CountyScore

Wicomico County

Maryland · MD

#13 in Maryland
64.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Wicomico County, Maryland

Above national median livability

Wicomico County scores 64.9 out of 100, placing it 15 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 71st percentile. This competitive positioning reflects balanced strength in core livability metrics.

Solid Maryland standing

At 64.9, Wicomico exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by exactly 1 point, ranking it in the middle-to-upper range of state counties. It's a mainstream livable choice by Maryland standards.

Affordable housing and balanced taxes

Wicomico excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 66.8, median rent of $1,238, and median home value of $238,900. A tax score of 77.3 reflects low burden, supporting working-class financial stability.

Limited income opportunities

With an income score of 30.9 and median household income of $72,861—the lowest income of any featured county—Wicomico faces economic headwinds. Limited high-wage employment sectors restrict earning potential for upwardly mobile families.

For cost-conscious working families

Wicomico suits working-class families and young households seeking affordable housing and low taxes on modest incomes. It's an accessible entry point for those building equity in the Eastern Shore region.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.3Cost66.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.9Risk39.2WaterComing Soon
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡39.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wicomico County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yavapai County
Arizona
64.9
Median income: $66,106
Camden County
Georgia
64.9
Median income: $72,399
Thomas County
Georgia
64.9
Median income: $60,140
Lenawee County
Michigan
64.9
Median income: $67,013
Monroe County
Michigan
64.9
Median income: $75,272

Deep Dives

Wicomico County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wicomico County

via TaxByCounty

Wicomico's rate sits above national norm

Wicomico County's 0.887% effective rate exceeds the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the 52nd percentile. Its median home value of $238,900 falls below the U.S. median of $281,900, resulting in a moderate absolute tax bill despite a slightly above-average rate.

Just above Maryland's state average

Wicomico's 0.887% rate edges slightly above Maryland's 0.957% state average, placing it in the mid-range of Maryland's 24 counties. The $2,120 median tax bill falls well below the state average of $3,328, benefiting from lower home values.

Affordable Eastern Shore option

Wicomico's 0.887% rate trails Queen Anne's (0.793%) and Worcester County (0.755%), but beats none of its Eastern Shore neighbors. At $2,120 median tax, it's lower than all comparable regional counties in absolute terms.

Approximately $2,120 annually

The median Wicomico County property, valued at $238,900, carries a property tax bill of roughly $2,120 per year. Over 30 years, that totals about $63,600 in property taxes.

Your assessment needs a checkup

With a median home value of $238,900, property appreciation often outpaces assessment updates, leaving owners overcharged. Requesting a reassessment takes minutes and could recover $200–$400 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wicomico County

via CostByCounty

Wicomico fights affordability headwinds

Wicomico County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the national average of 20.0%, driven by a median household income of $72,861 that trails the U.S. median of $74,755. Despite modest absolute rents of $1,238, residents face tighter affordability pressures than national norms.

Above Maryland's affordability average

Wicomico's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Maryland's state average of 18.3%, placing the county among the state's more strained housing markets. The median income of $72,861 sits below statewide averages, compounding affordability challenges.

Mid-range Eastern Shore pricing

Wicomico's median rent of $1,238 positions it between Somerset ($938) and Talbot ($1,248) on the Eastern Shore, while its median income of $72,861 lags both. Home values at $238,900 offer some equity advantage, but income constraints limit buying power.

Tight quarters in Wicomico

Wicomico renters spend 20.4% of their $72,861 median income on $1,238 monthly rent—above comfortable thresholds and leaving limited savings capacity. Homeowners allocating $1,245 to monthly mortgage payments commit 20.5% of income, straining budgets for families with children or other obligations.

Relocate with income stability in mind

Wicomico's housing costs consume a above-average share of household income, making relocation feasible only with stable employment or remote work arrangements. The county's lower home values offer entry points for first-time buyers, but wage growth opportunities should anchor any relocation decision.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wicomico County

via IncomeByCounty

Wicomico falls short of national norm

Wicomico County's median household income of $72,861 sits 3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a working-class community that slightly trails the national average. This Eastern Shore county mirrors lower-income regions across rural America.

Among Maryland's lowest earners

Wicomico ranks near the bottom of Maryland counties with a median income 23% below the state average of $94,152. The county's agricultural and tourism base generates fewer high-wage jobs than Maryland's stronger economic centers.

Squeezed between Shore peers

Wicomico's $72,861 median income exceeds Somerset County ($52,462) but trails nearby Worcester County ($81,455) and Queen Anne's County ($113,347) by significant margins. The county struggles with income diversity compared to neighboring Shore communities.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Wicomico's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability concerns, leaving limited discretionary income after housing costs. The median home value of $238,900 is achievable but represents a larger burden relative to median earnings.

Build stability before investing

Wicomico households should focus first on establishing 3–6 months of emergency savings given modest income levels. Once emergency funds are in place, maximize employer 401(k) contributions and explore side income or skill-building opportunities to increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wicomico County

via HealthByCounty

Wicomico's Health Outcomes Trail National Averages

Wicomico's life expectancy of 74.9 years falls 1.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and 18.4% report poor or fair health versus 17.3% nationally. These disparities reflect high uninsured rates and potential gaps in preventive care infrastructure.

Maryland's Second-Lowest Life Expectancy

Wicomico's 74.9-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest in the state, trailing Maryland's 77.0-year average by 2.1 years. The 18.4% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's most challenged counties, signaling urgent need for targeted health interventions.

Eastern Shore's Health Trouble Spot

Wicomico's 74.9-year life expectancy exceeds only Somerset (74.0 years) among Eastern Shore counties profiled, and trails Worcester (78.5 years) by 3.6 years. Despite offering 435 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest among these counties—Wicomico's overall health profile lags, indicating broader systemic challenges.

Highest Uninsured Rate Fuels Health Disparities

Wicomico's 8.0% uninsured rate ranks highest among profiled counties and nearly 25% above Maryland's 6.4% average, leaving many without preventive coverage. With 64 primary care providers per 100,000, the county has moderate capacity, but coverage gaps prevent many from utilizing available care.

Breaking the Uninsured Cycle Starts Today

Wicomico's 8.0% uninsured rate is the county's most addressable health challenge—use open enrollment to find plans at healthcare.gov. Once covered, work with primary care providers to catch health issues early; preventive care can dramatically improve Wicomico's life expectancy and reduce preventable disease.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wicomico County

via RiskByCounty

Wicomico's risk slightly exceeds state average

Wicomico County's composite risk score of 60.78 sits just above Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk is concentrated in specific water and wildfire hazards rather than distributed across multiple threats.

Mid-range risk in Maryland's coastal region

Wicomico County ranks just above the state average with a composite risk score of 60.78, positioning it as a moderate-risk county. Its risk profile is shaped primarily by hurricane exposure and wildfire vulnerability rather than seismic or extreme flood threats.

Comparable to Somerset and Worcester, safer than others

Wicomico County (60.78) closely mirrors Somerset County (59.57) and Worcester County (68.19) in overall risk, while exceeding the much safer profiles of Talbot (42.37) and St. Mary's (42.56). Its Eastern Shore location creates hazard patterns similar to neighboring Somerset.

Hurricanes and wildfires are your primary threats

Hurricane risk dominates Wicomico County at 91.57, while wildfire risk reaches 80.85—both substantial threats that account for most of your above-average exposure. These two hazards vastly outweigh tornado or earthquake risks, reflecting your coastal geography and vegetation patterns.

Hurricane and wildfire insurance coverage essential

Wicomico County's extreme hurricane risk (91.57) and elevated wildfire risk (80.85) make comprehensive wind coverage and wildfire mitigation essential protections. Verify your homeowners insurance includes storm damage coverage and consider flood insurance given your coastal proximity—these directly address your county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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