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.
Dorchester County, MD Climate
Dorchester County, MD has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1104 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1104
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 97 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 78 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 110 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 82 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 86 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 110 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 107 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 90 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 79 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 81 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 86 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dorchester County, MD
The most comfortable months to visit Dorchester County, MD are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dorchester County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.