Caroline County

Caroline County, MD, has a population of approximately 33,293 people. The racial makeup is 78.8% White, 14.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 39 years. Households average 2.69 persons, with a median household income of $60,695. About 12.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. Labor force participation is around 61.8%, and the county covers 320 square miles with approximately 104 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Caroline County, MD, has a median home value of approximately $244,000. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. Homeownership rate is about 73%, with a vacancy rate of 12%. The county's housing stock predominantly consists of single-family homes, making up about 85% of the market. The median household income is around $61,000 annually, influencing affordability in the region. Home prices have shown a steady increase of roughly 4% year-over-year. For new constructions, costs average between $145 to $185 per square foot.

Caroline County, MD, has a local government that includes elected positions such as County Commissioners, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Register of Wills, and Sheriff. Elections are held during the general election cycles in even years. Here are some key details:

1. County Commissioners: 3 seats

   • Recent candidates (2022): Larry C. Porter, Dan Franklin, Wilbur Levengood

2. Clerk of the Circuit Court: 1 seat

   • Recent candidate (2022): Doug Paris

3. Register of Wills: 1 seat

   • Recent candidate (2022): Amy Horne

4. Sheriff: 1 seat

   • Recent candidate (2022): Randy Bounds

Voter turnout often varies; for example, the 2018 general election saw around a 50% turnout from approximately 20,000 registered voters. For more detailed and updated information, visit the Caroline County Board of Elections website.

As of the most recent data available, Caroline County, MD has a lower level of educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 85% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, which is below the national average of around 88% and the Maryland state average of approximately 90%. In terms of higher education, about 17% of Caroline County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the national average of about 33% and the Maryland state average of around 40%. The county tends to lag behind in educational attainment when compared to broader benchmarks, indicating a need for increased educational resources and opportunities.

As of recent data, Caroline County, MD has an employment rate of around 95%, with unemployment hovering near 5%, slightly below the national average of 6%. The civilian labor force comprises approximately 17,000 individuals.

Top industries in Caroline County include agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Agriculture is particularly prominent, with the county’s rural setting contributing to its strong presence in this sector.

Compared to national averages, Caroline County has a higher percentage of employment in agriculture (10% versus the national 1.4%) and manufacturing (15% versus 8.5%). In healthcare, the employment rate is akin to the national average, around 13%. The retail sector also employs a significant portion, about 12%, close to the national average of 11%.

Maryland's statewide labor distribution is more balanced, with healthcare services, education, and professional services more pronounced than in Caroline County, where agricultural employment is uniquely robust.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Caroline County, MD is approximately $57,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Maryland is around $84,805, while the national median is approximately $68,703.

Caroline County's median income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. This highlights a marked economic disparity within the county when compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Caroline County, MD has relatively lower crime rates compared to national averages. Here's a brief overview of the crime statistics for the region:

These figures illustrate the pervasiveness of various types of crimes within Caroline County. While violent crimes are relatively low, property crimes, particularly theft, are more common. It's important for residents to remain vigilant and for community initiatives to focus on crime prevention.