Maryland Counties

As described by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services,

"Counties are the primary unit of local government responsible for most basic services such as police, fire, local corrections, sanitation, local highways, health, and parks and recreation. Counties also are responsible for funding public schools, libraries, local community colleges, and the circuit courts."

County Government Websites

Find your local county government's website by viewing the following map or by using the drop down box:

Map of Maryland CountiesAllegany CountyWashington CountyFrederick CountyCarroll CountyHoward CountySomerset CountyGarrett CountyMontgomery CountyBaltimore CountyBaltimore CityHarford CountyCecil CountyKent CountyAnne Arundel CountyPrince George’s CountyCharles CountyCalvert CountySt Mary’s CountyQueen Annes CountyCaroline CountyTalbot CountyDorchester CountyWorcester CountyWicomico County


Maryland Overview

Of the 50 states, Maryland is among those with the fewest number of local governments. Local government is found in Maryland's 23 counties, 157 towns and cities, including Baltimore City, and special taxing districts, which are created by state, county, and municipal governments. There are 24 main local jurisdictions found in Maryland, including 23 counties and Baltimore City.

For much of Maryland, local government typically is county government. Baltimore City, although a municipality, has been considered on a par with county jurisdictions since the adoption of the Maryland Constitution of 1851.