formerMinnesota Vikings linebackerEJ Henderson.
TheConowingo Dam is on the eastern border of Harford County.
_from_the_overpass_for_Maryland_State_Route_24_(Vietnam_Veterans_Memorial_Highway)_on_the_edge_of_Edgewood_and_Bel_Air_South_in_Harford_County%2c_Maryland.jpg)
Buses are run by the county-ownedHarford Transit. The state-operatedMARCPenn Line serves Edgewood and Aberdeen.
TheHarford County Airport is a small airport inChurchville. Its available for recreational pilots & flight training, as well as sight seeing, balloon rides, hang gliding and sky diving.
Health services are provided byUpper Chesapeake Health System. Harford Memorial Hospital located inHavre De Grace and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center located inBel Air form the two hospital system. UCHS is a member of theUniversity of Maryland Medical System.
The Harford County Public Schools system is the public school system serving the residents of Harford County. It includes thirty-two elementary schools, nine middle schools, ten high schools and one charter school.
Harford Community College, located in Churchville, offers 2-year associate degrees and vocational programs. Recently, Harford Community College has entered into several partnerships with local four-year colleges for enhanced offerings, for credit at those institutions, to be taught on campus and at the surrounding buildings. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland, located on the grounds of Harford Community College, offers a select amount of four-year degrees that students can obtain after completing the required credits at Harford Community College.[49]
The newspaper of record isThe Aegis. Several radio stations are located in Harford County.WAMD at 970 AM licensed to Aberdeen follows the format ofTop40.WHFC at 91.1 FM licensed to Bel-Air follows the format ofVariety.WHGM at 1330 AM/104.7 FM licensed toHavre De Grace follows the format ofAdult hits.WXCY-FM at 103.7 FM licensed to Havre De Grace follows the format ofCountry. The Harford Cable Network, or HCN,[50] provides local TV. It shows local government events, high school and Fighting Owl sporting events and religious programming, among others.
Prior to the 2016 report ... Harford's yearly rankings typically fell between ninth and 10th place, primarily because of the percentage of county residents who were obese or who smoked.
For 46 years Bair has led the SSO, a Harford County ensemble composed of 70 accomplished musicians from 18 to 80, many of whom offset the stress of their regular jobs by tooting their own horns. Some attend evening rehearsals straight from work, like the police officer who arrived wearing her body armor. It's an eclectic bunch including doctors, nurses, teachers and stay-at-home moms.
The Decoy Museum houses the most extensive collection of working and decorative Chesapeake Decoys.
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