Cities and Towns in Howard County, Maryland

Founded in 1851, Howard County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Howard County was formed from parts of Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County. The city of Ellicott City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Howard County has a population of 334,529 and area of 254 square miles (658 km²).

List of all cities in Howard County, MD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Annapolis Junction, MD	20701	410/443/667
Cheltenham, MD	20588	202
Clarksville, MD	21029	410/443/667
Columbia, MD	20588	202
	21044	410/443/667
	21045	410/443/667
	21046	410/443/667
Cooksville, MD	21723	410/443/667
Daniels, MD	21043	410/443/667
Dayton, MD	21036	410/443/667
Dept HS, MD	20588	202
DHS, MD	20588	202
Elkridge, MD	21075	410/443/667
Ellicott, MD	21041	410/443/667
	21042	410/443/667
	21043	410/443/667
Fulton, MD	20759	410/443/667
Glenelg, MD	21737	410/443/667
Glenwood, MD	21738	410/443/667
Granite, MD	21163	410/443/667
Hanover, MD	21075	410/443/667
Henryton, MD	21163	410/443/667
Highland, MD	20777	301/240/227
Ilchester, MD	21043	410/443/667
Jessup, MD	20794	410/443/667
Laurel, MD	20723	301/240/227
Lisbon, MD	21765	410/443/667
Oella, MD	21043	410/443/667
Savage, MD	20763	410/443/667
Scaggsville, MD	20723	301/240/227
Simpsonville, MD	21150	410/443/667
West Friendship, MD	21794	410/443/667
Woodbine, MD	21797	410/443/667
Woodstock, MD	21163	410/443/667

Major Cities and Towns in Howard County, Maryland

1. Columbia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 32.22 square miles
• Population: 104,681 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21044, 21045, 21046
• Latitude: 39.2037° N
• Longitude: 76.8610° W

Location and History

Columbia, the most populous community in Howard County, was founded in 1967 as a planned community by developer James Rouse. Located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Columbia was designed to eliminate the typical suburban sprawl and provide a high quality of life, with neighborhoods grouped into 10 villages, each offering amenities like schools, shopping centers, and parks. The idea behind Columbia was to foster a sense of community, inclusiveness, and diversity, which it has largely achieved over the decades. Today, Columbia is known for its excellent schools, abundant green spaces, and strong economy, with a focus on technology, health care, and government contracting.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Columbia is served by several highly rated schools, including Atholton High School and Wilde Lake High School. Major landmarks include the Merriweather Post Pavilion, a renowned outdoor concert venue that hosts performances by major artists, and The Mall in Columbia, a large shopping center with numerous retail and dining options. The Columbia Association manages over 3,600 acres of open space, including lakes, trails, and recreational facilities. Columbia’s Symphony Woods and the annual Columbia Festival of the Arts contribute to the town’s rich cultural scene, while Lake Kittamaqundi and Wilde Lake offer scenic waterfront areas for residents and visitors to enjoy.

2. Ellicott City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 30.65 square miles
• Population: 75,947 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21042, 21043
• Latitude: 39.2673° N
• Longitude: 76.7983° W

Location and History

Ellicott City, the county seat of Howard County, is located along the Patapsco River and is one of the oldest towns in Maryland, founded in 1772 by the Ellicott brothers as a mill town. The town’s location near the river made it ideal for water-powered mills, and it quickly grew into a center for grain production and trade. Ellicott City is home to the oldest surviving railroad station in the U.S., built in 1830. Despite its historical roots, Ellicott City has faced challenges due to its location in a flood-prone valley, with significant floods occurring in recent years. Today, Ellicott City is known for its charming historic district, featuring boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ellicott City is served by several schools, including Centennial High School and Mount Hebron High School. Notable landmarks include the B&O Railroad Museum’s Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving railroad station in the United States, and the Patapsco Valley State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The town’s historic Main Street is a major attraction, with its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. The Ellicott City Flood Memorial Park commemorates the town’s resilience in the face of devastating floods. Each year, the Howard County Fair is held just outside of town, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage.

3. Elkridge

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 8.39 square miles
• Population: 22,742 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21075
• Latitude: 39.2073° N
• Longitude: 76.7139° W

Location and History

Elkridge is located in the eastern part of Howard County, along the Patapsco River and near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Founded in the 18th century, Elkridge was one of Maryland’s early industrial towns, known for its ironworks, which supplied materials for the Revolutionary War. The town’s name comes from the herds of elk that once roamed the area. Elkridge developed into a key transportation hub in the 19th century with the arrival of the railroad and later the highway system. Today, Elkridge is a suburban community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, benefiting from its proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Elkridge is served by Howard High School and Elkridge Landing Middle School. Major landmarks include the Thomas Viaduct, a historic stone railroad bridge built in 1835, which is the world’s oldest multi-arched stone railroad bridge still in use. Patapsco Valley State Park offers recreational opportunities along the Patapsco River, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The Elkridge Furnace Inn, a historic 18th-century building, now operates as a fine dining restaurant and event space, showcasing the town’s rich industrial history. Elkridge’s location near major highways makes it a convenient location for commuters to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

4. Laurel (Howard County Portion)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 2.74 square miles (Howard County portion)
• Population: Approx. 4,339 (2020 estimate, Howard County portion)
• Zip Codes: 20723
• Latitude: 39.1095° N
• Longitude: 76.8483° W

Location and History

Laurel is a city that straddles multiple counties, including Prince George’s, Howard, and Anne Arundel. The portion of Laurel located in Howard County is primarily residential, offering a suburban lifestyle with easy access to both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Laurel’s history dates back to the 19th century when it developed as a mill town along the Patuxent River. Over time, it evolved into a commuter town, with the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad playing a significant role in its growth. Today, the Howard County section of Laurel is known for its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to parks and natural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Howard County portion of Laurel is served by Reservoir High School and Hammond High School. Landmarks in the broader Laurel area include the historic Montpelier Mansion, a Georgian-style plantation house dating back to the 18th century, and the Laurel Museum, which explores the town’s industrial past. The nearby Savage Mill, a historic textile mill complex, now houses shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Patuxent River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, with trails, fishing, and boating available at the nearby Patuxent Research Refuge. Laurel’s mix of history, suburban living, and outdoor spaces makes it a desirable community for families and professionals alike.

5. Savage

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 2.73 square miles
• Population: 7,054 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 20763
• Latitude: 39.1357° N
• Longitude: 76.8227° W

Location and History

Savage is a historic mill town located in southeastern Howard County, along the Little Patuxent River. Founded in the early 19th century, Savage was named after John Savage, a Philadelphia merchant who co-owned the textile mill that became the heart of the town’s economy. The Savage Mill, which operated from the early 1800s through the 1940s, was one of the region’s largest textile producers. Today, the town is a blend of historic preservation and modern living, with the Savage Mill transformed into a complex of shops, restaurants, and artist studios, while surrounding neighborhoods offer a suburban lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Savage is served by schools such as Guilford Elementary School and Hammond High School. The centerpiece of the town is the Savage Mill, a restored 19th-century mill that now houses boutiques, galleries, and dining venues. The Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge, built in 1869, is another key landmark and is one of the few surviving iron truss bridges in the U.S. Savage Park offers recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and sports fields. The historic charm of Savage, combined with its proximity to major cities, makes it a unique and desirable place to live in Howard County.

6. Clarksville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 10.66 square miles
• Population: 12,622 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21029
• Latitude: 39.2065° N
• Longitude: 76.9436° W

Location and History

Clarksville is located in southwestern Howard County, near the intersection of Routes 32 and 108. The area was settled in the 18th century and named after William Clark, a local farmer. Historically, Clarksville was an agricultural community, known for its farms and orchards. Over the past few decades, the area has experienced significant residential growth, transforming into a suburban community known for its upscale homes and excellent schools. Clarksville’s proximity to the Patuxent River and major highways makes it a popular area for those commuting to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clarksville is home to top-rated schools, including River Hill High School and Clarksville Middle School. Major landmarks include the Howard County Conservancy, which offers nature programs and hiking trails, and the nearby Triadelphia Reservoir, a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also close to the Robinson Nature Center, an environmental education facility offering exhibits and nature trails. Clarksville hosts an annual Clarksville Picnic, celebrating the town’s community spirit. The mix of suburban development, open spaces, and access to major metropolitan areas makes Clarksville one of the most desirable places to live in Howard County.