Baltimore is the largest independent city in the state of Maryland. It was founded in 1729 as an important port, and is closely located to the main Mid-Atlantic markets of the east coast. The inner harbor was originally an entry point for immigrants and other major manufacturing centers. Today, the harbor is the site for shopping, entertainment, the Harborplace, the National Aquarium, and other tourist attractions. The decline of manufacturing companies have greatly hampered the city’s progress. Thereafter, the city shifted to a service-bearing economy. The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University are now the city’s largest employers. The largest neighboring cities are Catonsville, Perry Hall, and Towson.

History

The history of Baltimore county is said to be very rich and colorful. It all began with the tobacco trade of 1706, wherein the Maryland colonial General Assembly organized and created the Port of Baltimore. The Town itself was not founded until July 30, 1729. The town was named after Lord Baltimore, who was the first exclusive governor of the province of Maryland. Throughout the 18th century, Baltimore quickly grew. This was due in part to the granary for sugar that was brought in from the Caribbean. The profit and jobs created by the sugar industry further propelled Baltimore and allowed it to diversify into other markets.

Demographics

The population of the Baltimore-Towson metropolitan is estimated to be around 2.6 million. The city has a population density of nearly 8,100 people sq/mi . There are 300,477 housing elements that comprise a median density of around 3,800 sq/mi. A standard household size was in the figure of 2.42, while the standard family size was 3.16. The population age vary widely, but the largest category is the 18-24 age group which make nearly 30 percent of the population. The median age is 35 years old and females are greater in number than males. The average household income in the city is just above $30,000, while the average income for families is around $35,000.

Geography

Baltimore is situated in north-central Maryland area. Beside it is the Patapsco river, which connects to the Chesapeake bay. It is also positioned on the fall line between the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plateau. This natural occurrence divides the upper and lower parts of the city. Baltimore’s elevation is about 480 feet while the total land area is 92.1 sq/miles.

Crime

Baltimore has the 2nd highest homicide occurrence in the country. In 2006 there were 276 recorded homicides. Though this figure has been decreased over the years, it is still greater than the national crime average. Baltimore also has a high rate of assault, robbery, theft, and burglary. Under Mayor Sheila Dixon’s command, the crime rates have been reduced from 282 homicides in 2007 to 234 in 2008.