Dorchester County Public RecordsMaryland

As of 2022, Dorchester County, MD has a population of approximately 32,400. The median age is around 45.6 years, with 50.6% female and 49.4% male residents. Racially, the county is 63% White, 27% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian, and about 4.7% identifying as other or multiracial. The aging population and modest diversity reflect broader trends in rural Maryland communities.

Dorchester County, MD, operates 14 public schools, including 2 high schools. Around 84.8% of adults have a high school diploma, while 17.8% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average math and reading proficiency scores of 27% and 31%, respectively. The county invests in adult education programs and workforce training. Safety ratings are average, with ongoing initiatives to improve campus security. Educational programs include STEM, vocational training, and early college options for students seeking more advanced coursework.

As of 2022, Dorchester County, MD had an employment rate of approximately 55.3%, with around 14,552 employed residents. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (19.3%), Manufacturing (15.5%), and Retail Trade (10.5%). The most common occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (13.4%) and Production (12.2%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 28.6 minutes. The majority, 67.2%, work within Dorchester or neighboring counties, while 32.8% travel to other regions for employment.

Dorchester County, MD, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $242,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,200. The market has seen modest home value increases of about 3% year-over-year. Housing types include historic single-family homes, waterfront properties, and newer developments, notably in Cambridge neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.07%, lower than the state average. Rural areas dominate, with some suburban clusters and affordable options.

Dorchester County, MD, had 21,527 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the Dorchester County Board of Elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, turnout was 71% (15,332 ballots cast). Polling locations include the county office and local schools. Republicans (51%) outnumber Democrats (41%), with 8% unaffiliated. Key issues include economic development and water quality. Recent results saw Republican dominance in county offices. For the 2024 election cycle, seven in-person polling sites operate. The Board of Elections, located in Cambridge, manages voter registration and election processes.

Dorchester County, MD, has seen fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2022, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 2,100 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crime making up 76% of cases. Violent crime accounted for about 24%, including 5.6 incidents per 1,000 people. The sheriff’s office and Cambridge Police are primary reporting agencies, with ongoing efforts to improve community safety. Overall, the area’s crime rates are above the Maryland state average, emphasizing the importance of active crime prevention and community engagement measures.