Special Interest
Housing in Dorchester County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Dorchester County averages $1,032/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Maryland median of $1,705 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 33% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Dorchester County FMR Area are $987 for a studio, $993 for 1‑bedroom, $1,193 for 2‑bedroom, $1,659 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,001 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $161 increase for a 2-bedroom in Dorchester County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Dorchester County was 3.5% in 2024, compared to Maryland at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
