Worcester County

Worchester County, located on the Eastern shore, is Maryland’s only seaside county. It was formed from Somerset County in 1742 and named for the Earl of Worcester. The county covers approximately 303,930 land acres, 70% of which are zoned agricultural. In 2002 the county had 131,249 acres of farmland.

The population of Worchester County has grown significantly in the past decade. Its population of 46,543 in 2000 is projected to reach 53,650 by the year 2015. The county’s coastal resources and natural beauty also make it a popular vacation destination. The population can mushroom up to 400,000 during a peak summer week.

Growth is currently directed in the northeast portion of the state, and a land study conducted in 1990 indicated that only 3.4% of the county was developed.