Foreclosures in Maryland increased in 2009 over the prior year. There was a total of 43,248 properties with foreclosure filings. That works out to a rate of one filing for every 54 households, which compares to the United States average of 45, and is a little less than two percent of the state's housing units.
Maryland is the 19th largest U.S. state by population, with 5,699,478 people (in 2009). Its 12,407 square miles make it the 42nd largest state by area. Median household income in 2008 was $70,545.
Gauged by median household income, Maryland is one of the country's most prosperous states. Much of Maryland's economy is derived from transportation, owing to its large seaport, its proximity to several major cities, and because many of its residents work in Washington D.C. There is also a lot of economic activity centered on government contracting. Maine is world famous for its lobsters, and fishing is a strong part of the state's economy.