Home Value
$275,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Choptank Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population114
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density475/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans89.0%
Economy
Per Capita$36,437
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,590M
Housing
Home Value$275,000
Ownership49.3%
Zillow$327,987
Housing Units78
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property2,714/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.5%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Broadband71.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Choptank a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Choptank receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Choptank faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Choptank is $275,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
Choptank is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,714 per 100,000, 38% above the national average.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Choptank experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches, including 12.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Choptank has a population of 114 with a density of 475 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (78.9%), with 21.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 89.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $36,437. The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 732 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. 20.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $36,437 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 732 |
| County GDP | $1,590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,864 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.7% |
The median home value in Choptank is $275,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,987, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,864. 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $275,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $327,987 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.7% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,864 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.41% |
In Choptank, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,339. The dentist ratio is 1:1,454. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Choptank vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,339 |
| Dentists | 1:1,454 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,461 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,061/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Choptank has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,714 per 100,000, 38% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Choptank receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Choptank vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.0/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,714.5/100K |
| 38% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Choptank experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 475/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6823°N, 75.9494°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Caroline County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cambridge-Dorchester Regional (CGE) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
2 km NW of Chester Heights, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Arthur (2014, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
246 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
264 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
223 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
157 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
130 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1995 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 1993 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
140 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
33 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
35 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
34 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
32 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
34 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
34 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
34 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
35 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
35 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
31 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
33 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
31 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Choptank has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 35°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Choptank. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $939 |
| Toddler | $680 |
| Preschool | $680 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $553 |
| Preschool | $553 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Choptank
What is the population of Choptank?
Choptank has a population of 114 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 475 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Choptank expensive to live in?
Choptank has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $275,000 (2% below the U.S. median).
Is Choptank safe?
Choptank is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,714 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Choptank receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Choptank?
Choptank has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches, with 12.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Choptank?
The job market in Choptank is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 732 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Choptank?
The median home value in Choptank is $275,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,987. The homeownership rate is 49.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,864.
How are the schools in Choptank?
Schools in Choptank score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.0% of adults in Choptank hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Choptank?
The obesity rate in Choptank is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,339.
What are the demographics of Choptank?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Choptank is 78.9% White, 21.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 89.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.