Caroline County, Maryland | |
|---|---|
County | |
 The Caroline County Courthouse in July 2012 | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMaryland | |
 Maryland's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:38°52′00″N75°49′00″W / 38.8667°N 75.8167°W /38.8667; -75.8167 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| Founded | 1774 |
| Named after | Caroline Eden |
| Seat | Denton |
| Largest town | Denton |
| Area | |
• Total | 326 sq mi (840 km2) |
| • Land | 319 sq mi (830 km2) |
| • Water | 6.5 sq mi (17 km2) 2.0% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 33,293 |
| • Density | 104/sq mi (40.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | www |
Caroline County is a ruralcounty located in theU.S. state ofMaryland. As of the2020 United States census, the population was 33,293.[1] Itscounty seat isDenton.[2][3] The county is part of theMid-Eastern Shore region of the state.
Caroline County is bordered byQueen Anne's County to the north,Talbot County to the west,Dorchester County to the south,Kent County, Delaware, to the east, andSussex County, Delaware, to the southeast.[4]
Caroline County was created via 1773Maryland General Assembly legislation from parts ofDorchester andQueen Anne's counties. The county derives its name from Lady Caroline Eden, wife of Maryland's last colonial governor,Robert Eden.[5] Seven commissioners were originally appointed: Charles Dickinson, Benson Stainton, Thomas White, William Haskins, Richard Mason, Joshua Clark, and Nathaniel Potter. These men bought 4 acres (1.6 ha) of land at Pig Point (now Denton) on which to build a courthouse and jail.[6]
Until the completion of these buildings, court was held at Melvill's Warehouse, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Pig Point. Elections and other business transactions were completed there. The first commissioner meeting was held on March 15, 1774, at Melvill's Warehouse. In 1777, court was moved to Bridgetown (nowGreensboro), but in the interest of convenience, court was moved back to Melvill's.[6]
Disagreements arose concerning the permanent location of the county seat. The General Assembly reached a compromise in 1785 and ordered that 2 acres (0.81 ha) of land at Melvill's Landing should be purchased for a courthouse and jail. In 1790, the county court and its belongings moved to Pig Point. TheCaroline County Courthouse was completed in 1797.[6]
The county has a number of properties on theNational Register of Historic Places.[7] TheNational Park Service is developing a site in the southern half of Caroline County dedicated to interpreting theUnderground Railroad as part of theHarriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument.
Caroline County was grantedhome rule in 1984 under state code in an initiative led by County CommissionerCharles T. Dean, Sr.[8]
Growth is a major issue faced by Caroline County and several other Mid-Shore counties. Retirees and workers willing to commute across theChesapeake Bay to the western shore are increasingly attracted by the rural environment and low cost of living.
From 1994 to 2014 Caroline was the only county in the state not represented by a resident legislator in the Maryland General Assembly. Redistricting and a sparse population were the chief causes.
The Sheriff of Caroline County is Donnie Baker, who has held the position since 2022.[11]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 11,053 | 67.69% | 4,860 | 29.76% | 417 | 2.55% |
| 2020 | 10,283 | 65.11% | 5,095 | 32.26% | 416 | 2.63% |
| 2016 | 9,368 | 66.38% | 4,009 | 28.41% | 736 | 5.22% |
| 2012 | 8,098 | 60.63% | 4,970 | 37.21% | 289 | 2.16% |
| 2008 | 8,015 | 60.64% | 4,971 | 37.61% | 232 | 1.76% |
| 2004 | 7,396 | 65.13% | 3,810 | 33.55% | 150 | 1.32% |
| 2000 | 5,300 | 59.20% | 3,396 | 37.94% | 256 | 2.86% |
| 1996 | 3,874 | 47.38% | 3,251 | 39.76% | 1,052 | 12.87% |
| 1992 | 3,856 | 45.58% | 2,822 | 33.36% | 1,781 | 21.05% |
| 1988 | 4,661 | 65.44% | 2,440 | 34.26% | 22 | 0.31% |
| 1984 | 4,876 | 68.69% | 2,198 | 30.96% | 25 | 0.35% |
| 1980 | 3,582 | 52.95% | 2,833 | 41.88% | 350 | 5.17% |
| 1976 | 3,114 | 50.79% | 3,017 | 49.21% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1972 | 4,325 | 72.71% | 1,567 | 26.34% | 56 | 0.94% |
| 1968 | 3,120 | 50.07% | 1,697 | 27.23% | 1,414 | 22.69% |
| 1964 | 2,696 | 42.09% | 3,710 | 57.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 3,698 | 52.24% | 3,381 | 47.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 4,208 | 60.90% | 2,702 | 39.10% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 4,155 | 60.23% | 2,733 | 39.61% | 11 | 0.16% |
| 1948 | 2,746 | 52.73% | 2,430 | 46.66% | 32 | 0.61% |
| 1944 | 3,073 | 59.87% | 2,060 | 40.13% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 3,087 | 48.23% | 3,284 | 51.30% | 30 | 0.47% |
| 1936 | 2,611 | 42.07% | 3,579 | 57.67% | 16 | 0.26% |
| 1932 | 1,998 | 35.23% | 3,651 | 64.38% | 22 | 0.39% |
| 1928 | 3,270 | 61.44% | 2,030 | 38.14% | 22 | 0.41% |
| 1924 | 2,210 | 45.21% | 2,493 | 51.00% | 185 | 3.78% |
| 1920 | 2,929 | 48.90% | 3,012 | 50.28% | 49 | 0.82% |
| 1916 | 1,666 | 44.88% | 1,965 | 52.94% | 81 | 2.18% |
| 1912 | 1,445 | 39.64% | 1,882 | 51.63% | 318 | 8.72% |
| 1908 | 1,584 | 43.65% | 1,915 | 52.77% | 130 | 3.58% |
| 1904 | 1,452 | 43.09% | 1,809 | 53.68% | 109 | 3.23% |
| 1900 | 1,796 | 48.27% | 1,774 | 47.68% | 151 | 4.06% |
At a Presidential level, Caroline is the “reddest” county on the mostly Republican Eastern Shore, and rivalsCarroll County as the most Republican county in the state outside ofAppalachianWestern Maryland. No Democratic presidential candidate has carried Caroline County sinceLyndon Johnson’s landslide in 1964, and before then it had last gone Democratic in 1940 withFranklin D. Roosevelt. Indeed, the last Democrat to reach forty percent of the county’s vote wasJimmy Carter in 1980. In earlier times Caroline was a swing county,[13] less secessionist thanWicomico,Worcester,Queen Anne’s orCecil.[14]
| Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[15] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 10,702 | 48.61% | |||
| Democratic | 6,064 | 27.54% | |||
| Unaffiliated | 4,864 | 22.09% | |||
| Libertarian | 125 | 0.57% | |||
| Other parties | 261 | 1.19% | |||
| Total | 22,016 | 100% | |||
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 326 square miles (840 km2), of which 319 square miles (830 km2) is land and 6.5 square miles (17 km2) (2.0%) is water.[16] It is the second-smallest county by total area in Maryland. Notable waterways include theChoptank River andTuckahoe Creek, as well as the man-made Williston Lake.
Caroline County currently ranks seventh nationally in terms of land protected under the Ag Preservation Program.
Its eastern border is theMason–Dixon line.
Caroline is the only Eastern Shore county not to touch either theChesapeake Bay orAtlantic Ocean. Additionally, it is the only county on the Eastern Shore without an Interstate or United States Highway within its borders.
Tuckahoe State Park, Holiday Park Campgrounds andMartinak State Park are located in Caroline County.
TheAmerican Discovery Trail runs through the county.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 9,506 | — | |
| 1800 | 9,226 | −2.9% | |
| 1810 | 9,453 | 2.5% | |
| 1820 | 10,108 | 6.9% | |
| 1830 | 9,070 | −10.3% | |
| 1840 | 7,806 | −13.9% | |
| 1850 | 9,692 | 24.2% | |
| 1860 | 11,129 | 14.8% | |
| 1870 | 12,101 | 8.7% | |
| 1880 | 13,766 | 13.8% | |
| 1890 | 13,903 | 1.0% | |
| 1900 | 16,248 | 16.9% | |
| 1910 | 19,216 | 18.3% | |
| 1920 | 18,652 | −2.9% | |
| 1930 | 17,387 | −6.8% | |
| 1940 | 17,549 | 0.9% | |
| 1950 | 18,234 | 3.9% | |
| 1960 | 19,462 | 6.7% | |
| 1970 | 19,781 | 1.6% | |
| 1980 | 23,143 | 17.0% | |
| 1990 | 27,035 | 16.8% | |
| 2000 | 29,772 | 10.1% | |
| 2010 | 33,066 | 11.1% | |
| 2020 | 33,293 | 0.7% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 33,593 | [17] | 0.9% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[18] 1790-1960[19] 1900-1990[20] 1990-2000[21] 2010[22] 2020[23] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010[22] | Pop 2020[23] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 25,853 | 24,114 | 78.19% | 72.43% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 4,520 | 4,368 | 13.67% | 13.12% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 95 | 67 | 0.29% | 0.20% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 186 | 345 | 0.56% | 1.04% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 9 | 13 | 0.03% | 0.04% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 32 | 102 | 0.10% | 0.31% |
| Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 555 | 1,464 | 1.68% | 4.40% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,816 | 2,820 | 5.49% | 8.47% |
| Total | 33,066 | 33,293 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 33,066 people, 12,158 households, and 8,702 families living in the county.[24] The population density was 103.5 inhabitants per square mile (40.0/km2). There were 13,482 housing units at an average density of 42.2 per square mile (16.3/km2).[25] The racial makeup of the county was 79.8% white, 13.9% black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.2% Pacific islander, 3.1% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.5% of the population.[24] In terms of ancestry, 21.7% wereGerman, 15.6% wereIrish, 12.3% wereEnglish, and 6.9% wereAmerican.[26]
Of the 12,158 households, 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.4% were non-families, and 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.12. The median age was 38.7 years.[24]
The median income for a household in the county was $58,799 and the median income for a family was $65,801. Males had a median income of $45,944 versus $33,927 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,294. About 8.0% of families and 11.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.[27]
As of thecensus[28] of 2000, there were 29,772 people, 11,097 households, and 8,156 families living in the county. Thepopulation density was 93 people per square mile (36 people/km2). There were 12,028 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile (15/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 81.69%White, 14.77%Black orAfrican American, 0.37%Native American, 0.55%Asian, 0.02%Pacific Islander, 1.26% fromother races, and 1.34% from two or more races. 2.65% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 17.4% were ofAmerican, 14.8%English, 14.4%German and 9.9%Irish ancestry.
There were 11,097 households, out of which 34.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% weremarried couples living together, 13.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.50% were non-families. 21.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.80% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,832, and the median income for a family was $44,825. Males had a median income of $31,119 versus $21,915 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $17,275. About 9.00% of families and 11.70% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over. It is regularly ranked among the poorest of all 23 Maryland counties.
As of Census 2010 the racial makeup of Caroline County was 78.19% Non-Hispanic white, 13.87% black, 0.37% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.10% Non-Hispanics of some other race, 1.68% Non-Hispanics of two or more races and 5.49% Hispanic or Latino.
Caroline County Public Schools provides public education in Caroline County.
TheCaroline Review circulates monthly and is free of charge; a digital daily,Caroline Past and Present, was established in 2018.
_from_the_overpass_for_Camp_Road_in_Denton%2c_Caroline_County%2c_Maryland.jpg)
Caroline County is one of three Maryland counties that does not have anInterstate orU.S. Highway running through it. Caroline's "major artery" isMaryland Route 404, four lanes in some parts but two lanes in others. It is chiefly used in the summertime by non-local beachgoers heading toOcean City, Maryland, orRehoboth Beach, Delaware.
TheUnited States Census Bureau recognizes threeCensus-designated places in Caroline County:
Geographic data related toCaroline County, Maryland atOpenStreetMapPlaces adjacent to Caroline County, Maryland | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||
Municipalities and communities ofCaroline County, Maryland,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Towns |  | |
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
38°52′N75°49′W / 38.867°N 75.817°W /38.867; -75.817
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
