Eastern Shore, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
427,848
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,250/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
208,391
0.5% year-over-year change

Eastern Shore population

How many people live in Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore is home to 427,848 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Eastern Shore locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
427,848
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
209,533
Female
51%
218,315
Value Percent YoY change
Male 209,533 49% 0.7%
Female 218,315 51% 0.7%
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 Eastern Shore is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 73,583 17.2% 0.4%
15 to 24 56,682 13.2% 0.6%
25 to 44 99,379 23.2% 1.2%
45 to 64 111,798 26.1% -1.2%
Over 65 86,406 20.2% 2.9%
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 Eastern Shore, 92.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.4% of locals are Caucasian, 16.6% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 397,437 92.9% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,696 3.9% 7.2%
Non-citizens 13,715 3.2% -3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
71.4%
Black or African American
16.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 305,667 71.4%
Black or African American 70,923 16.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 846 0.2%
Asian 6,307 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 107 0%
Two or more races 32,271 7.5%
Other 11,727 2.7%

Households in Eastern Shore

A peek inside Eastern Shore households

Eastern Shore has 168,866 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
168,866
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
58,006
Family households
110,860
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 58,006 34.4% 2.3%
Family households 110,860 65.6% 0.6%
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 Eastern Shore

The housing landscape of Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore's housing consists of 208,391 units, with 69.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 4.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
208,391
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 144,239 69.2%
1 unit, attached 13,440 6.4%
2 units 3,748 1.8%
3 or 4 units 5,857 2.8%
5 to 9 units 8,618 4.1%
10 to 19 units 8,703 4.2%
20 to 49 units 7,060 3.4%
50 or more units 6,423 3.1%
Mobile home 10,227 4.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 75 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,876
90.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Eastern Shore

In Eastern Shore, the median construction year is 1981. About 10.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 21,789 10.5% -3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,341 3.5% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 14,054 6.7% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14,787 7.1% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 29,731 14.3% -3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 35,122 16.8% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 31,703 15.2% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35,711 17.1% 0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 15,277 7.3% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 2,876 1.4% 90.7%
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.

Eastern Shore occupancy rates

Out of the 168,866 occupied housing units in Eastern Shore, 71.9% are owner-occupied, while 28.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
168,866
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
47,376
Owner occupied
121,490
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 47,376 28.1% -2.2%
Owner occupied 121,490 71.9% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
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.

Eastern Shore housing costs

Housing costs in Eastern Shore come to a median of $1,350 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,256.

Median housing costs per month
$1,350/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 Eastern Shore
$1,256/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 Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Eastern Shore went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,845 2.6% 1.0%
High school diploma 138,613 41% -0.1%
College diploma 72,238 21.4% -1.8%
Associate degree 25,970 7.7% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 56,450 16.7% 5.0%
Graduate degree 35,800 10.6% 3.1%
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 Eastern Shore

How much people earn in Eastern Shore

The average annual household income in Eastern Shore was $102,699 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,250, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Eastern Shore
$102,699/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Eastern Shore
$83,250/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Eastern Shore income by age

In Eastern Shore, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,175. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,278 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,767, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,042 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,767 -9.5%
25 - 44 $94,175 6.7%
45 - 64 $100,278 9.9%
Over 65 $61,042 -5.1%
Above poverty level
362,579
Below poverty level
47,824
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 362,579 88.4% 0.8%
Below poverty level 47,824 11.6% 0.3%

Employment in Eastern Shore

Workforce and job types in Eastern Shore

77% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
156,752
Blue collar
46,739
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 156,752 77% 1.0%
Blue collar 46,739 23% 0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
19.5%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 21,851 10.7% -4.0%
Private companies 125,650 61.8% 0.6%
Governmental workers 39,703 19.5% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 16,286 8% 1.4%

Transportation in Eastern Shore

How people get around in Eastern Shore

In Eastern Shore, the average commute time is 714 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
714 min
-2.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 170,507 96.4% -0.2%
Taxicab 628 0.4% -15.5%
Bus or trolleybus 464 0.3% -28.7%
Railroad 54 0% -44.9%
Ferryboat 78 0% -17.0%
Motorcycle 198 0.1% 5.3%
Bicycle 646 0.4% 12.7%
Walk 4,375 2.5% -1.0%
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 Eastern Shore by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21601 24,671 10,525 $83,680 $119,057
21607 597 172 $91,250 $94,419
21610 391 132 $86,250 $96,727
21612 470 210 $117,794 $149,913
21613 17,926 7,790 $53,890 $80,355
21617 10,428 3,985 $116,898 $130,879
21619 6,152 2,619 $107,639 $161,896
21620 13,810 5,700 $80,530 $107,106
21622 420 195 $68,750 $108,163
21623 2,669 893 $78,345 $101,530

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FAQs about Eastern Shore demographics 

What is the total population of Eastern Shore?

Eastern Shore has a total population of 427,848 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Eastern Shore?

The gender ratio in Eastern Shore is as follows:
  • 49% males (209,533 residents)
  • 51% females (218,315 residents)

What is the median age in Eastern Shore?

The median age in Eastern Shore is 46.

What is the age distribution of the population in Eastern Shore?

The age distribution in Eastern Shore is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (73,583 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (56,682 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (99,379 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (111,798 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (86,406 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Eastern Shore?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Eastern Shore is as follows:
  • White: 71.4% (305,667 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.6% (70,923 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (846 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (6,307 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (107 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (32,271 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (11,727 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.9% of the population in Eastern Shore.

How many housing units are there in Eastern Shore?

There are 208,391 housing units in Eastern Shore, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Eastern Shore has a total of 168,866 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Eastern Shore?

Eastern Shore has a median household income of $83,250, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Eastern Shore?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77% (156,752 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23% (46,739 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (21,851 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (125,650 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.5% (39,703 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (16,286 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