With a composite score of 66.5, Dorchester County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, landing in the 83rd percentile. This rural Eastern Shore county delivers livability well above the American average.
2 / 5
One of Maryland's best overall
Dorchester's 66.5 score exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9, making it a top performer among the state's counties. Few Maryland communities offer a better overall livability package.
3 / 5
Affordable living on a budget
Dorchester County's standout strength is affordability: a cost score of 74.5, median home values of just $252,300, and rental rates averaging $959 monthly. Combined with low taxes (0.951% effective rate, 75.5 tax score), the county offers exceptional value for cost-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income levels lag well behind state norms
The county's income score of 22.9 reflects median household earnings of just $60,495, substantially below both the state average and most of Maryland's counties. This income gap limits residents' ability to pursue higher education or weathering economic disruption.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Dorchester County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over earning potential. If you value low housing costs, minimal taxes, and a slower pace of life, Dorchester offers genuine livability at a fraction of state prices.
With a composite score of 66.5, Dorchester County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, landing in the 83rd percentile. This rural Eastern Shore county delivers livability well above the American average.
One of Maryland's best overall
Dorchester's 66.5 score exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9, making it a top performer among the state's counties. Few Maryland communities offer a better overall livability package.
Affordable living on a budget
Dorchester County's standout strength is affordability: a cost score of 74.5, median home values of just $252,300, and rental rates averaging $959 monthly. Combined with low taxes (0.951% effective rate, 75.5 tax score), the county offers exceptional value for cost-conscious families.
Income levels lag well behind state norms
The county's income score of 22.9 reflects median household earnings of just $60,495, substantially below both the state average and most of Maryland's counties. This income gap limits residents' ability to pursue higher education or weathering economic disruption.
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Dorchester County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over earning potential. If you value low housing costs, minimal taxes, and a slower pace of life, Dorchester offers genuine livability at a fraction of state prices.
Score breakdown
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🏛75.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.