Dorchester, Baltimore City, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,078
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,324/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
490
-1.2% year-over-year change

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 1,078 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45% of Dorchester locals are male, and 55% are female.

Total population
1,078
-2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45%
485
Female
55%
593
Value Percent YoY change
Male 485 45% -4.5%
Female 593 55% -0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Dorchester is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
19.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 209 19.4% -3.7%
15 to 24 115 10.7% -2.5%
25 to 44 276 25.6% -4.5%
45 to 64 265 24.6% -1.9%
Over 65 214 19.8% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Dorchester, 87.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 12.4% of locals are Caucasian, 75.3% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 940 87.3% -3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 80 7.4% 2.6%
Non-citizens 57 5.3% -3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
12.4%
Black or African American
75.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 133 12.4%
Black or African American 811 75.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.3%
Asian 25 2.3%
Two or more races 59 5.5%
Other 46 4.3%

Households in Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 441 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.6% are families, while the remaining 44.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
441
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
196
Family households
245
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 196 44.4% 2.6%
Family households 245 55.6% -2.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester's housing consists of 490 units, with 36.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 32.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
490
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 178 36.2%
1 unit, attached 159 32.4%
2 units 18 3.7%
3 or 4 units 16 3.3%
5 to 9 units 42 8.6%
10 to 19 units 30 6.1%
20 to 49 units 10 2%
50 or more units 36 7.3%
Mobile home 2 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
2
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median construction year is 1956. About 23.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 117 23.9% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 60 12.2% -6.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 114 23.3% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 65 13.3% -13.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 47 9.6% 9.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 39 8% 5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24 4.9% 9.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 2.6% -7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 1.8% 12.5%
Built in 2020 or later 2 0.4% 100.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Dorchester occupancy rates

Out of the 441 occupied housing units in Dorchester, 57.8% are owner-occupied, while 42.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
441
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
186
Owner occupied
255
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 186 42.2% -1.1%
Owner occupied 255 57.8% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Dorchester housing costs

Housing costs in Dorchester come to a median of $1,348 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,302.

Median housing costs per month
$1,348/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Dorchester
$1,302/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

About 40.2% of the population in Dorchester went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 4.1% -5.6%
High school diploma 334 40.2% -0.3%
College diploma 187 22.5% -3.6%
Associate degree 60 7.2% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 127 15.3% -4.5%
Graduate degree 89 10.7% -4.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

The average annual household income in Dorchester was $82,505 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,324, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dorchester
$82,505/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dorchester
$59,324/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Dorchester income by age

In Dorchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,883. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,660 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,328, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,851 in earnings. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,328 21.9%
25 - 44 $67,883 2.1%
45 - 64 $72,660 11.7%
Over 65 $38,851 -6.8%
Above poverty level
867
Below poverty level
182
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 867 82.6% -2.5%
Below poverty level 182 17.4% -1.6%

Employment in Dorchester

Workforce and job types in Dorchester

80% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 55.4% are employed by private companies, and 25% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
385
Blue collar
96
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 385 80% -2.0%
Blue collar 96 20% -4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
55.4%
Governmental workers
25%
Not for profit companies
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32 6.7% 0.0%
Private companies 266 55.4% -3.6%
Governmental workers 120 25% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 62 12.9% -1.6%

Transportation in Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 356 89.9% -3.3%
Taxicab 3 0.8% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 30 7.6% -9.1%
Railroad 1 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 6 1.5% -14.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Dorchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21207 47,099 18,976 $67,060 $85,107
21215 52,229 21,740 $51,587 $77,890

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FAQs about Dorchester demographics 

What is the total population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a total population of 1,078 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dorchester?

The gender ratio in Dorchester is as follows:
  • 45% males (485 residents)
  • 55% females (593 residents)

What is the median age in Dorchester?

The median age in Dorchester is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dorchester?

The age distribution in Dorchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (209 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (115 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (276 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (265 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.8% (214 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is as follows:
  • White: 12.4% (133 residents)
  • Black or African American: 75.3% (811 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (59 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (46 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dorchester are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.3% of the population in Dorchester.

How many housing units are there in Dorchester?

There are 490 housing units in Dorchester, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dorchester and what is the average household size?

Dorchester has a total of 441 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a median household income of $59,324, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Dorchester?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80% (385 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20% (96 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (32 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.4% (266 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25% (120 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.9% (62 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025