Somerset County

As of the 2020 Census, Somerset County, Maryland, had a population of approximately 24,620. The racial makeup was 53.1% White, 40.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 3.1% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up around 4.3% of the population. The median household income was $44,939, and 20.4% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county had a diverse age range with 18.2% under 18, 13.2% aged 18-24, 25.0% aged 25-44, 26.0% aged 45-64, and 17.6% aged 65 and older.

As of recent data, Somerset County, MD has a median home value of approximately $128,000. Median rent is around $790 per month. Owner-occupied housing units make up roughly 55% of the market, while rental units constitute about 35%. The average household size is 2.6 people. Housing vacancy rates hover around 15%, and the county has seen a 3% annual population growth in recent years, impacting housing demand.

In the 2022 elections for Somerset County, MD, voters participated in choosing members for various local offices. Key races included:

1. County Commissioners:

   • District 1: Craig Mathies Sr. (D) received 1,725 votes, defeating Randy Laird (R) with 1,452 votes.
   • District 2: Rex Simpkins (R) won with 1,862 votes against Michael K. Corbin (D) who garnered 1,116 votes.
   • District 3: Charles Laird (R) ran unopposed, securing 2,050 votes.

2. Sheriff:

   • Ronnie Howard (D): 4,123 votes, defeating the independent candidate Jeff Merritt with 3,249 votes.

3. Clerk of the Circuit Court:

   • Janet Harting (R) received 4,826 votes, running unopposed.

This overview captures key numerical values and candidate details for the 2022 elections in Somerset County.

Somerset County, MD, has significant educational challenges. Approximately 80% of adults in Somerset County hold a high school diploma, which is below the national average of around 88%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher is about 15%, compared to the national average of approximately 33% and the Maryland state average of about 40%. These statistics indicate that Somerset County lags behind both national and state averages in educational attainment.

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• Maryland State Department of Education data

As of the latest available data, Somerset County, MD, has a labor force participation rate of around 56%, lower than both the Maryland state average of approximately 62.5% and the national average of 63.4%. The county's unemployment rate is around 7%, higher than the state average of about 6% and the national average of 3.9%.

Top industries in Somerset County include education, healthcare, and public administration, with the largest employers being the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Eastern Correctional Institution. Agriculture, specifically poultry farming, also plays a significant role. The prevalence of these industries contrasts with the broader state and national trends, which have a larger share in technology, finance, and professional services. Overall, Somerset County's economy is more dependent on public institutions and agriculture compared to the more diversified economic structures prevalent in Maryland and across the U.S.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Somerset County, MD is approximately $42,000 per year. This figure is significantly lower than both the national and Maryland state averages. Nationally, the average household income is about $68,700 per year, while the state average for Maryland is around $83,000 per year. This data showcases the economic disparities present in Somerset County relative to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest data available, Somerset County, MD, has a crime rate of approximately 2,718 per 100,000 residents annually. The county experiences a variety of crimes, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes.

These figures provide a snapshot of crime in Somerset County, MD, offering a basis for local law enforcement and policy-making efforts.