Dorchester County, Maryland

Income Data

-36% vs. Maryland average
$60,495
Median Household Income
$34,780
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,495
-36% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,780
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Maryland
#21 / 24
by median household income

How Dorchester County Compares

Dorchester County$60,495
Maryland Average$94,152
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,495
Median Household Income
$34,780
Per Capita Income
$252,300
Median Home Value
24.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The median household income in Dorchester County, Maryland is $60,495, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Dorchester County?
The per capita income in Dorchester County is $34,780, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $60,495.
How does Dorchester County compare to the Maryland average?
Dorchester County's median household income of $60,495 is lower than the Maryland state average of $94,152. The per capita income is $34,780, compared to the state average of $46,948.
What is the per capita income in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The per capita income in Dorchester County, Maryland is $34,780, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Dorchester County a low-income area in Maryland?
Dorchester County's median household income of $60,495 is below the Maryland average of $94,152. The per capita income of $34,780 is also lower than the state average of $46,948. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Dorchester County rank for income in Maryland?
Dorchester County ranks #21 out of 24 counties in Maryland by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,495 and per capita income of $34,780, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Dorchester County

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Your income is above the Dorchester County median

County median: $60,495 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-36%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Dorchester County MedianAbout equal
vs. Maryland Average36% below
vs. National Median19% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.3x

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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.