Elections

Cecil County, MD has about 70,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans comprising approximately 52%, Democrats 30%, and others 18%. The county administers general, primary, and special elections, with polling at 25 locations. In the 2020 presidential election, Republican candidates received 64% of the vote. Key local issues include education funding, development, and opioid response. The Cecil County Board of Elections oversees administration, ensuring compliance with state law. Both major parties maintain active local committees, and unaffiliated/third-party registrations have slightly increased in recent years. Early voting and absentee ballots are commonly used.

County Crime & Safety

Cecil County, MD, reported a crime rate of approximately 2,070 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the national average. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, accounted for roughly 16% of total reports, while property crimes like theft and burglary made up 84%. The county saw a decrease in violent crime by 8% from the previous year. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting, contributing to efficient crime monitoring and public safety initiatives. Overall, Cecil County maintains a moderate safety rating compared to neighboring regions.

Education, Employment and Housing

Cecil County, MD has 5 public high schools, with a graduation rate of 90% and an average SAT score around 1040. Approximately 27% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county operates 29 public schools serving about 14,500 students, and offers adult education and workforce training programs. School safety initiatives include security systems and resource officers in all schools. Specialized programs, such as STEM and career/technical education, are available. Overall, Cecil County invests in continuous staff development and student support to enhance educational outcomes.

As of 2023, Cecil County, MD, had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major industries include healthcare (13%), retail trade (11%), and manufacturing (10%). Common occupation types are office/administrative support (14%), production (10%), and sales (10%). Around 65% of residents commute outside the county for work, with major destinations including New Castle County, DE, and Baltimore. The mean travel time to work is 32 minutes, reflecting significant outbound commuting.

Cecil County, MD’s median home value is around $295,000 (2024), with homeownership at approximately 75%. Median rent sits at $1,350/month. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and few apartments. Neighborhoods like Elkton and North East are popular, with rural and suburban options. Property values have risen by about 3% annually since 2021. Property tax rates average 1.02% of assessed value. The market remains competitive but more affordable than larger metro areas.

Demographics

As of 2022, Cecil County, MD, has a population of approximately 104,000. The median age is about 41 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.4% female and 49.6% male. Racially, the county is 82% White, 8% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 2% two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4% of the population. This diversity reflects gradual demographic shifts in recent years.