countyscore
48.4
County Score
Schools 91.7Income & Jobs 85.3Health 79.4

County Report Card

About Worcester County, Maryland

Nearly matching the national median

Worcester County scores 48.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that is very close to the average American experience.

Outperforming the Maryland state average

The county's score of 48.4 is higher than the Maryland state average of 47.4. This makes it a high-performer within the state, especially for a coastal community.

Elite schools and high incomes

An exceptional School Score of 91.7 and an Income Score of 85.3 are the county's standout features. Residents benefit from a high median income of $81,455 and a strong Tax Score of 57.2.

Significant safety and risk factors

The county struggles with a very low Safety Score of 11.0 and a Risk Score of 31.8. Cost is also a factor, with a Cost Score of 14.1 and median home values at $348,100.

Ideal for coastal-loving families

Worcester is perfect for families who want some of the best schools in the state and strong income prospects. It is a premier choice for those who value education over absolute safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax57.2Cost14.1Safety11Health79.4Schools91.7Income85.3Risk31.8Water46.7Weather73.5
🏛57.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓91.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.7
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
Somerset County
Maryland
40.2
Sussex County
Delaware
50.4
Dorchester County
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47
Accomack County
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47
Caroline County
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Talbot County
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56.9
Northumberland County
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66.8

Deep Dives

Worcester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Worcester County

via TaxByCounty

Worcester's rate sits below national median

Worcester County's 0.755% effective rate falls well below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the 25th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $348,100—above the U.S. median of $281,900—this low rate yields attractive absolute tax bills.

Among Maryland's lowest-taxing counties

Worcester's 0.755% rate sits about 21% below Maryland's state average of 0.957%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The $2,629 median tax bill comes in well below the state average of $3,328, despite homes here commanding solid prices.

Second-lowest on the Eastern Shore

Worcester's 0.755% rate edges below Queen Anne's (0.793%) and beats Wicomico (0.887%), though only Talbot (0.658%) taxes lower on the Eastern Shore. At $2,629 median tax, Worcester offers strong value compared to comparable-priced homes elsewhere in Maryland.

Just $2,629 per year on average

A Worcester County homeowner with the median property value of $348,100 pays roughly $2,629 annually in property taxes. Over 30 years, that amounts to approximately $78,900 in cumulative property taxes.

Don't assume your assessment is fair

Even in tax-efficient counties, roughly 15–20% of assessments are inflated above true market value. Requesting a reassessment is free and could save you $300–$500 per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Worcester County

via CostByCounty

Worcester achieves national affordability

Worcester County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits comfortably below the national average of 20.0%, with a median household income of $81,455 that exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 9%. This combination positions Worcester as one of the nation's more accessible mid-Atlantic destinations.

Below Maryland's affordability mark

Worcester's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Maryland's state average of 18.3%, placing the county among the state's more affordable options. The median income of $81,455 provides solid financial footing compared to statewide peers.

Eastern Shore value leader

Worcester's median rent of $1,180 competes favorably with nearby Talbot ($1,248) and Wicomico ($1,238), while supporting a higher median income than both counties. Home values at $348,100 reflect strong equity potential on Maryland's coastal peninsula.

Measured housing burdens

Worcester renters dedicate 17.4% of their $81,455 median income to $1,180 monthly rent, preserving substantial income for savings and living expenses. Homeowners allocating $1,378 to monthly mortgage payments commit 20.3% of income to ownership—a sustainable ratio for middle-income households.

Maryland's coastal value choice

Worcester County delivers competitive Eastern Shore housing costs, solid median income, and below-state-average affordability ratios—an appealing combination for families and remote workers. The county's ocean proximity and reasonable housing expenses make it an accessible alternative to pricier coastal counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Worcester County

via IncomeByCounty

Worcester exceeds U.S. income average

Worcester County's median household income of $81,455 is 9% above the U.S. median of $74,755, indicating a solidly prosperous Eastern Shore community. This places Worcester in the upper-middle tier of American counties.

Upper-middle tier among Maryland counties

Worcester ranks in Maryland's top tier with a median income 13% above the state average of $94,152. The county benefits from a diversified economy including tourism, healthcare, and education anchored by Salisbury University.

Leads most Eastern Shore peers

Worcester's $81,455 median income outpaces Somerset ($52,462), Wicomico ($72,861), and Talbot ($84,378), though it trails Queen Anne's ($113,347) significantly. The county's educational and healthcare sectors provide stable, higher-wage employment.

Housing costs remain favorable

Worcester's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Maryland's best, well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $348,100 is accessible for households at this income level, supporting both renting and homeownership.

Leverage education-sector stability

Worcester households benefit from large employers like Salisbury University and healthcare systems that offer retirement benefits and job security. Maximize these employer benefits, invest savings in diversified portfolios, and consider real estate or business ventures aligned with the county's growing tourism economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Worcester County

via CrimeByCounty

Worcester County Exceeds National Crime Averages

The county reports a total crime rate of 2686.1 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2385.5. It carries a safety score of 95.8.

Worcester Relative to Maryland Safety Levels

Worcester's safety score of 95.8 is lower than the Maryland state average of 97.4. This reflects unique challenges often found in tourism-heavy coastal regions.

Comparing Worcester to Regional Peers

The county's crime rate of 2686.1 per 100K is the highest among its neighbors, including Wicomico's 1940.0. It also exceeds the state average of 1638.3 significantly.

Violent vs Property Crime in Worcester

Violent crime is 355.9 per 100K, which is slightly below the national 369.8. However, property crime is high at 2330.2 per 100K, likely influenced by seasonal shifts.

Protecting Your Home in a Resort County

Property crime rates of 2330.2 per 100K suggest that vacation homes need extra protection. Security cameras and timed lighting can help secure properties during the off-season.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Worcester County

via HealthByCounty

Worcester Outpaces U.S. Health Averages

Worcester's life expectancy of 78.5 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.1 years, and 15.2% report poor or fair health—below the national 17.3%. This performance reflects strong preventive care infrastructure and relatively healthy chronic disease management.

Top-Tier Health Performance for Maryland

Worcester's 78.5-year life expectancy tops Maryland's 77.0-year average by 1.5 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 15.2% poor/fair health rate reinforces this advantage, signaling effective disease prevention and management across the population.

Eastern Shore's Health Success Story

Worcester's 78.5-year life expectancy rivals Talbot (78.9 years) and Queen Anne's (79.6 years), and dramatically exceeds Somerset (74.0 years) and Washington counties (74.5 years). With 314 mental health providers per 100,000, Worcester balances physical and behavioral health resources effectively.

Good Coverage Supports Strong Health Outcomes

Worcester's 7.1% uninsured rate remains slightly above Maryland's 6.4% average, though lower than most neighboring Eastern Shore counties. At 85 primary care providers per 100,000, Worcester offers solid access to preventive care, supporting its strong life expectancy advantage.

Sustain Worcester's Health Momentum

Worcester's strong health profile depends on continuous coverage—the 7.1% uninsured should act during open enrollment at healthcare.gov. Maintaining insurance and regular preventive care visits is how Worcester residents sustain their 78.5-year life expectancy and keep the county among Maryland's healthiest.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Worcester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Premier coastal schools in Worcester

Worcester County maintains a high-quality system of 14 public schools serving 6,841 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, four middle, and three high schools, along with one special education center. This manageable scale allows the single district to maintain high standards across the board.

Top-tier scores and significant investment

The county leads with a composite school score of 68.8, well above the state average of 60.6. This excellence is supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $12,869, nearly matching the national average. A 95.0% graduation rate further cements Worcester’s status as a top performer in Maryland.

A look at Worcester County Public Schools

Worcester County Public Schools oversees the entire county's education, serving 6,841 students with a focus on quality over quantity. No charter schools operate in the county, as the traditional schools consistently deliver high results. Stephen Decatur High is the largest institution, acting as a major secondary hub for 1,431 students.

A mix of rural and town learning

The county’s schools are split perfectly between seven rural and seven town locales, reflecting its coastal and agricultural landscape. Average school enrollment is 526 students, but Stephen Decatur High is nearly triple that size. Despite the larger high schools, intermediate and elementary schools like Showell maintain a more localized feel.

Discover homes in a top-rated Maryland district

With a school score of 68.8 and high per-pupil spending, Worcester County is a magnet for families. Proximity to schools like Berlin Intermediate or Ocean City Elementary adds significant value to local real estate. Investing in a home here means joining a community that clearly prioritizes academic success and well-funded education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Worcester County

via RiskByCounty

Worcester County faces above-average disaster risk

Worcester County's composite risk score of 68.19 exceeds both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane and flood exposure reflecting its Atlantic coastal location.

Above-average risk in Maryland's east

Worcester County ranks above the state average with a composite risk score of 68.19, making it one of Maryland's moderate-risk coastal counties. Its risk profile is shaped by extreme water hazards rather than seismic or significant wind events.

Riskier than Talbot and St. Mary's, matches Washington

Worcester County (68.19) faces greater overall risk than nearby Talbot (42.37) and St. Mary's (42.56), while closely matching Washington County (68.77) and Wicomico County (60.78). Its position on Maryland's Eastern Shore creates a distinct hazard profile emphasizing water-related threats.

Hurricanes and floods dominate your exposure

Worcester County faces extreme hurricane risk at 91.99 and severe flood risk at 88.00—both well above typical levels and accounting for nearly all of your above-average composite risk. These water-related hazards vastly outweigh tornado (16.09) or earthquake threats, reflecting your coastal geography.

Flood and hurricane insurance are non-negotiable

Worcester County's extreme hurricane (91.99) and flood (88.00) risks make separate flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage absolutely essential protections. Evaluate your home's elevation and proximity to water bodies, and prioritize investments in storm shutters, reinforced roofing, and improved drainage to reduce vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Worcester County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Influence on the Atlantic Coast

Worcester County records an annual average of 57.8°F, placing it firmly in a warm, humid temperate zone by national standards. It receives 45.0 inches of precipitation annually, matching the typical moisture levels of the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Maryland's Warmest Coastal Frontier

The county's 57.8°F annual average is nearly two degrees higher than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. This makes it one of the warmest counties in the state, with the Atlantic Ocean helping to stabilize temperature swings.

Milder Extremes Than Inland Wicomico

While Worcester and Wicomico both average 57.8°F, Worcester enjoys a milder summer with only 22 extreme heat days. This is nearly 30% fewer 90-degree days than its neighbor, thanks to the direct cooling effect of the ocean.

Mild Winters and Ocean-Cooled Summers

Summer averages a comfortable 75.6°F, while winter temperatures stay well above freezing at 40.2°F. Snow is infrequent on the coast, with the county receiving only 6.8 inches per year on average.

Plan for Coastal Humidity and Wind

The mild 40.2°F winter average reduces heating demands compared to inland Maryland, but salt air and humidity require specialized home maintenance. Residents should prepare for 22 days of heat above 90°F, typically mitigated by sea breezes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Worcester County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal soils with higher pH levels

Worcester County features an average pH of 5.75, which is significantly higher than the state average of 5.31. This makes the soil slightly more balanced for a wider variety of plants.

Sand-heavy profile near the Atlantic

The soil is 52.1% sand, 22.5% silt, and 7.6% clay. This composition is typical for coastal regions, offering a light, well-aerated environment for root systems to expand.

Rich organic matter with low water storage

At 13.01%, organic matter is well above the state average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity is the lowest in the region at 0.152 in/in, meaning the soil does not hold moisture for long.

Subaqueous soils and slow infiltration

The county contains subaqueous soils and belongs to Hydrologic Group D. Despite the high sand content, these classifications suggest areas with high water tables or restricted drainage due to the low elevation.

Coastal gardening in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone is excellent for figs and summer squash. Gardeners should use the high organic matter to their advantage while keeping a close eye on watering during the peak of summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Worcester County

via LawnByCounty

Maryland's Top Spot for Easy Lawns

Worcester County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 64.7, the highest and easiest in this set. This Zone 7b coastal region provides a stable environment that is significantly easier to manage than the state average.

Coastal Breezes Mitigate Summer Heat

With only 22 extreme heat days, Worcester is cooler than the state average of 27. The 45.0 inches of annual precipitation provides a consistent water source for the 4157 growing degree days.

Sandy Soils Near the Shore

The soil is 52.1% sand and features subaqueous drainage classes in some areas, reflecting its coastal nature. While the pH of 5.75 is closer to the ideal than many neighbors, it still requires a boost to reach the 6.0-7.0 range.

Steady Moisture on the Coast

The county only saw 18 weeks of drought in the past year, though the entire area is currently considered abnormally dry. Coastal humidity often helps lawns recover more quickly from dry spells than inland counties.

A Long Fall for Perfect Seeding

The first frost doesn't arrive until November 2, giving you a long autumn window to establish roots. Consider Zoysia for a salt-tolerant and heat-hardy lawn that thrives in the local sandy conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Worcester County's county score?
Worcester County, Maryland has a composite county score of 48.4 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 Worcester County rank among counties in Maryland?
Worcester County ranks #12 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 Worcester County, Maryland?
The median annual property tax in Worcester County is $2,629, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Worcester County a tax score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Worcester County?
The median household income in Worcester County, Maryland is $81,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Worcester County earns an income score of 85.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Worcester County, Maryland a good place to live?
Worcester County scores 48.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Maryland. The best way to evaluate Worcester 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 Worcester County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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