Median Income
$69,342
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,109/100K
192% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dames Quarter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population207
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density17/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,342
Per Capita$24,812
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,231M
Housing
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$196,588
Housing Units151
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,109/100K
Property4,653/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking18.4%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1 ft (0 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.08
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Broadband62.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dames Quarter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dames Quarter receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Dames Quarter has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dames Quarter is $69,342, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Safety & Crime
With 1,109 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,653 per 100,000, 137% above the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Dames Quarter enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dames Quarter has a population of 207 with a density of 17 people per square mile, spread across 18.2 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dames Quarter vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dames Quarter vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dames Quarter is $69,342, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,812 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,119, 22% 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 452 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dames Quarter vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,342 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,812 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,924 |
| 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) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,231M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,126 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 30.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,588. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,126. 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,126 |
| 11% below US avg |
In Dames Quarter, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732. The dentist ratio is 1:455. 9.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dames Quarter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,732 |
| Dentists | 1:455 |
| Mental Health | 1:304 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 53.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 9.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Dames Quarter has a violent crime rate of 1,109 per 100,000 residents, 192% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,653 per 100,000, 137% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dames Quarter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dames Quarter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,109.4/100K |
| 192% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,653.3/100K |
| 137% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dames Quarter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°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 48.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1 ft (0 m) |
| Area | 18.2 sq mi (47.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 17/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1729°N, 75.8900°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Somerset County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
289 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
219 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
194 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
124 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
228 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1992 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1989 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1984 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1983 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1981 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
26 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
29 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
29 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
24 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
25 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
27 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
23 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
22 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
27 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
28 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
28 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
30 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
25 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
26 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Dames Quarter has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Dames Quarter. 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 | $903 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $654 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $549 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dames Quarter
What is the population of Dames Quarter?
Dames Quarter has a population of 207 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 17 people per square mile, spread across 18.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Dames Quarter expensive to live in?
Dames Quarter has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,342, 8% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Dames Quarter safe?
Public safety is a concern in Dames Quarter, with a violent crime rate of 1,109 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,653 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dames Quarter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dames Quarter?
Dames Quarter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Dames Quarter?
The job market in Dames Quarter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,119. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Dames Quarter?
Schools in Dames Quarter score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Dames Quarter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dames Quarter?
The obesity rate in Dames Quarter is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 9.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732.
What are the demographics of Dames Quarter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dames Quarter is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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