Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Anne Arundel County (; ), also notated as AA or A.A. County, is located in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 588,261, an increase of just under 10% since 2010. Its county seat is Annapolis, which is also the capital of the state. The county is named for Anne Arundell (c. 1615/1616–1649), Lady Baltimore, a member of the Arundell family in Cornwall, England, and the wife of Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (1605–1675), founder and first lord proprietor of the colony Province of Maryland. The county is part of the Central Maryland region of the state. Anne Arundel County is included in the Washington–Baltimore–Arlington combined statistical area. History The county was named for Lady Anne Arundell (1615/1616–1649), the daughter of Thomas Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour, members of the ancient family of Arundells in Cornwall, England. She married Cecilius Calvert, second Lord Baltimore (1605–1675), and the first lord proprietor of the colony, Province of Maryland, in an arranged marriage contract in 1627 or 1628. Modern spelling adds an 'e' to her first name of "Ann" and removes the second 'L' from the family name of "Arundell", but the old traditional spelling of her name is still used in the title of the local historical society, the Ann Arundell County Historical Society. Anne Arundel County was originally part of St. Mary's County, the province's first erected county in the southern portion of the Province of Maryland, which had first been established by arriving settlers in 1634. In 1650, the year after Lady Ann Arundell's death, the county separated from St. Mary's and "erected" into its own jurisdiction and became the third of the 23 Maryland counties. It was composed of the hundreds of Town Neck, Middle Neck, Broad Neck, South River, West River, and Herring Creek. Between 1654 and 1658, the county was known as "Providence" by many of its early settlers. On March 25, 1655, after the English Civil War, (1642–1651), in Europe, the Battle of the Severn, the first naval colonial battle ever fought in North America, was fought in Anne Arundel County on the Severn River between Puritan forces supporting the Commonwealth of England and forces loyal to Lord Proprietor Cecilius Calvert. The Commonwealth forces under Captain William Fuller were victorious. In 1692, the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, became the established church of the Province of Maryland through an Act of the General Assembly. Ten counties had been established in the colony, and those counties were divided into 30 parishes, with vestrymen appointed within each. Ann Arrundell County was divided into four parishes: Herring Creek, South River, Middle Neck, and Broad Neck. Between 1694 and 1695, the provincial capital of Maryland was moved from St. Mary's City along the northern shore of the Potomac River across from the southern colonial border with the Province of Virginia in St. Mary's County farther north along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, midway in the colony to Annapolis in Anne Arundel County. Prior to the move, Annapolis was known as "Providence". During the American Revolutionary War, citizens of Anne Arundel County supported the Continental Army by providing troops for three regiments. The 3rd Maryland Regiment, the 4th Maryland Regiment, and the 6th Maryland Regiment were recruited in the county. During the War of 1812, one of the original six heavy frigates of the recently re-established United States Navy, U.S.S. Constitution, sailed from Annapolis prior to its victorious engagement with the H.M.S. Guerriere of the British Royal Navy. On May 22, 1830, the inaugural horse-drawn train of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad travelled the 13 miles (21 km) of the newly completed track from Mount Clare Station in southwestern Baltimore to Ellicott Mills (now Ellicott City), then in the Western or Howard District (now Howard County) of Anne Arundel County. This was the first regular railroad passenger service in the United States. In 1831, land west of the railroad was considered the Howard District of Anne Arundel County. In 1851, the Howard District was broken off to form Howard County, now the 21st county in Maryland (of 23). The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 588 sq mi (1,520 km2), of which 173 sq mi (450 km2) (29%) is covered by water. Anne Arundel County is located to the south of Baltimore. Most of the county's borders are defined by water. To the east lies the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and numerous tidal tributaries of the bay indent the shoreline, the various rivers, creeks, streams, inlets forming prominent peninsulas, also known as "necks" (as further south in Virginia). The largest of these tributaries include (from north to south), the Magothy River, Severn River, South River, and the West River. Further south, the upper Patuxent River forms the border of Anne Arundel with Prince George's County to the west. Deep Run forms part of the northwestern border with Howard County, and Lyons Creek forms part of the southern border with Calvert County. The Patapsco River to the north is the border with Baltimore County, but the communities and areas of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay neighborhoods (and adjacent Fairfield, Wagner's Point [also known as East Brooklyn], Arundel Cove [off of Curtis Creek], and Hawkins Point), lying south of the Patapsco River were annexed from Anne Arundel County to Baltimore in the third major annexation of January 1919. Anne Arundel County originally included all of the land between the Patuxent River and the Patapsco River (mainstem and South Branch) upstream to their headwaters on Parr's Ridge. The northwestern section of this long tract later became Howard County, with the border between the two running very close to the Atlantic Seaboard fall line. As a result, Anne Arundel County lies almost entirely within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, while Howard County is almost entirely within the Piedmont province. Elevations in Anne Arundel County range from sea level at the Chesapeake and tidal tributaries to about 300 feet (91 m) in western areas near the fall line. The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, but more dramatic banks and bluffs can be found where waterways cut through areas of higher elevation. With the exception of the very limited extent of Piedmont underlain by Precambrian to early Paleozoic metamorphic rock, all of the county is underlain by thick deposits of gravel, sand, silt, and clay dating from the early Cretaceous to Holocene times. Most of these sediments are unconsolidated but include local formations of sandstone, especially in the Pasadena area. Adjacent counties and independent city National protected area Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (part) Climate Anne Arundel County has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Annual precipitation averages around 40 in (100 cm) per year throughout the county, with a fairly even distribution throughout the year. Annual snowfall totals around 20.1 in (51 cm) on average at BWI Airport, which has an elevation of 156 ft (47.5 m) above sea level. Slightly colder winter temperatures and higher snowfall are experienced at the higher elevations, with slightly lower snowfall closer to sea level. According to the most recent USDA Hardiness zone maps, the lowland areas of the county fall into Zone 8a, with an expected annual minimum temperatures of 10 to 15 °F (−12 to −9 °C), while higher elevation and inland areas fall into Zone 7b, with expected annual minima of 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12 °C). Politics and government Anne Arundel County has had a charter government since 1965. The government consists of a county executive and a seven-member county council. These members are elected in the same years Maryland conducts its gubernatorial and legislative elections, and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Democrats have the most registered voters in the county, but the large number of Republican-leaning independents means Republicans win more county-wide elections than in other mostly suburban counties in Maryland, but Democrats are the dominant party in Annapolis city elections. In the 2016 presidential election, Anne Arundel County voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by 6,016 votes. It was the first time that the county had supported a Democrat for president since 1964. Four years later, Joe Biden won the county by nearly 15%, the largest margin of victory for a Democrat in the county since the landslide election of Lyndon Johnson in the 1964 presidential election. Anne Arundel County is one of six "reverse pivot counties", counties that voted Republican in 2008 and 2012 before voting Democratic in 2016 onward. Voter registration County Executives The county executive oversees the executive branch of the county government, which consists of a number of offices and departments. The executive branch is charged with implementing County law and overseeing the operation of the county government. County Council The County Council, as the legislative branch, adopts ordinances and resolutions, and has all of the county's legislative powers. The most recent county election occurred November 8, 2022. Members have four-year terms and are limited to three terms in a row. Law enforcement Several major law enforcement agencies serve Anne Arundel County: Anne Arundel County Police Department is headed by Chief Amal Awad. Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office is headed by Sheriff Everett Sesker. Annapolis Police Department Maryland State Police Maryland Natural Resources Police Maryland Transportation Authority Police Maryland Transit Administration Police Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities Federal representation In the 119th Congress, Anne Arundel County is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Sarah Elfreth (D) of the 3rd district, and Steny Hoyer (D) of the 5th district. Demographics Racial and ethnic composition 2020 census As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 588,261. The median age was 38.8 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 93.9 males age 18 and over. 92.5% of residents lived in urban areas, while 7.5% lived in rural areas. The racial makeup of the county was 64.2% White, 17.8% Black or African American, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.3% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 4.8% from some other race, and 8.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 9.7% of the population. There were 219,971 households in the county, of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 25.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 233,130 housing units, of which 5.6% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 71.9% were owner-occupied and 28.1% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.5%. 2010 census As of the 2010 United States census, 537,656 people, 199,378 households, and 139,262 families were residing in the county. The population density was 1,295.9/sq mi (500.3/km2). The 212,562 housing units had an average density of 512.3/sq mi (197.8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 75.4% White, 15.5% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from some other race, and 2.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 23.3% were German, 18.6% were Irish, 12.3% were English, 7.4% were Italian, 5.0% were Polish, and 4.4% were American. Of the 199,378 households, 34.6% had children under 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.2% were not families, and 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.63, and the average family size was 3.11. The median age was 38.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $83,456 and for a family was $97,557. Males had a median income of $63,187 versus $48,750 for females. The per capita income for the county was $38,660. About 3.3% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, 489,656 people, 178,670 households, and 129,178 families were residing in the county. The population density was 1,177 people/sq mi. There were 186,937 housing units with an average density of 449 per square mile (173/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 81.24% White, 13.57% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 2.29% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.85% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. About 2.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race; 17.7% were of German, 13.1% Irish, 10.5% English, 8.1% United States or American, and 7.0% Italian ancestry. Of the 178,670 households, 34.9% had children under 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were not families. About 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.65, and the average family size was 3.09. In the county, the age distribution was 25.2% under 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males. Economy Principal employers According to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the following were the principal employers in the county in November 2014 (excluding U.S. post offices and state and local governments, but including public institutions of higher education). Personal income In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $61,768, and the median income for a family was $69,019 (these figures had risen to $79,294 and $91,071 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $43,747 versus $32,348 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,578. About 3.60% of families and 5.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.30% of those under age 18 and 5.80% of those age 65 or over. State government Several state agencies are headquartered in unincorporated areas in Anne Arundel County. Executive departments include the Department of Agriculture, the Aviation Administration, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Transportation. The Rural Maryland Council, an independent agency, is also headquartered in an unincorporated area in the county. State correctional facilities The Maryland House of Correction, operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, was located in Anne Arundel County. The prison was closed in 2007. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services operates several additional correctional facilities in the unincorporated town of Jessup in Anne Arundel County, including: Brockbridge Correctional Facility Jessup Correctional Institution Jessup Pre-Release Unit Maryland Correctional Institution – Jessup Maryland Correctional Institution for Women District of Columbia facilities The District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) operates the New Beginnings Youth Development Center, a secure youth prison, in the county. Oak Hill Youth Center, the previous DYRS secure facility, was also in the county. U.S. Department of Defense facilities Fort George G. Meade is a large U.S. Army post located in the northwest of the county. It is the home of the National Security Agency. The Naval Academy is located in Annapolis. Healthcare There are two full-service hospitals in Anne Arundel County: Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and Baltimore Washington Medical Center (formerly North Arundel Hospital) in Glen Burnie, part of the University of Maryland Medical System. Media The newspapers of record are The Capital and the Maryland Gazette (now owned by The Capital), which was founded in 1727. Education Children are educated by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, which cover the entire county. Postsecondary education is offered by Anne Arundel Community College at several locations throughout the county. Anne Arundel County is also home to the United States Naval Academy and St. John's College, U.S., both in Annapolis. Transportation Anne Arundel County is the home of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, commonly referred to as BWI. BWI serves as the main airport for the metropolitan Baltimore region. It is also an increasingly popular alternative airport to residents of the Washington, D.C., area. BWI is an East Coast hub for Southwest Airlines, meaning that nonstop flights are available between BWI and much of the country. The southern portion of the Maryland Transit Administration's Light Rail system, connecting downtown Baltimore with BWI, runs through the northern part of Anne Arundel County. The county also has multiple stops on the MARC commuter rail service, including a stop at BWI Rail Station, located near BWI Airport. Amtrak trains also stop at BWI's train station. The Laurel-based Connect-a-ride system operates two routes in the western portion of the county, including Severn, Arundel Mills, Maryland City, Glen Burnie, Hanover, and Odenton. Howard County's Howard Transit Silver route serves Arundel Mills shopping mall and BWI Airport. Major roads and highways I-97 I-195 I-595 I-695 I-895 US 50 / US 301 MD 2 MD 3 MD 3 Bus. MD 4 MD 10 MD 32 MD 100 MD 295 Recreation Maryland Park Service Sandy Point State Park is located at the end of the Broadneck peninsula near the west end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It features a beach and marina and hosts many festivals and special events throughout the year. Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden is located at the Department of Natural Resources headquarters in Annapolis. The 5 acre garden features representations of the state's various geographic areas. The county also contains some of the easternmost portions of Patapsco Valley State Park, consisting of mostly undeveloped areas of forest and wetlands along the lower Patapsco River. Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks The Department of Recreation and Parks maintains "a comprehensive system of recreational programs for county residents and the preservation of valuable land," including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, community parks, green ways, archaeological, environmental, and historical preserves, and large regional facilities. Some of the major facilities include the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, Downs Park, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Fort Smallwood Park, Kinder Farm Park, and Quiet Waters Park. Other attractions include the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, the Maryland State House and the Colonial Annapolis Historic District. Anne Arundel County is home to the two largest shopping malls in the State of Maryland: Westfield Annapolis Mall and Arundel Mills in Hanover in addition to Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie. Adjacent to Arundel Mills is the Maryland Live! casino. Communities Bracketed number refers to location on map City Annapolis (23) (county seat) Town Highland Beach (31) Census-designated places Unincorporated communities Notable people Brady Barr, herpetologist and television host Steve Bisciotti, owner of the Baltimore Ravens Peter Bondra, ice hockey player Tamar Braxton, entertainer Toni Braxton, entertainer Josh Hader, baseball player Jeff Hatch, football player Gerard T. Hopkins, Quaker religious leader and uncle of Johns Hopkins Johns Hopkins, philanthropist and founder of Johns Hopkins University Craig Laughlin, ice hockey player and broadcaster Ronald Malfi, author Jackson Merrill, baseball player Travis Pastrana, motosports competitor Pat Sajak, entertainer Mark Teixeira, baseball player Steve Wojciechowski, basketball player and coach See also National Register of Historic Places listings in Anne Arundel County, Maryland References External links Official website Geographic data related to Anne Arundel County, Maryland at OpenStreetMap Anne Arundel County Code Anne Arundel Elections Statistics Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau Anne Arundel County Business Directory