Dorchester County

MD · Pop. 53,555 · Suburban County

6Homestead Score

Dorchester County is a suburban county in MD with a population of approximately 53,555.

$/Acre: $2,761

Property Tax: 1.09%

Growing Season: 174 days

Broadband: 60%

Safety: 6/10

Density: 31.2/sq mi

Pros

Affordable land

Cons

Strict building codes, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.09%

Local Sales Tax1.56%

Combined Sales Tax7.56%

Cost of Living Index110

Median Household Income$49,713

Poverty Rate21.3%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$2,761

Median Home Price$225K

Acres for Sale234

Building CodeFull IBC

Permit Required

Zoning TypeLimited Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size0.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6

Growing Season174 days

Annual Rainfall41.9 inches

Avg Summer High85°F

Avg Winter Low32°F

Soil TypeSandy

Soil Quality8/10

Elevation3,538 ft

Top CropsHay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10

Wildfire2/10

Tornado3/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceSpring

Well Depth (avg)310 ft

Water AvailabilityAdequate

Solar (Avg PSH)3.9

Wind Potential7/10

Electric Rate$0.12/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceSome

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceAllowed

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessNo

Safety

Violent Crime /100K469

Property Crime /100K341

Overall Safety6/10

Sheriff Response34 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital22 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage60%

Cell CoveragePoor

Starlink Available

Nearest Town12 miles

Nearest City22 miles

School District5/10

Farmers Markets1

Public Land Nearby55%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.3%

Ag EconomyModerate