Worcester
Maryland

What stands out

Three things set Worcester County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the restaurant count per person is among the most in America (3.4 per 1,000), unemployment is in the top 11% of American counties (5.0%), and the median home price is in the top 12% of American counties ($425K). Within Maryland it ranks 1st of 24 counties for the restaurant count per person.

Where you are

You live in Worcester County, Maryland. 52,827 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +425).

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 $76,689 a year, higher than 84% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,838. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 89% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Maryland takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,590 a year.

Home

The median home costs $425K, pricier than 88% of American counties, about 3.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,014 a month. Property tax is 0.80% of home value, roughly $2,484 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 82% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 26 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 79.1 years, longer than 85% of American counties. There are 120 active physicians in the county, about 22.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% 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 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 87 out of 100, riskier than 87% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 265 Mbps down, faster than 81% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 3.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 6 museums, 1 National Park Service site.