Coordinates: 38°25′N 76°05′W / 38.42°N 76.08°W
| Dorchester County, Maryland | |
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| Map | |
 Location in the state of Maryland |
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 Maryland's location in the U.S. |
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| Statistics | |
| Founded | 1669 |
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| Seat | Cambridge |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
983 sq mi (2,546 km²) 558 sq mi (1,445 km²) 425 sq mi (1,101 km²), 43.28% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
30,674 54/sq mi (21/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern: UTC-5/-4 |
| Website: www.docogonet.com | |
Dorchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by the Choptank River to the north, Talbot County to the northwest, Caroline County to the northeast, Wicomico County to the southeast, Sussex County, Delaware, to the east, and the Chesapeake Bay to the west. Dorchester County uses the slogan, "The Heart of Chesapeake Country," due to its geographical location and the heart-like shape of the county on a map. In 2000, its population was 30,674. It was named for the Earl of Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts (the founding family of the Maryland colony). Its county seat is Cambridge.
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Law and government
Dorchester County operates under the Charter Home Rule form of government and the affairs of the County are managed by five County Council Members, one from each of the five Council districts defined within the County. Meetings of the County Council are held weekly. The agenda and the minutes of each week’s proceedings are public record.[1]
Law Enforcement
The county is policed by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), the Maryland State Police, and the DNR Police. The DCSO is a full service agency, currently headed by Sheriff James W. Phillips Jr.[2]. Dorchester County, Maryland is also the birthplace of Harriett Tubman.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 983 square miles (2,546 km²), of which, 557.54 square miles (1,444 km²) of it is land and 425 square miles (1,102 km²) of it is water. The total area is 43.28% water.[3]
Adjacent Counties
- Caroline County (north)
- Sussex County, Delaware (northeast)
- Wicomico County (east)
- Somerset County (southeast)
- Talbot County (northwest)
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Talbot County | Caroline County | Sussex County, Delaware | |
| Chesapeake Bay |  |
Wicomico County | ||
 Dorchester County, Maryland  |
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| Somerset County |
National protected area
Demographics
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 30,674 people, 12,706 households, and 8,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 55 people per square mile (21/km²). There were 14,681 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 69.45% White, 28.39% Black or 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 was Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.1% were of American, 12.7% English, 9.8% German and 8.2% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 12,706 households out of which 27.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.50% were married couples living together, 15.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.10% were non-families. 28.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the county the population was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,077, and the median income for a family was $41,917. Males had a median income of $29,014 versus $22,284 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,929. 13.80% of the population and 10.10% of families were below the poverty line. 18.10% of those under the age of 18 and 14.20% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.[3]
Education
Public Schools
- Dorchester County School of Technology
- North Dorchester High School
- Cambridge-South Dorchester High School
- Mace's Lane Middle School
- North Dorchester Middle School
- Sandy Hill Elementary School
- Choptank Elementary School
- Hurlock Elementary School
- Maple Elementary School
- South Dorchester PK-8
- Vienna Elementary School
- Warwick Elementary School
Cities and towns
This county contains the following incorporated municipalities:
- 1 City:
- Cambridge (incorporated 1793)
- 8 Towns:
- Brookview (incorporated 1953)
- Church Creek (incorporated 1867)
- East New Market (incorporated 1832)
- Eldorado (incorporated 1947)
- Galestown (incorporated 1951)
- Hurlock (incorporated 1892)
- Secretary (incorporated 1900)
- Vienna (incorporated 1833)
Sister Counties
- Düren (district), since 2005
Media
The local newspapers are The Daily Banner and The Dorchester Star (a free, weekly publication). A regional newspaper, The Star Democrat, serves several counties including Dorchester.
References
External links
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