Maryland Census Shows Lower Shore Growth, Baltimore Decline

New population data reveals diverging trends across the state

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:03am

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The latest U.S. Census Bureau data shows population growth slowing in a majority of U.S. counties between 2024 and 2025, largely due to a decline in net international migration. However, Maryland's Lower Shore counties of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester all saw population increases during this period, while Baltimore City and Baltimore County experienced declines.

Why it matters

The Census data provides important insights into demographic shifts across Maryland, highlighting the growing divide between the state's urban centers and its more rural coastal regions. These population trends can have significant implications for local economies, infrastructure planning, and political representation.

The details

Nationwide, 8 out of 10 counties that saw growth in 2023-2024 experienced slower growth or population decline in 2024-2025. This was driven by lower levels of net international migration, which dropped in 9 out of 10 U.S. counties. Large, urban counties that typically rely on international migration for population gains, like those in the New York metro area, were hit hardest by this trend.

  • The new Census data was released on March 26, 2026.
  • The population estimates cover the period from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025.

The players

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal agency responsible for collecting and publishing demographic data, including the decennial census and annual population estimates.

George M. Hayward

A Census Bureau demographer who provided analysis on the population trends observed in the new data release.

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What they’re saying

“The nation's largest counties like those in the New York metro area are often international migration hubs, gaining large numbers of international migrants and losing people that move to other parts of the country via domestic migration. With fewer gains from international migration, these types of counties saw their population growth diminish or even turn into loss.”

— George M. Hayward, Census Bureau Demographer

What’s next

The Census Bureau will continue to monitor population changes across the country and release updated estimates on an annual basis. These figures will be closely watched by policymakers, urban planners, and businesses as they make decisions about resource allocation and investment.

The takeaway

The diverging population trends between Maryland's Lower Shore and its urban centers highlight the complex demographic shifts occurring across the state. As the nation grapples with the impacts of lower international migration, local communities will need to adapt their strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these changes.