Household Incomes Increase Across Area

Household incomes increased across Southern Maryland between 2005 and 2006, jumping most dramatically in Charles and St. Mary's counties, according to annual census figures released last week that showed rising personal wealth throughout the Washington metropolitan region.

The tri-county area's population grew over the same period and became increasingly diverse, particularly in Charles, Southern Maryland's largest county. Charles's black population grew by nearly 4,000 residents, as its white population shrank by about 2,600. African Americans now make up 36.5 percent of the county's overall population of 140,416, according to the new estimates.

Median household income grew faster in Charles than in any other county in the Washington region between 2005 and 2006, increasing by 15.2 percent from $69,573 to $80,179.

St. Mary's experienced similar growth as its median household income went from $62,939 to $71,158, a 13 percent increase. Calvert County remained Southern Maryland's wealthiest jurisdiction, posting a median household income in 2006 of $84,891, a nominal increase from the previous year.

The U.S. Census Bureau ranked Calvert and Charles among the 10 wealthiest small counties in the nation.

Edward J. Welniak Jr., chief of the Census Bureau's income statistics branch, cautioned that the reported income growth could be misleading because the bureau typically uses small sample groups for annual population estimates.

"It's not unreasonable to say that the change we're seeing is a result of the sample choice and not necessarily the result of an economic upswing," Welniak said.

Still, the rising incomes seem to represent a remarkable demographic shift in Southern Maryland. The once-rural area populated by farmers and working-class families has emerged as a destination for Washington area suburbanites, many of them with professional careers.

"This has got to be a pride moment for Charles County, to be up in that top 10 group," said John Reardon, the county's outgoing director of economic development. "It continues to reflect that we're getting a very strong professional core."

The census estimates also underscore a population shift underway in Charles. Not long ago, the county was predominantly white, but now it has one of the nation's fastest growing black populations, fueled by upwardly mobile African Americans who are moving from Prince George's County and the District in search of greener pastures.

Charles County Commissioners President Wayne Cooper (D-At Large) said he is pleased with the county's growth trends.

"I think we've been doing all the right things to attract higher income people to the county," Cooper said. "I'm excited to hear this news. It's been our goal."