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Trying the top The Largest Cities In Maryland cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Baltimore, MD (Population: 565,239)
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and a major seaport with a rich maritime and industrial history. Known as “Charm City,” it features the Inner Harbor, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is also home to cultural gems like the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry (where the Star-Spangled Banner was inspired), and renowned medical institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital. Its neighborhoods, from Federal Hill to Fell’s Point, each have unique character.
Interesting Fact:
Baltimore has more public statues and monuments per capita than any other U.S. city.
2. Frederick, MD (Population: 85,793)
Frederick, located in western Maryland, blends history with modern growth. Its charming downtown features historic architecture, art galleries, and local restaurants. The city is near significant Civil War battlefields, including Antietam and Monocacy, and has become a hub for biotech and advanced industries.
Interesting Fact:
Frederick’s clustered spires skyline is so iconic that it inspired poet John Greenleaf Whittier to write about it in the 1800s.
3. Gaithersburg, MD (Population: 69,563)
Gaithersburg, part of the Washington, D.C. metro area, is a diverse city known for its strong biotech presence and historic Olde Towne district. It has a mix of modern planned communities like Kentlands alongside historic neighborhoods. The city’s economy is tied to federal agencies and private industry.
Interesting Fact:
Gaithersburg is home to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a leader in measurement science.
4. Rockville, MD (Population: 67,297)
Rockville serves as the county seat of Montgomery County and is a major suburban center outside Washington, D.C. It has a thriving biotech and IT sector, numerous parks, and a walkable downtown. Rockville Town Square is a hub for shopping, dining, and community events.
Interesting Fact:
Rockville’s Red Brick Courthouse, built in 1891, is a prominent historic landmark in the city center.
5. Bowie, MD (Population: 57,254)
Bowie, once a railroad town, has grown into Maryland’s largest municipality by land area. It offers suburban neighborhoods, shopping centers, and parks, while retaining traces of its horse-racing heritage. Bowie State University, one of the nation’s oldest historically Black universities, is located here.
Interesting Fact:
Bowie’s Belair Mansion and Stable Museum highlight the city’s history as a thoroughbred horse breeding center.
6. Hagerstown, MD (Population: 43,553)
Hagerstown, in western Maryland, is known as the “Hub City” for its historic role as a transportation crossroads. The city blends Civil War history, local industry, and outdoor recreation, with easy access to Antietam Battlefield and the Appalachian Trail.
Interesting Fact:
Hagerstown’s nickname “Hub City” comes from the wagon-wheel shape formed by its numerous railroads and roads.
7. Annapolis, MD (Population: 40,552)
Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital, is steeped in history and maritime tradition. Known as the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.,” it is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and a scenic waterfront. Its colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks attract visitors worldwide.
Interesting Fact:
Annapolis once served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783–1784.
8. College Park, MD (Population: 34,187)
College Park is best known as the home of the University of Maryland, the state’s flagship university. The city has a strong academic and research presence, supported by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center nearby. College Park’s student-driven energy and cultural scene shape much of its character.
Interesting Fact:
The Wright brothers established the nation’s first military aviation school in College Park in 1909.
9. Salisbury, MD (Population: 33,159)
Salisbury, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is the region’s largest city and economic hub. It is home to Salisbury University and has a strong connection to poultry farming, particularly Perdue Farms. The city also hosts festivals and cultural events that highlight its community spirit.
Interesting Fact:
Salisbury’s National Folk Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors and celebrates diverse cultural traditions.
10. Laurel, MD (Population: 29,400)
Laurel, midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, has long been a commuter city with a rich history. It once hosted a prominent horse racing track and today features historic districts, suburban neighborhoods, and growing commercial areas.
Interesting Fact:
Laurel’s Main Street includes buildings dating back to the early 19th century, reflecting its roots as a mill town.
