Dorchester County, Maryland

Dorchester County is a county located in the U.S. State of Maryland. As of 2000, the population is 30,674. It was named for the Earl of Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts. Its county seat is Cambridge.

Table of contents 1 History 2 Law and Government 2.1 County Executive 3 Geography 4 Demographics 5 Cities and Towns

History The origin of Dorchester County is not known but it definitely existed by February 16, 1668/69, when a writ was issued to its sheriff.

In 1773 a part of Dorchester County, together with a portion of Queen Anne's County, was taken to form Caroline County.

Law and Government Dorchester County is still governed by county commissioners, the traditional form of county government in Maryland.

County Executive

The county commissioners exercise such executive powers as exist in the government of the county.

Geography Dorchester County includes nine municipalities:

• 1 City:
  1. Cambridge (incorporated 1793)
• 8 Towns:
  1. Brookview (incorporated 1953)
  2. Church Creek (incorporated 1867)
  3. East New Market (incorporated 1832)
  4. Eldorado (incorporated 1947)
  5. Galestown (incorporated 1951)
  6. Hurlock (incorporated 1892)
  7. Secretary (incorporated 1900)
  8. Vienna (incorporated 1833)

Unincorporated areas are also considered as towns by many people, but they lack local government. The United States Census Bureau recognizes one Census-Designated Place in Dorchester County: Algonquin. Other entities, such as the United States Postal Service, use a different selection of local place names. In all these cases, since the places are unincorporated, the boundaries are determined by the classifying authority.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,546 km² (983 mi²). 1,444 km² (558 mi²) of it is land and 1,102 km² (425 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 43.28% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 30,674 people, 12,706 households, and 8,500 families residing in the county. The population density is 21/km² (55/mi²). There are 14,681 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 69.45% White, 28.39% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 1.26% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 12,706 households out of which 27.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.50% are married couples living together, 15.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.10% are non-families. 28.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 2.86.

In the county the population is spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 26.80% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 89.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,077, and the median income for a family is $41,917. Males have a median income of $29,014 versus $22,284 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,929. 13.80% of the population and 10.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 18.10% are under the age of 18 and 14.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Algonquin
• Brookview
• Cambridge
• Church Creek
• East New Market
• Eldorado
• Galestown
• Hurlock
• Secretary
• Vienna