Washington County, Maryland

Washington County is located in the western part of the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 census, the population was 154,705.[1] It is the most populous county in the Western Maryland region and its county seat is Hagerstown.[2]

Washington County
County
Burnside's Bridge in Washington County, site of heavy combat during the Battle of Antietam
Burnside's Bridge in Washington County, site of heavy combat during the Battle of Antietam
Flag of Washington County
Flag
Official seal of Washington County
Seal
Map of Maryland highlighting Washington County
Location within the U.S. state of Maryland
Map of the United States highlighting Maryland
Maryland's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°36′N 77°49′W
Country United States
State Maryland
FoundedSeptember 6, 1776
Named forGeorge Washington
SeatHagerstown
Largest cityHagerstown
Area
 • Total467 sq mi (1,210 km2)
 • Land458 sq mi (1,190 km2)
 • Water9.6 sq mi (25 km2)  2.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total154,705 Increase
 • Density330/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitewww.washco-md.net

Washington County was the first county in the United States to be named for the Revolutionary War general (and later President) George Washington. Washington County is one of three Maryland counties recognized by the Appalachian Regional Commission as being part of Appalachia.[3] The county borders southern Pennsylvania to the north, Northern Virginia to the south, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia to the south and west. Washington County is included in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA Combined Statistical Area.

History
The Washington County seal from 1950 to 1988; de facto as it was never officially adopted.

The western portions of the Province of Maryland (including present Washington County) were incorporated into Prince George's County in 1696. This original county included six current counties. The first to be created was Frederick, separated from Prince George's County in 1748.

Following independence, the sovereign State of Maryland formed Washington County on September 6, 1776, by the division of Frederick County. At the same time, a portion of Frederick County became part of the newly created Montgomery County along with portions from Prince George's County and Charles' County, and was named for General Richard Montgomery. Washington County as created included land later to become Allegany County (created in 1789) and Garrett County (included in Allegany County when it was created in 1789, but separated from Allegany County in 1872). Washington County thus originally included the entire western part of the state.[4]

A number of properties in the county are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[5]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 467 square miles (1,210 km2), of which 458 square miles (1,190 km2) is land and 9.6 square miles (25 km2) (2.0%) is water.[6]

Washington County is located in the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from the Ridge-and-Valley Country in the west to South Mountain in the east, which is an extension of the Blue Ridge. Much of the county lies in the broad Hagerstown Valley between these two zones; the valley is part of the Great Appalachian Valley that continues southward into Virginia and West Virginia as the Shenandoah Valley and northward into Pennsylvania as the Cumberland Valley.

The county is bordered to the north by the Mason–Dixon line with Pennsylvania, to the south by the Potomac River and the states of Virginia and West Virginia, to the west by Sideling Hill Creek and Allegany County, Maryland, and to the east by Frederick County and South Mountain.

Adjacent counties

Major highways
View south along I-81 from I-70 in Washington County

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
179015,822—
180018,65017.9%
181018,7300.4%
182023,07523.2%
183025,2689.5%
184028,85014.2%
185030,8486.9%
186031,4171.8%
187034,71210.5%
188038,56111.1%
189039,7823.2%
190045,13313.5%
191049,6179.9%
192059,69420.3%
193065,88210.4%
194068,8384.5%
195078,88614.6%
196091,21915.6%
1970103,82913.8%
1980113,0868.9%
1990121,3937.3%
2000131,9238.7%
2010147,43011.8%
2020154,7054.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010–2018[11]

2000 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 147,430 people, 49,726 households, and 34,112 families residing in the county. The population density was 315 inhabitants per square mile (122/km2). There were 52,972 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.71% White or Caucasian, 7.77% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. 1.19% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race, 32.1% identified as being of German ancestry, 21.4% American, 8.8% Irish, and 8.4% English ancestry.

There were 49,726 households, out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.00% were married couples living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.00 males.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 147,430 people, 55,687 households, and 37,506 families residing in the county.[12] The population density was 322.1 inhabitants per square mile (124.4/km2). There were 60,814 housing units at an average density of 132.8 per square mile (51.3/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 85.1% white, 9.6% black or African American, 1.4% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.5% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 31.7% were German, 14.1% were Irish, 9.8% were English, 8.5% were American, and 5.1% were Italian.[14]

Of the 55,687 households, 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.6% were non-families, and 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01. The median age was 39.7 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $52,994 and the median income for a family was $65,811. Males had a median income of $47,622 versus $34,225 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,588. About 7.7% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Communities
Hagerstown
Williamsport

City

Towns

Census-designated places

The Census Bureau recognizes the following census-designated places in the county:

Hancock

Unincorporated communities
Sharpsburg

Politics and government

Federal representation

The county is located within Maryland's 6th congressional district. The representative of the district currently is David Trone (D).

Like most of Appalachia, German-influenced and Unionist Western Maryland,[16] Washington County is solidly Republican. The last Democrat to carry Washington County at a Presidential level was Lyndon Johnson during his 1964 landslide win over Barry Goldwater, although between 1888 and 1940 the county was a consistent bellwether for all Presidential elections.

Voter Registration and Party Enrollment of Washington County[17]
Party Total Percentage
Democratic 31,712 31.60%
Republican 44,402 44.25%
Independents, unaffiliated, and other 24,227 24.15%
Total 100,341 100.00%
United States presidential election results for Washington County, Maryland[18][19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 40,224 59.35% 26,044 38.42% 1,511 2.23%
2016 40,998 62.13% 21,129 32.02% 3,864 5.86%
2012 36,074 57.48% 25,042 39.90% 1,639 2.61%
2008 34,169 55.47% 26,245 42.61% 1,186 1.93%
2004 36,917 63.76% 20,387 35.21% 600 1.04%
2000 27,948 58.88% 18,221 38.38% 1,301 2.74%
1996 21,434 50.86% 16,481 39.11% 4,227 10.03%
1992 21,977 47.56% 16,495 35.70% 7,736 16.74%
1988 25,912 63.76% 14,408 35.45% 318 0.78%
1984 27,118 66.68% 13,329 32.78% 219 0.54%
1980 22,901 58.60% 14,118 36.12% 2,064 5.28%
1976 20,194 55.95% 15,902 44.05% 0 0.00%
1972 24,234 69.27% 10,039 28.70% 712 2.04%
1968 16,050 47.13% 11,266 33.08% 6,737 19.78%
1964 12,756 39.11% 19,858 60.89% 0 0.00%
1960 17,828 53.28% 15,632 46.72% 0 0.00%
1956 19,455 62.72% 11,562 37.28% 0 0.00%
1952 17,653 58.08% 12,657 41.64% 84 0.28%
1948 11,887 52.53% 10,588 46.79% 155 0.68%
1944 12,227 51.83% 11,365 48.17% 0 0.00%
1940 11,054 43.76% 14,125 55.91% 83 0.33%
1936 10,619 42.96% 14,050 56.84% 49 0.20%
1932 8,929 43.50% 11,370 55.39% 228 1.11%
1928 12,404 67.78% 5,816 31.78% 81 0.44%
1924 7,460 54.21% 4,620 33.57% 1,682 12.22%
1920 8,757 54.75% 6,852 42.84% 386 2.41%
1916 5,093 45.88% 5,642 50.83% 365 3.29%
1912 1,907 19.99% 4,589 48.10% 3,044 31.91%
1908 4,650 49.59% 4,518 48.18% 209 2.23%
1904 4,581 51.86% 4,064 46.01% 188 2.13%
1900 5,475 52.05% 4,862 46.22% 182 1.73%
1896 5,428 53.57% 4,382 43.24% 323 3.19%
1892 4,373 47.16% 4,667 50.33% 233 2.51%

State representation

Washington County is represented by two senators in the Maryland State Senate. Member George C. Edwards (R), serves the 1st district in Maryland and Andrew A. Serafini (R), serves in the 2nd district. The county also is represented in Maryland General Assembly’s other primary division, the Maryland House of Delegates. Delegates who stand for Washington County include: Mike McKay (R) for District 1C, Neil Parrot (R) and William Wivell (R) for District 2A and Paul Cordermen (R) for District 2B.[20]

County government

Washington County’s “leader” is known as the County Administrator. Currently, Kirk C. Downey serves as the Interim Administrator. However, Washington County's County Commissioners exercise executive powers as they exist in the government of the county.

The County Commissioners in Washington County comprise the traditional form of county government in Maryland. Current members include: Terry Baker (Vice President), Randall Wagner, Cort Meinelschmidt, Jeffrey A. Cline (President), and Wayne K. Keefer.[21]

Boonsboro

Economy

In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $40,617, and the median income for a family was $48,962. Males had a median income of $34,917 versus $24,524 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,062. About 7.00% of families and 9.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.30% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.

According to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the following were the major employers in the county (excluding post offices, state government, and local governments, but including public institutions of higher education):[22]

Employer Employees
(Nov. 2014)[22]
Meritus Health 2,730
Citi 2,700
First Data 2,322
Volvo Group 1,350
The Bowman Group 718
FedEx Ground 648
Staples Inc. 597
Hagerstown Community College 594
Merkle Response Management Group 545
Arc of Washington County 500
Direct Mail Processors 500
Walmart/Sam's Club 500
Sierra Nevada Corp. 486
Giant Food Stores/
Martin's Food Markets		 420
Weis Markets 400
Brook Lane Health Services 395
Lehigh Phoenix 360
A.C.&T 350
Susquehanna Bancshares 345
Dot Foods 312
JLG Industries 300
Home Depot 296
Lowe's 276
Thompson's Gas & Electric Service 275
United Parcel Service (UPS) 274
CertainTeed 250
Darden Restaurants 250
Sheetz 250
Tractor Supply 250
Homewood Retirement Centers 249
NMS Healthcare of Hagerstown 240
Horizon Goodwill Industries 229
C. William Hetzer 225
FedEx Freight 225

Washington County is top in the state for commercial production of fruits, tree nuts, and berries.[23]

Parks and recreation
Sideling Hill man-made mountain pass on I-68/U.S. 40 near Hancock

National parks

State parks

Museums, historic sites, and other points of interest

Education

Washington County Public Schools administers public schools in the county. See Washington County Public Schools – School Directory for a detailed listing of elementary, middle, high, and other schools.

High schools

Colleges and universities

Notable residents and natives
  • See People from Washington County.

See also

References
  1. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Washington County, Maryland". www.census.gov. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Counties in Appalachia - Appalachian Regional Commission". www.arc.gov. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  4. , Washington County, Maryland History and Genealogy, 2006. Retrieved 2008.
  5. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 24, 2008.
  6. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 13, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  7. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  8. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  9. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  10. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  11. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  12. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  13. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  14. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  15. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  16. Levine, Mark V.; ‘Standing Political Decisions and Critical Realignment: The Pattern of Maryland Politics, 1872-1948’; The Journal of Politics, volume 38, no. 2 (May, 1976), pp. 292-325
  17. "Summary of Voter Activity Report" (PDF). Maryland State Board of Elections. October 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  18. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  19. "Géographie électorale" [Electoral geography] (in French). Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  20. http://dls.state.md.us/data/libandinfser/libandinfser_docandpub/RosterByCounty.pdf
  21. "County Commissioners".
  22. Major Employers in Washington County, Maryland, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (Nov. 2014 data).
  23. "Census of Agriculture - State and County Profiles - Maryland". USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
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39.60°N 77.81°W / 39.60; -77.81

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