countyscore
47
County Score
Soil Quality 66Weather & Climate 64.1Safety 63.2

County Report Card

About Dorchester County, Maryland

Dorchester sits just below national norms

Dorchester County earns a composite score of 47.0, placing it slightly behind the national median score of 50.0. It offers a unique lifestyle profile that trades high-speed growth for other local benefits.

Matching the Maryland state average

The county’s score of 47.0 is nearly identical to the Maryland state average of 47.4. It represents a middle-ground option for those looking to stay within the state's borders.

Lower tax burdens and enhanced safety

Dorchester excels in personal safety with a score of 63.2 and maintains a competitive tax score of 41.8. Property owners benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.951%, which is lower than many neighboring jurisdictions.

Economic growth and housing costs

Affordability remains a challenge with a cost score of 28.9, despite lower median home values of $252,300. The income score of 40.6 suggests that local wages, averaging $60,495, may not keep pace with rising regional expenses.

A steady choice for security seekers

This county suits retirees or remote workers who value a safe environment and a manageable tax burden. It provides a quieter pace of life for those less concerned with high-octane career climbing.

Score breakdown

Tax41.8Cost28.9Safety63.2Health49.8Schools50.5Income40.6Risk46.2Water47.7Weather64.1
🏛41.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Wicomico County
Maryland
39.4
Talbot County
Maryland
56.9
Somerset County
Maryland
40.2
Calvert County
Maryland
59.1
St. Mary's County
Maryland
52.3
Caroline County
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42
Northumberland County
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66.8
Queen Anne's County
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58.9

Deep Dives

Dorchester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dorchester County

via TaxByCounty

Dorchester taxes closely match national average

Dorchester County's effective tax rate of 0.951% sits just above the national median of 0.84%, making it a moderate-tax county by U.S. standards. The median property tax bill of $2,399 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, despite property values tracking near the national average.

Slightly below Maryland's average rate

At 0.951%, Dorchester County's effective tax rate runs just below Maryland's state average of 0.957%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 24 counties. Its median tax bill of $2,399 is 28% lower than the state median of $3,328.

Lower taxes than most Eastern Shore peers

Dorchester County's 0.951% rate undercuts Kent County's 0.943% and Queen Anne's County's similar rates, making it one of the region's more affordable options. Homeowners here save roughly $500 annually compared to Harford County residents on comparable properties.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Dorchester County's median of $252,300 will generate approximately $2,399 in annual property taxes at the 0.951% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,490; without one, it drops to $2,255.

You may be paying too much

Even in moderate-tax counties, assessment errors occur—many homeowners carry valuations disconnected from current market conditions. Dorchester County residents should request a free assessment review or appeal if they suspect their property value has been overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dorchester County

via CostByCounty

Dorchester rents nearly match national average

Dorchester County residents spend 19.0% of income on rent—just slightly above the national average—despite a median household income of $60,495, well below the national median of $74,755. This lower income makes housing costs feel larger relative to paychecks, even though nominal rents remain modest at $959 monthly.

Slightly above state affordability standard

At 19.0%, Dorchester's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Maryland's state average of 18.3%, placing it in the middle tier of county affordability. The county's median rent of $959 falls well below the state average of $1,415, offering genuine budget relief for renters.

Maryland's most affordable rentals

Dorchester County boasts the lowest median rent among these eight counties at just $959 monthly, beating even rural Garrett County ($710 is notably cheaper, though Garrett's lower income makes it the true affordability champion). Dorchester offers a rare combination in Maryland: below-average rents paired with slightly-above-average income relative to rural peers.

Modest costs on modest paychecks

Renters pay $959 monthly while homeowners spend $1,090, consuming about 19% and 21% of the $60,495 median income respectively. Housing takes roughly 30-35% of typical household budgets when combining rent and other shelter costs.

Dorchester appeals to budget-conscious movers

Seeking the Eastern Shore lifestyle on a tighter budget? Dorchester delivers the state's most affordable rents outside rural Garrett County, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees. Compare its 19.0% ratio to pricier Charles ($18.9%) or Montgomery ($18.9%) to see your savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dorchester County

via IncomeByCounty

Dorchester falls below national income median

Dorchester County's median household income of $60,495 lags the national median of $74,755 by $14,260, placing it in the lower half nationally. The county's coastal economy and agricultural heritage shape an earnings landscape distinct from suburban and federal employment centers.

Among Maryland's lower-income counties

Dorchester County ranks near the bottom of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, with median household income well below the statewide average of $94,152. The $33,657 gap reflects limited high-wage employment sectors compared to northern and central Maryland.

Lowest earnings on the Eastern Shore

Dorchester County's $60,495 median is the lowest among comparable Eastern Shore and rural neighbors, including Kent County ($74,402) and Garrett County ($69,031). Economic reliance on tourism, agriculture, and fishing limits higher-wage job availability.

Rental housing remains affordable

At 19.0%, rent-to-income ratio in Dorchester County hovers right at the affordability threshold, meaning most renters spend appropriately on housing. However, median home values of $252,300 present challenges for first-time buyers earning county-average incomes.

Strategic saving builds long-term security

Dorchester residents should prioritize budgeting and emergency savings to weather economic fluctuations in tourism-dependent industries. Even modest, consistent contributions to retirement and investment accounts compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dorchester County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels on the Eastern Shore

Dorchester County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.7, making it one of the most secure areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 850.8 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Maryland in Public Safety

The county easily surpasses the state average safety score of 97.4. Its total crime rate is nearly 50% lower than the Maryland average of 1638.3 per 100,000 residents.

Dorchester Sets the Regional Safety Standard

Dorchester is considerably safer than neighboring Kent County, which reports a crime rate of 1067.9 per 100,000. It also outperforms Howard County, where the rate is nearly double at 1520.1.

Violent Crime Remains Remarkably Low

The county reports just 125.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the state average of 311.8. Property crime accounts for the remaining 724.9 incidents per 100,000 people.

Maintaining Peace of Mind in Dorchester

While crime rates are low, property safety remains a priority for local homeowners. Ensure your home stays protected by using motion-activated lighting and forming strong neighborhood watch habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dorchester County

via HealthByCounty

Dorchester County faces steeper health challenges nationally

At 74.2 years, Dorchester County residents live nearly 4.6 years shorter than the US average of 78.8 years. The county's 20.8% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 15.7%, signaling pronounced health disparities.

Dorchester County ranks lowest among Maryland counties

Dorchester County lags Maryland's 77.0-year state average by 2.8 years, placing it at the bottom of the state's health rankings. Its 20.8% poor/fair health rate is the highest in Maryland, reflecting concentrated health challenges.

Widest gap between Dorchester and surrounding areas

Kent County neighbors (76.8 years) and Talbot County peers live 2-5 years longer than Dorchester's 74.2 years. This gap persists despite relative geographic proximity on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Uninsured rate and provider shortage compound challenges

Dorchester's 7.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.4%, leaving more residents without coverage. With just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county also faces the lowest primary care access in the state.

Health coverage is within reach—let's explore options.

One in 14 Dorchester County residents lacks insurance. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov or call 1-855-642-8572 to find affordable plans and connect with local health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dorchester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Dorchester County

Dorchester County manages 13 public schools, including 7 elementary and 4 secondary campuses. The district supports a total enrollment of 4,523 students, making it one of the smaller educational footprints in the state. One alternative school is available to provide specialized support within this compact system.

Investing Heavily in Student Success

The county invests $10,998 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $10,395. Although the 79.0% graduation rate trails both state and national benchmarks, the county maintains a 56.4 school score. This level of funding demonstrates a commitment to improving academic outcomes for its student body.

Centralized Governance for Local Schools

Dorchester County Public Schools is the only district in the county, overseeing all 13 local campuses. There are currently no charter schools in operation, with 100% of students attending traditional public facilities. This provides a straightforward educational path for families moving into the region.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Nine of the county's schools sit in rural locales, while four serve town centers. Small school sizes are the norm here, with an average enrollment of just 411 students. Cambridge-South Dorchester High is the largest school in the county, housing 784 students.

Peaceful Rural Living Near Local Schools

For buyers seeking smaller class sizes and a rural pace of life, Dorchester County offers a unique alternative to Maryland's crowded suburbs. Homes near Cambridge provide proximity to the county's largest educational facilities and community hubs. Consider the high per-pupil investment as you evaluate the long-term potential of properties in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dorchester County

via RiskByCounty

Dorchester Faces Higher-Than-Average Risk

Dorchester County scores 53.85 on the composite risk scale, placing it just below the national median but notably within the moderate risk band. The county's exposure to extreme water hazards—flood risk at 91.20 and hurricane risk at 85.36—drives this elevated profile compared to typical U.S. counties. Wildfire risk of 83.17 rounds out the county's distinctive coastal vulnerability.

Mid-Range Risk Among Maryland Counties

Dorchester County ranks in the middle tier of Maryland counties with a composite score of 53.85, below the state average of 60.22 but facing higher exposure than Charles, Garrett, and Kent counties. The county's severe flood and wildfire risks are noteworthy outliers within Maryland, reflecting its low-lying geography and coastal marsh ecosystems. Among all state counties, Dorchester presents a distinct water-hazard profile.

Dorchester Stands Out for Water Risks

Dorchester County's composite score of 53.85 sits between Charles County (44.15) and Talbot/Caroline County averages, but its flood risk (91.20) and wildfire risk (83.17) far exceed nearby jurisdictions. Somerset and Wicomico counties share similar low-lying coastal characteristics and comparable hazard profiles. The Eastern Shore's unique exposure to Chesapeake Bay dynamics distinguishes Dorchester from inland Maryland counties.

Flooding and Wildfire Dominate Here

Dorchester County faces exceptional flood risk (91.20) and wildfire risk (83.17)—among the highest in Maryland—due to extensive wetlands, marshes, and dense vegetation in fire-prone areas. Hurricane risk reaches 85.36, while tornado risk is moderate at 31.04 and earthquake risk at 53.44. These water and fire hazards demand serious mitigation strategies and insurance planning.

Flood Insurance Is Essential Here

Dorchester County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately, as the county's 91.20 flood risk score indicates widespread inundation exposure across low-lying areas; standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Invest in hurricane-resistant retrofitting (impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing) to address the 85.36 hurricane score. Maintain defensible space around your home and clear gutters of vegetation to reduce wildfire vulnerability in this fire-prone county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dorchester County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Eastern Shore climate profile

Dorchester County averages 58.3°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. Its location on the Delmarva Peninsula creates a humid, maritime-influenced environment.

High ranking for state warmth

The county is 2.4 degrees warmer than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It is one of the warmest regions in Maryland, particularly during long, humid summers.

More extreme heat than Baltimore

Dorchester faces 43 extreme heat days, far more than the 31 days recorded in Baltimore city or Anne Arundel. Its July average of 79.4°F is characteristic of the warm Eastern Shore.

Intense heat and mild winters

The county endures 43 days of temperatures at or above 90°F each year. Conversely, its winter average of 39.4°F is very mild, with a January average well above freezing at 37.7°F.

Focus on extreme heat safety

With 43 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning and hydration are critical for residents. While precipitation and snow data are limited, the mild winter temperatures reduce the need for heavy heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dorchester County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH levels in the Eastern Shore

Dorchester County presents a pH level of 5.55, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.31. While still below the national median of 6.5, this ground offers a more neutral starting point for local farmers. Specific taxonomic and texture data remain limited for this coastal region.

Low clay content creates light soil

The ground contains 45.8% sand and 27.1% silt, but only 7.8% clay. This low clay percentage suggests a light, airy soil structure that is very easy to till. However, the high sand content means the soil may require more frequent attention to maintain moisture.

Rich organic matter defines the region

An impressive 14.08% organic matter content makes this some of the richest soil in Maryland, far outpacing the 9.10% state average. The available water capacity is also high at 0.185 in/in. This combination provides a massive nutrient reservoir for any growing season.

A mystery in coastal hydrology

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for this county in the current dataset. Given the 14.08% organic matter and high sand content, local growers should monitor for high water tables common in coastal Maryland. Testing your specific plot is the best way to determine drainage speed.

Thriving in the warmth of Zone 8a

As a zone 8a region, Dorchester enjoys a longer growing season than most of Maryland. The high organic matter provides a fertile base for heat-loving crops like watermelons and sweet potatoes. Your garden will benefit from some of the highest nutrient levels found in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dorchester County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Warm Coastal Conditions in Dorchester

Dorchester County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.4, making it slightly more challenging than the state average of 49.8. Its Zone 8a classification indicates a warmer climate than most of Maryland, requiring specialized turf management strategies.

Beating the Heat on the Eastern Shore

With 43 extreme heat days per year, lawns here experience much more thermal stress than the Maryland average of 27 days. This intense heat drives a vigorous growing season of 4,375 degree days, demanding frequent mowing and consistent hydration.

Adjusting Sandy Soils for Better Growth

The soil foundation consists of 45.8% sand and 7.8% clay, resulting in a pH of 5.55. Because this is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, adding lime is a standard necessity to unlock soil nutrients and support healthy root development.

Conserving Water During Frequent Dry Periods

Dry spells are common, as evidenced by 31 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year. Since 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, prioritize watering in the early morning to reduce evaporation during the peak heat of the day.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf for Zone 8a

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or heat-tolerant Tall Fescue thrive best in this coastal environment. Plan your seeding projects for early April or late September to align with the April 8 spring frost and November 4 fall frost windows.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dorchester County's county score?
Dorchester County, Maryland has a composite county score of 47 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Dorchester County rank among counties in Maryland?
Dorchester County ranks #14 among all counties in Maryland on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Dorchester County is $2,399, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Dorchester County a tax score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dorchester County?
The median household income in Dorchester County, Maryland is $60,495 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dorchester County earns an income score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dorchester County, Maryland a good place to live?
Dorchester County scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Dorchester County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Dorchester County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.