Dorchester County’s population is changing slowly but steadily, according to the latest American Community Survey and state census data. The numbers reflect both the county’s historic roots and signs of gradual diversification, while also underscoring ongoing economic and social challenges.
Poverty remains among the highest in the state at 20.1 percent
Dorchester’s economy continues to show strain. The poverty rate is estimated at 20.1 percent, which is among the highest in the state, and has decreased slightly from 20.3 percent in 2010. Employment is dominated by private wage and salary work, which accounts for 71 percent of jobs. Government employment accounts for 19 percent, and approximately 9 percent of workers are self-employed.
These figures point to a reliance on wage-based jobs and limited growth in entrepreneurial or large-scale economic sectors. With higher poverty rates than neighboring counties, Dorchester faces particular challenges in workforce development, access to opportunity, and long-term financial resilience.
Grandparents play essential roles in child-rearing
Dorchester County has about 25,100 citizens of voting age. Women represent 53.7 percent of that group, while men make up 46.3 percent. The gender balance is in line with state averages but highlights a slightly higher proportion of women in the county.
Language diversity is growing, although it remains modest compared to more urban counties. About 5.9 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home. Among those, 2.5 percent report speaking English less than “very well.”
Family structures also reflect unique pressures. More than 500 grandparents live with their grandchildren, and approximately one-third of those grandparents are responsible for the children’s daily care. This suggests that multigenerational households play a significant role in the social fabric of the county.
White population shrinks by 6.2 percent
Dorchester County’s population is estimated at just over 32,600 people. White residents remain the largest group, accounting for approximately 61.9 percent of the total population. This is down from 67.6 percent recorded in the 2010 Census. Black or African American residents make up roughly 25.3 percent of the population, a figure that has declined slightly over the past decade.
Other groups are gaining in size. Residents identifying as two or more races now make up 8.1 percent of the population, while Hispanic or Latino residents account for nearly 6 percent. Asian residents represent about 1.3 percent. The shifts are gradual, but they signal a more diverse community than in previous generations.
Low levels of migration
The county is marked by residential stability. More than 92 percent of people lived in the same home in consecutive years, according to the 2018–2022 survey period. Just over 13,000 households are occupied, with an average size of 2.34 people in owner-occupied housing and 2.54 in rentals.
Mobility into the county is modest. About 5.5 percent of households reported moving into their current home in 2021 or later, while nearly 19 percent moved between 2018 and 2020. This reflects a population base that is deeply rooted, with many long-term residents and relatively low levels of in-migration compared to urban areas of Maryland.
Looking ahead: diversity may bring change
The demographic and economic data tell a story of gradual change in a county that retains strong continuity. Dorchester is slowly diversifying, but the pace is measured compared to other regions of Maryland. Housing and residency patterns indicate a stable, rooted community, while high poverty levels underscore ongoing economic vulnerabilities.
For local government, schools, and community organizations, the findings may shape future decisions about resource allocation, public services, and economic development priorities. The needs of long-term residents will remain a central focus, but a more diverse population and multigenerational households will also play an increasingly significant role in shaping the county’s future.
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