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