Wicomico County, Maryland

Wicomico County is located in the southeastern part of the U.S. State of Maryland. As of 2000, the population is 84,644. It was named for the Wicomico River[?], which in turn derives from Indian words wicko mekee, meaning a place where houses are built, apparently referring to an Indian town on the banks. The county seat is Salisbury.

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

History Wicomico County was created from Somerset and Worcester Counties in 1867.

Law/Government Wicomico County was granted a charter form of government in 1964.

Geography Wicomico County includes eight municipalities:

• 2 Cities:
  1. Fruitland (incorporated 1947)
  2. Salisbury (incorporated 1854)
• 6 Towns:
  1. Delmar (incorporated 1888)
  2. Hebron (incorporated 1931)
  3. Mardela Springs (incorporated 1906)
  4. Pittsville (incorporated 1906)
  5. Sharptown (incorporated 1874)
  6. Willards (incorporated 1906)

The United States Census Bureau recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Wicomico County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,035 km² (400 mi²). 977 km² (377 mi²) of it is land and 59 km² (23 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 5.66% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 84,644 people, 32,218 households, and 21,779 families residing in the county. The population density is 87/km² (224/mi²). There are 34,401 housing units at an average density of 35/km² (91/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 72.58% White, 23.29% African American, 0.22% Native American, 1.75% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.80% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. 2.18% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 32,218 households out of which 32.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.20% are married couples living together, 14.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.40% are non-families. 24.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 11.80% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 91.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $39,035, and the median income for a family is $47,129. Males have a median income of $32,481 versus $23,548 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,171. 12.80% of the population and 8.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.60% are under the age of 18 and 8.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Delmar
• Fruitland
• Hebron
• Mardela Springs
• Pittsville
• Salisbury
• Sharptown
• Willards