Four of Maryland’s five most populous jurisdictions — including Baltimore City and Baltimore County — lost population over the past year, according to annual estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau released Thursday.
Though 18 of Maryland’s 24 counties increased in population, five grew by less than a quarter percent, contributing to the state’s overall population decline. The drop could lead state agencies to adjust previous predictions that Maryland, with a population of 6.16 million, would reach 6.24 million people by 2025.
The census’ annual population estimates are used by local government agencies to create zoning maps, apply for federal funding, and make policy decisions, among other purposes.
“When we get these markers, for example, these annual population estimates, it does serve as a check,” said Shawn Kimberly, a principal planner for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, which analyzes data for Baltimore and regional jurisdictions for transportation planning.
