Baltimore, Maryland's largest city, sits at 33 meters (108 ft) above sea level on the Patapsco River, just 50 km from Washington D.C. The city's Inner Harbour sits near sea level, while the surrounding terrain rises to rolling hills.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Inner Harbour elevation | 2–5 m |
|---|---|
| Average city elevation | 33 m |
| Highest point (northwest Baltimore) | ~100 m |
| Coordinates | 39.2904° N, 76.6122° W |
| Country / Region | Maryland, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Inner Harbour / Downtown | 2–15 m |
| Fells Point / Canton | 3–20 m |
| Roland Park / Guilford | 60–90 m |
| Hampden / Charles Village | 50–80 m |
| West Baltimore | 30–70 m |
| Towson (suburb) | 60–100 m |
Compare: Baltimore and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Washington DC | 9 m |
| Philadelphia, PA | 12 m |
| Richmond, VA | 50 m |
| Annapolis, MD | 9 m |
Interesting Facts About Baltimore's Elevation
- Baltimore's Inner Harbour sits just 2–3 m above sea level and is vulnerable to tidal flooding – a growing concern as sea levels rise.
- Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was written, sits at just 4 m above sea level on a peninsula in the harbour.
- Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, both perched at about 60 m on a hill overlooking the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Baltimore
What is the elevation of Baltimore?
Baltimore's city centre is at approximately 33 metres (108 feet) above sea level. The Inner Harbour waterfront is at just 2–5 metres.
Is Baltimore coastal?
Baltimore is not directly on the ocean but sits on the Patapsco River arm of Chesapeake Bay, about 250 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Tidal influence reaches well into the harbour.
Does Baltimore flood?
Yes, Baltimore's low-lying harbour areas flood regularly from heavy rain and tidal surges. Climate change is worsening the situation, with increased 'sunny day' tidal flooding in recent years.