Dorchester County

As of the 2020 Census, Dorchester County, MD, had a population of approximately 32,531 residents. The racial composition was 62.4% White, 28.2% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 6.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $50,300, and about 14.1% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county has an area of 983 square miles, with nearly one-third of it water.

As of 2023, the median home value in Dorchester County, MD is approximately $189,000. Rent prices average around $1,100 per month. The homeownership rate is 68%, and the median household income is $55,574. Dorchester County offers a range of housing options from historic homes in Cambridge to waterfront properties along the Chesapeake Bay. The local housing market has shown moderate growth, with an annual appreciation rate of about 3.2%.

As of the latest update, Dorchester County, MD, elections provide important local representation. On the ballot, there are multiple key positions, including County Council members, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and Board of Education members.

In the 2022 elections, Democratic and Republican candidates contended for five seats in the County Council. For instance, the Council's District 1 saw Democratic candidate William Nichols and Republican candidate Don Satterfield compete.

Voter turnout was approximately 60% of registered voters, reflecting high community engagement. The Sheriff's race saw incumbent Republican James W. Phillips, Jr. successfully retain his position.

For precise candidates and results specific to the latest election cycle, visiting the Dorchester County Board of Elections official website or local government resources is recommended for the most updated information.

As of the most recent data, Dorchester County, MD, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 85%, slightly below the national average of around 88%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is about 17%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 32% and the Maryland state average of 40%. Dorchester County faces educational challenges, with lower overall attainment levels compared to broader benchmarks, highlighting a potential area for development.

Dorchester County, MD, had an estimated population of around 32,000 (as of the latest data). The unemployment rate as of mid-2023 was approximately 5.2%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.6% and the Maryland state average of 4.0%.

Top industries in Dorchester County include:

1. Manufacturing (particularly food processing and seafood)
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance
3. Retail Trade
4. Educational Services
5. Accommodation and Food Services

The manufacturing sector is notably more prominent in Dorchester County compared to both the national and Maryland state averages, reflecting the county's strong historical ties to food processing and seafood industries.

In contrast, service-related sectors such as Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services are less dominant locally, compared with higher concentrations seen on a national and state level.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Dorchester County, MD is approximately $51,537. This figure is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is about $68,703, and the Maryland state median household income, which stands at around $87,063.

It's evident that Dorchester County's average income is below the state and national averages by $35,526 and $17,166 respectively, indicating potential challenges in economic development and wage growth in the region.

As of the most recent data available, Dorchester County, MD has a crime rate that is fairly moderate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 30.2 per 1,000 residents. The county has focused on improving community safety through preventive measures and increased law enforcement presence.

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The local authorities continuously work on strategies to reduce these rates by engaging with the community and deploying targeted enforcement actions.