Cities and Towns in Harford County, Maryland

Founded in 1773, Harford County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Harford County was formed from part of Baltimore County. The city of Bel Air is the county seat. With FIPS code of 25, Harford County has a population of 262,977 and area of 527 square miles (1,365 km²).

List of all cities in Harford County, MD alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Aber Prov Grd, MD 21005 410/443/667
21010 410/443/667
Aberdeen, MD 21001 410/443/667
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005 410/443/667
21010 410/443/667
Abingdon, MD 21009 410/443/667
APG, MD 21005 410/443/667
Bel Air, MD 21014 410/443/667
21015 410/443/667
Belcamp, MD 21017 410/443/667
Benson, MD 21018 410/443/667
Cardiff, MD 21160 410/443/667
Churchville, MD 21028 410/443/667
Darlington, MD 21034 410/443/667
Edgewood, MD 21040 410/443/667
Edgewood Arsenal, MD 21010 410/443/667
Fallston, MD 21047 410/443/667
Forest Hill, MD 21050 410/443/667
Gunpowder, MD 21010 410/443/667
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 410/443/667
Hvre de Grace, MD 21078 410/443/667
Jarrettsville, MD 21084 410/443/667
Joppa, MD 21085 410/443/667
Joppatowne, MD 21085 410/443/667
Magnolia, MD 21085 410/443/667
Norrisville, MD 21161 410/443/667
Perryman, MD 21130 410/443/667
Pylesville, MD 21132 410/443/667
Riverside, MD 21017 410/443/667
Street, MD 21154 410/443/667
White Hall, MD 21161 410/443/667
Whiteford, MD 21160 410/443/667

Major Cities and Towns in Harford County, Maryland

1. Bel Air

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 3.03 square miles
  • Population: 10,661 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21014, 21015
  • Latitude: 39.5359° N
  • Longitude: 76.3483° W

Location and History

Bel Air, the county seat of Harford County, is located in the central part of the county, about 25 miles northeast of Baltimore. Founded in 1780, Bel Air grew as a small agricultural community and quickly became a central hub for local government and commerce. By the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad helped connect the town to Baltimore, spurring further growth. The town’s history is marked by its charming downtown, which features many well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Today, Bel Air is known for its blend of suburban living, historic charm, and access to modern amenities, serving as a commercial and cultural center for Harford County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bel Air is home to several highly rated schools, including Bel Air High School and C. Milton Wright High School. Major landmarks include the Harford County Courthouse, a central feature of downtown, and the Hays House Museum, which provides a glimpse into 18th-century life in the region. Rockfield Manor, a historic estate, is a popular venue for events and weddings, while Shamrock Park offers outdoor recreation with its walking paths and playgrounds. The town hosts several annual events, such as the Maryland State BBQ Bash and the Bel Air Festival for the Arts, celebrating the community’s vibrant cultural scene.

2. Aberdeen

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 6.81 square miles
  • Population: 16,324 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21001
  • Latitude: 39.5096° N
  • Longitude: 76.1641° W

Location and History

Aberdeen is located in the southeastern part of Harford County, close to the Chesapeake Bay and about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore. Established in 1852, Aberdeen grew as a small farming community and later became a significant railroad town. The town is most famous for being home to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), a U.S. Army facility established in 1917, which has played a crucial role in military research and development. APG’s presence transformed Aberdeen from a quiet rural town into a major employment and economic center in the region. Today, Aberdeen blends its military heritage with modern suburban living.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Aberdeen is served by Aberdeen High School and Aberdeen Middle School, along with several elementary schools. Key landmarks include Ripken Stadium, home to the Aberdeen IronBirds, a minor league baseball team owned by Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. The Aberdeen Proving Ground, while a restricted military installation, is also a historical landmark, having played a key role in U.S. military technology advancements. Swan Harbor Farm, located along the Chesapeake Bay, offers scenic views and hosts weddings and public events. The town’s annual Cal Ripken World Series attracts youth baseball teams from around the world, celebrating Aberdeen’s baseball legacy.

3. Havre de Grace

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 6.49 square miles
  • Population: 14,807 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21078
  • Latitude: 39.5493° N
  • Longitude: 76.0916° W

Location and History

Havre de Grace is a picturesque waterfront town located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Named after the French port of Le Havre, Havre de Grace was incorporated in 1785 and was briefly considered as a possible site for the U.S. capital. The town grew as a fishing and shipping hub, and its waterfront location made it a popular resort destination in the 19th century. Today, Havre de Grace is known for its historic downtown, beautiful waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene. The town has preserved much of its history, including landmarks related to the War of 1812.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Havre de Grace High School and Havre de Grace Middle School serve local students. Notable landmarks include the Concord Point Lighthouse, Maryland’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which highlights the town’s maritime history. The Promenade, a scenic waterfront walkway, offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum showcases the town’s rich tradition of waterfowl hunting and decoy carving. Each year, the town hosts the Havre de Grace Arts and Entertainment Festival and the War of 1812 Commemoration, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate its unique heritage.

4. Edgewood

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 17.91 square miles
  • Population: 25,562 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21040
  • Latitude: 39.4187° N
  • Longitude: 76.2941° W

Location and History

Edgewood is located in the southern part of Harford County, along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Historically, Edgewood was a rural farming community, but its proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the expansion of transportation networks transformed it into a suburban area during the mid-20th century. The development of the Edgewood Arsenal, a division of APG, during World War I further spurred growth in the community. Today, Edgewood is a blend of residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, with a focus on serving the needs of the nearby military base and its employees.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Edgewood is home to Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School, and several elementary schools. Major landmarks include the Edgewood Arsenal, part of Aberdeen Proving Ground, which has been a key military site for testing chemical weapons and other defense technologies. The Leight Estuary Center at Otter Point Creek offers environmental education and outdoor activities such as kayaking and birdwatching. Edgewood’s location near the Chesapeake Bay also provides access to water-based recreation. The town’s annual community events, such as Edgewood’s National Night Out, bring residents together to celebrate local culture and foster community spirit.

5. Joppa

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 12.76 square miles
  • Population: 16,965 (2020 Census, including Joppatowne)
  • Zip Codes: 21085
  • Latitude: 39.4230° N
  • Longitude: 76.3575° W

Location and History

Joppa, one of the oldest settlements in Maryland, was founded in 1707 as a colonial port town along the Gunpowder River, serving as a major shipping point for tobacco. Once a thriving port rivaling Baltimore, Joppa declined in the 18th century as trade shifted to other cities. The town was eventually abandoned, with only a few remnants of its colonial past remaining. In the 1960s, the Joppatowne community was developed, transforming the area into a suburban residential neighborhood. Today, Joppa is part of the larger Joppatowne area and is known for its quiet neighborhoods and access to water-based recreation along the Gunpowder River.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Joppa is served by Joppatowne High School, Magnolia Middle School, and several elementary schools. Key landmarks include the historic Rumsey Mansion, the last remaining structure from the original colonial town of Joppa. The town is also close to Gunpowder Falls State Park, offering hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. Mariner Point Park, located along the Gunpowder River, is a popular spot for picnicking and launching boats. The Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company hosts several community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of local pride and community involvement.

6. Fallston

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 14.15 square miles
  • Population: 9,129 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21047
  • Latitude: 39.5313° N
  • Longitude: 76.4339° W

Location and History

Fallston is a suburban community located in the northwestern part of Harford County. Historically, Fallston was a rural farming area, with many of its early settlers engaging in agriculture. Over time, Fallston has developed into a primarily residential area, known for its spacious homes and proximity to nature. Its location offers easy access to both Harford and Baltimore Counties, making it a desirable place to live for commuters seeking a balance between suburban living and access to urban amenities. Despite its growth, Fallston has retained much of its rural charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fallston is served by Fallston High School and Fallston Middle School, both of which are highly regarded in the county. Major landmarks include the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center, which provides outdoor learning opportunities for students and families. The nearby Gunpowder Falls State Park offers miles of hiking trails, scenic rivers, and outdoor recreation. Fallston also hosts community events, such as Fallston Day, which celebrates the area’s small-town atmosphere and tight-knit community. Its mix of rural landscapes, suburban development, and access to parks makes Fallston a peaceful and attractive place to live.