Dorchester County, Maryland Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Maryland
The population of Dorchester County, Maryland is 32,612 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Maryland. The median household income is $60,495, the median home value is $252,300, and the median age is 43.9.
The population of Dorchester County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (32,689 → 33,138), a +0.10% annualized rate.
32,612
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$60,495
Median Income
$252,300
Median Home Value
Dorchester County covers 541 sq mi of land at 60.3 people per square mile.
About Dorchester County, MD
Homeownership is the standout figure in Dorchester County: 66.3% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. With 32,612 residents, Dorchester County is a county in Maryland. It ranks #21 among counties in Maryland by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,495 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.5%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $252,300, with typical rent around $959.
18.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Dorchester County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dorchester County had a population of 32,689 in 2010 and 33,138 in 2024, a 1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,138 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.10%.
33,138
Population (2024)
32,689
Population (2010)
33,138
Peak (2024)
0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,689 |
| 2011 | 32,702 |
| 2012 | 32,483 |
| 2013 | 32,563 |
| 2014 | 32,502 |
| 2015 | 32,431 |
| 2016 | 32,268 |
| 2017 | 32,093 |
| 2018 | 31,894 |
| 2019 | 31,864 |
| 2020 | 32,523 |
| 2021 | 32,590 |
| 2022 | 32,599 |
| 2023 | 32,922 |
| 2024 | 33,138 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.9% |
| Black or African American | 25.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.9
Median Age
53.4%
Female
46.6%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,495$-41,157 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,059 |
| Per-capita income | $34,780 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dorchester County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$252,300$-145,400 vs state
Median home value
$959
Median rent
66.3%
Homeownership rate
16,416
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
33.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
22.9%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.8%
High School+
18.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Maryland
Other counties in Maryland
Part of Maryland
Metro areas in Maryland
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dorchester County, Maryland has a population of 32,612 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Maryland. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Dorchester County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (32,689 → 33,138), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dorchester County, Maryland is $60,495, with mean (average) household income of $82,059 and per-capita income of $34,780. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dorchester County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.9%), Black or African American (25.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dorchester County, Maryland is 43.9 years. Residents are 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
The median home value in Dorchester County is $252,300 and median monthly rent is $959. 66.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,416 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dorchester County, Maryland is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Baltimore is among the largest cities associated with Dorchester County, Maryland, with a population of 577,193.
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Statewide data for Maryland
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Maryland
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.