Dorchester
Maryland

What stands out

Against every county in America, Dorchester County is unusual in one way: the overdose death rate is in the top 11% of American counties (34 per 100,000). Within Maryland it ranks 7th of 24 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Dorchester County, Maryland. 32,557 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +413).

Maryland is the only state that levies both an estate tax and an inheritance tax, and its counties add their own income taxes of up to 3.2% on top of the state rate. Household income is the highest in the country, concentrated in the Washington suburbs of Montgomery and Howard counties. Social Security is not taxed and there is a pension exclusion for residents 65 and over.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,490 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,568. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 58% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Maryland takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,678 a year.

Home

The median home costs $276K, pricier than 63% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $943 a month. Property tax is 1.00% of home value, roughly $2,263 a year on that median home, higher than 60% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 34 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 41 active physicians in the county, about 12.6 per 10,000 people. 8.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Maryland law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 67 and lows near 48, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 76% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 182 Mbps down, slower than 58% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums, 1 National Park Service site.