Dorchester County, Maryland
Income Data
At a Glance
How Dorchester County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Dorchester County, Maryland
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Dorchester County median
County median: $60,495 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-36%
vs. National Median
-19%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,041) vs. median rent ($959/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.