Research Section

The Research Section interprets demographic data into information portraying a detailed, meaningful picture that helps planners and county officials better understand our communities, county, or region. Demographic information is used in defining planning issues and making sound public decisions to serve the needs of a diverse community.

The Research Section provides technical data to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). Staff develop forecasts in coordination with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), and Maryland Department of Planning (MDP). The  forecasts are used to develop transportation plans and improve air quality in the Baltimore-Washington region.

The Research Section also works closely with the U.S. Bureau of the Census and Maryland Department of Planning to achieve local address update and statistical areas delineation programs to ensure an accurate census enumeration.

Staff maintains databases for monitoring subdivision and building permit activities. This information is used in developing cooperative forecasts, annual population and housing estimates, and analysis of development impacts on schools and transportation to support the County’s current and long range planning. 

>> View Subdivision Activity Maps

Many boundary maps for census geographies are available at the Map Room of the Office of Planning and Zoning. The boundary maps and thematic maps containing census information can also be accessed online:

Boundary Maps:

Thematic Maps: 

The U.S. Bureau of the Census, Maryland Department of Planning (MDP), Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) provide data users with free census databases or publications on the Internet. To view and download census data and other demographic information, please visit the following web sites:

The Research Section can be reached at (410) 222-7739 or Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning, Research and GIS Division, 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex , 4th Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401.