Dorchester County, Maryland
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Dorchester County is a county located in the 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 (the founding family of the Maryland colony). Its county seat is Cambridge.
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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 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
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 census2 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% 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 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 population, 18.10% of those under the age of 18 and 14.20% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
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
- 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:
Unincorporated areas are also considered as towns by many people and listed in many collections of towns, but they lack local government. Various organizations, such as the United States Census Bureau, the United States Postal Service, and local chambers of commerce, define the communities they wish to recognize differently, and since they are not incorporated, their boundaries have no official status outside the organizations in question. The Census Bureau recognizes the following census-designated places in the county:
External Link
Dorchester County goverment (http://www.commissioners.net/)
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State of Maryland |
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| State Capital: | |
| Regions: |
Western | Southern | Eastern Shore | Baltimore-Washington Metro Area | Chesapeake | Delaware Valley |
| Notable Cities: | Baltimore | Bowie | College Park | Cumberland | Frederick | Gaithersburg | Greenbelt | Hagerstown | Laurel | Rockville | Salisbury | Takoma Park | Westminster |
| Counties: |
Allegany | Anne Arundel | Baltimore City | Baltimore County | Calvert | Caroline | Carroll | Cecil | Charles | Dorchester | Frederick | Garrett | Harford | Howard | Kent | Montgomery | Prince George's | Queen Anne's | St. Mary's | Somerset | Talbot | Washington | Wicomico | Worcester |