Overview
Maryland is divided into counties that serve as primary local government units. In addition to the counties, Baltimore City is an independent city and is treated as a county-equivalent for many administrative and statistical purposes. Modern county government in Maryland handles many local services and land-use matters, although the state retains authority over some functions.
Counties (alphabetical list)
The state contains 23 counties. The complete alphabetical list below is a basic reference; Baltimore City is separate and is not part of any county.
- Allegany
- Anne Arundel
- Baltimore County
- Calvert
- Caroline
- Carroll
- Cecil
- Charles
- Dorchester
- Frederick
- Garrett
- Harford
- Howard
- Kent
- Montgomery
- Prince George's
- Queen Anne's
- St. Mary's
- Somerset
- Talbot
- Washington
- Wicomico
- Worcester
Government, functions and variations
County governments commonly provide public education administration, local road maintenance, zoning and building permits, public health services, and law enforcement. Some counties operate under locally adopted charters that grant broader "home rule," while others are governed under state statutes. The balance of responsibilities varies by county.
History and notable distinctions
Maryland's county structure dates back to the colonial era and evolved as the population and economy changed. Baltimore City, once part of Baltimore County, separated to become an independent city; it functions like a county for many legal and statistical purposes. For official listings and further administrative details see the county list and resources from the state government.
Why this matters
Knowing the counties is useful for understanding local governance, property records, school districts, judicial districts, and regional planning. Whether researching genealogy, real estate, or civic procedures, identifying the correct county helps locate records and services more efficiently.