The Largest City in Maryland Now and in 2050
Maryland plays a vital role in the nation’s history. Inner Harbor functioned as a hub of industry with steel mills and shipbuilding warehouses. It was one of the first states in the nation. Today, Maryland remains home to millions of people and offers an eclectic blend of rural living, cities, suburbs, and culture.
Despite its size, Maryland has some pretty large cities. Do you know what the largest city in Maryland is now, and what it will be in 2050? Keep reading to find out.
What Is the Largest City in Maryland?
Baltimore is in Maryland, one of the smallest states but also often called “America in Miniature” because of its diverse landscape.
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Baltimore is the largest and most populous city in Maryland with a massive population of over 580,000. It blows every other city in Maryland out of the water by hundreds of thousands of residents. Affectionately known as Charm City, it honors the past and looks eagerly to the future.
The city of Baltimore holds the birthplace of the nation’s anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” (Francis Scott Key wrote it at Fort McHenry at the mouth of Inner Harbor) and has become a national producer of some of the best seafood: Sweet Maryland blue crabs. Not only does Baltimore (and Maryland in general) become synonymous with all things crabs — it’s also where the nationally-favored seasoning Old Bay was invented.
Over the last 10 years, Baltimore invested many resources to continue its season of growth. Not only does Inner Harbor have days worth of activities for the whole family; the city of Baltimore as a whole has experienced an uptick in its economy.
Baltimore Statistics and Economics
Baltimore’s economy thrived in 2023.
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According to the Baltimore Banner, in 2023 Baltimore’s economy grew significantly — more than almost any other city in Maryland. What’s the proof?
Well, in 2023 Baltimore City had a 5.9% increase over 2021 and 2022 GDP, resulting in a whopping $50 billion generated in its 80 square meter radius. The only locale that outpaced this economic growth was Somerset County in Maryland, though the economy of that county is about 50 times smaller.
Not only does Baltimore rank as the second fastest-growing economic city in 2023 for the state, it’s the eighth-fastest-growing in the entire country. Mayor Brandon Scott said, “I firmly believe that a stronger economy means a better Baltimore and positively impacts everything from public safety outcomes to neighborhood quality-of-life. Baltimore has my word that we will continue to ensure that all communities are able to participate in our growing economy in line with my administration’s commitment to equitable development.”
As such, Baltimore is well on its way to maintaining its hold as the largest city in Maryland, even this early into 2024.
What Attracts People to Baltimore?
Inner Harbor in Baltimore attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of new residents each year.
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The locale of Inner Harbor draws residents and tourists to the flourishing arts, culture, sports, and food districts of Baltimore. At Inner Harbor, visitors can experience:
- An Orioles game at Camden Yards.
- A day at sea in the National Aquarium.
- Living history at the Fort McHenry National Monument.
- The largest public collection of Matisse in the world.
- A massive, several-story-high library attached to Johns Hopkins University.
Add to this the dozens of shops, restaurants, and museums in the Inner Harbor sphere and you have weeks worth of entertainment at your feet. Baltimore, and Inner Harbor specifically, is incredibly kid-friendly. It encourages exploration through the many different districts to find what suits you: whether you’re looking for public markets, African American culture, pet-friendly options, nightlife, or specialty-owned businesses.
What Will Be the Largest City in Maryland in 30 Years?
Baltimore will still big the largest city in Maryland in 2050.
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In 30 years, Baltimore will still be the largest city in Maryland. Despite its slight decrease in population growth rate year over year, the next closest city is thousands of thousands of residents away from competing and probably won’t catch up. Baltimore has also seen a boom in its economy in 2023, leading to more jobs, more attractive neighborhoods to entice residents, and more opportunities for improvement.
Furthermore, the city kicked off a planning process for the region’s Comprehensive Plan in April 2022. The master plan seeks to “guide equitable neighborhood development over the next ten years” and to retain and support residents.
Top 5 Largest Cities in Maryland: A Comparison
| Ranking | City | Population (2020 Census) | Annual Population Growth Rate | Total Area | Median Household Income (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Baltimore | 583,132 | -1.14% | 80.95 | $58,349 |
| #2 | Frederick | 78,215 | 1.76% | 23.79 | $89,981 |
| #3 | Gaithersburg | 69,522 | -0.6% | 10.32 | $104,544 |
| #4 | Rockville | 67,357 | -0.32% | 13.59 | $122,470 |
| #5 | Bowie | 58,226 | -1% | 19.77 | $138,797 |
The Free State’s Future
Baltimore’s a large city — the largest in Maryland and among the top 20 in the United States. The city of Baltimore has a plethora of activities to engage in, like specialty shopping, eclectic restaurants, sports games, and nature. Over the next 30 years, Baltimore will continue to grow and maintain its hold as the state’s most populous city.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © pabradyphoto/iStock via Getty Images
