Charles County Public RecordsMaryland

As of the 2020 Census, Charles County, MD, had a population of 166,617. The median age is 39.3 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. Racially, the county is 43.1% White, 43.2% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 7.8% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The county has a diverse, suburban population with significant representation across age groups, reflecting its growth as part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Charles County, MD has over 114,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 53% Democrats, 25% Republicans, and 22% unaffiliated/other. The County Board of Elections administers federal, state, and local elections, with early voting and 22 polling locations. In 2022, voter turnout was 52%. Key issues include education funding, public safety, and growth management. Recent elections favored Democrats, with gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore receiving 61% of the county vote in 2022. Election administration emphasizes accessibility and security, ensuring fair, transparent processes for all parties.

Charles County, MD, hosts 38 public schools, including 7 high schools, serving over 27,000 students. About 32% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is 92%, with high schools like North Point posting college readiness scores above state averages. School safety measures are rigorous, including on-site officers. Notable educational programs include STEM and career tech pathways. Adult education is offered via the College of Southern Maryland and county initiatives, with adult literacy rates above 85%. Overall academic performance is rated B+ by Niche (2023).

As of 2023, Charles County, MD, has an employment rate of approximately 96.2%. The leading industries are educational services, health care, and social assistance (22%), public administration (17%), and retail trade (10%). Most workers are in management, business, science, and arts occupations (38%), followed by sales and office occupations (23%). Nearly 65% of residents commute outside the county for work, with a mean travel time of 44 minutes. Key employment destinations include Washington, D.C., and surrounding Maryland counties.

Charles County, MD, features a homeownership rate of around 77%, with a median home value of approximately $380,000 in 2023. Median monthly rent is about $1,800. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, concentrated in neighborhoods like Waldorf, La Plata, and Indian Head. The county’s property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Annual property taxes average 1%, or roughly $3,800 for a median-priced home. The area offers suburban settings with access to Washington, D.C., attracting families and commuters alike.

Charles County, MD, reports a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the overall crime rate was approximately 21.6 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes accounting for 2.8 and property crimes 18.8 per 1,000 people. The Charles County Sheriff's Office actively encourages reporting through their tip line and online systems, enhancing public safety. Recent trends show a slight decrease in burglaries but a stable rate of assaults, reflecting ongoing efforts in crime prevention and community policing. Residents are advised to stay informed and participate in local neighborhood watch programs.