Physical Features

Baltimore County is situated in the geographic center of the State and surrounds the City of Baltimore almost completely. Its location is in a metropolitan area with a population in excess of 2.6 million. The City of Baltimore and Baltimore County are entirely separate political units.

During the last two decades, the basic demography of the County has changed from predominantly rural to a suburban and rural mix. Within its 612 square miles (plus an additional 28 square miles of water) are situated at least 29 identifiable unincorporated communities which, as of 2000, ranged in population from approximately 5,000 to 63,000. The County's seat of government is located in Towson. Today, the County maintains the third highest population and the largest land area of any political subdivision in the State of Maryland.

Summary:

Land Area--612 square miles
Water Area--28 square miles
Chesapeake Bay Coastline--173 miles
Elevation--Sea level to 1,000 feet; primarily ranges from 200-700 feet