# Washington County, Maryland

Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland. The population was 154,705 as of the 2020 census. Its county seat and largest city is Hagerstown. The county is part of the Western Maryland region of the state.
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. The county borders southern Pennsylvania to the north, Northern Virginia to the south, and the Martinsburg 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 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.
A number of properties in the county are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

## Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 467 square miles (1,210 km$^2$), of which 458 square miles (1,190 km$^2$) is land and 9.6 square miles (25 km$^2$) (2.0%) is water.
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

* Fulton County, Pennsylvania (northwest)
* Franklin County, Pennsylvania (north)
* Frederick County (east)
* Loudoun County, Virginia (southeast)
* Jefferson County, West Virginia (south)
* Berkeley County, West Virginia (south)
* Morgan County, West Virginia (southwest)
* Allegany County (west)

### Major highways

* Interstate 68
* Interstate 70
* Interstate 81
* U.S. Route 11
* U.S. Route 40
* U.S. Route 40 Alternate
* US 40 Scenic
* U.S. Route 340
* U.S. Route 522
* Maryland Route 34
* Maryland Route 56
* Maryland Route 57
* Maryland Route 58
* Maryland Route 60
* Maryland Route 62
* Maryland Route 63
* Maryland Route 64
* Maryland Route 65
* Maryland Route 66
* Maryland Route 67
* Maryland Route 68
* Maryland Route 77
* Maryland Route 144
* Maryland Route 180
* Maryland Route 418
* Maryland Route 491
* Maryland Route 494
* Maryland Route 550
* Maryland Route 615
* Maryland Route 632

## Demographics
### 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/km$^2$). There were 52,972 housing units at an average density of 116 per square mile (45/km$^2$). 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. The population density was 322.1 inhabitants per square mile (124.4/km$^2$). There were 60,814 housing units at an average density of 132.8 per square mile (51.3/km$^2$). 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. 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.
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.
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.

## Communities
### City

* Hagerstown (county seat)

### Towns

* Boonsboro
* Clear Spring
* Funkstown
* Hancock
* Keedysville
* Sharpsburg
* Smithsburg
* Williamsport

### Census-designated places

The Census Bureau recognizes the following census-designated places in the county:
* Antietam
* Bagtown
* Bakersville
* Beaver Creek
* Big Pool
* Big Spring
* Breathedsville
* Brownsville
* Cavetown
* Cearfoss
* Charlton
* Chewsville
* Dargan
* Downsville
* Eakles Mill
* Edgemont
* Ernstville
* Fairplay
* Fairview
* Fort Ritchie
* Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
* Gapland
* Garretts Mill
* Greensburg
* Halfway
* Highfield-Cascade
* Indian Springs
* Jugtown
* Kemps Mill
* Leitersburg
* Mapleville
* Maugansville
* Mercersville
* Middleburg
* Mount Aetna
* Mount Briar
* Mount Lena
* Paramount-Long Meadow
* Pecktonville
* Pinesburg
* Pondsville
* Reid
* Ringgold
* Robinwood
* Rohrersville
* Saint James
* San Mar
* Sandy Hook
* Tilghmanton
* Trego-Rohrersville Station
* Wilson-Conococheague
* Yarrowsburg

### Unincorporated communities

* Appletown
* Benevola
* Broadfording
* Burtner
* Huyett
* Pen Mar
* Samples Manor
* Spielman
* Trego
* Van Lear
* Weverton
* Woodmont
* Zittlestown

## Politics and government
### Federal representation

The county is located within Maryland's 6th congressional district. The representative of the district currently is April McClain Delaney (D).
Like most of Appalachia, German-influenced and Unionist Western Maryland, 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

Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024 :
| | Republican | 44,200 | 43.9% |
| | Democratic | 30,839 | 30.63% |
| | Unaffiliated | 23,794 | 23.63% |
| | Libertarian | 655 | 0.65% |
| | Other parties | 1,187 | 1.18% |
| Total | Total | 100,675 | 100% |
United States presidential election results for Washington County, Maryland :
| Year | Republican | Republican | Democratic | Democratic | Third party(ies) | Third party(ies) |
| Year | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % |
| 2024 | 44,054 | 60.07% | 27,260 | 37.17% | 2,018 | 2.75% |
| 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 Mike McKay (R), serves the 1st district in Maryland and Paul D. Corderman (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: Terry Baker (R) for District 1C, William Valentine (R) and William J. Wivell (R) for District 2A and Brooke Grossman (D) for District 2B.

### 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.

## 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):
| Employer | Employees (Nov. 2014) |
| 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.

## Parks and recreation
### National parks

* Antietam National Battlefield
* Appalachian National Scenic Trail
* Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
* Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

### State parks

* Fort Frederick State Park
* Fort Tonoloway State Park
* Gathland State Park
* Greenbrier State Park
* South Mountain State Park
* Washington Monument State Park

### Museums, historic sites, and other points of interest

* Bowman House, Boonsboro
* Crystal Grottoes, the only show caves in Maryland.
* Discovery Station, Hagerstown
* Hager House, Hagerstown
* Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, Hagerstown
* Price-Miller House, Hagerstown
* Sideling Hill, man-made mountain pass on Interstate 68/U.S. Route 40 roughly 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Hancock shows off 100 million years+ of rock formation with Information Center and walkways on the premises.
* Springfield Farm, Williamsport
* Stoney Creek Farm, Boonsboro
* Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown
* Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Boonsboro

## 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.

### Colleges and universities

* Antietam Bible College, Biblical Seminary, and Graduate School
* Hagerstown Community College, two-year public community college
* Kaplan College (formerly Hagerstown Business College)
* Mount Saint Mary's University, Hagerstown Campus, offers Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
* University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, branch of the University System of Maryland; offers various associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in connection with other state colleges and universities in Maryland.

## Notable residents and natives

* See People from Washington County.