Median Income
$68,333
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,100
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,135
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Secretary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population598
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density2,062/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,333
Per Capita$29,945
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$1,590M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,100
Rent$1,135
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$321,359
Housing Units246
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking14.3%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain47.6 in/yr
Elevation21 ft (6 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Secretary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Secretary receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Secretary offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Secretary is $68,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Secretary is $172,100, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,135 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Secretary enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow.
Secretary has a population of 598 with a density of 2,062 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (79.3%), with 19.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.6% of residents, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
598
Total Population
2023 Census
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Secretary vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.6%
3% above US avg
Spanish
24.2%
81% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Secretary vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Secretary is $68,333, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,945 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% 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. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Secretary vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,333 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,945 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% 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 | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Secretary is $172,100, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,359, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $304,000 with homes selling in an average of 178 days. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,135 (2% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 246 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,864. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,100 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $321,359 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $304,000 |
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $304,000 |
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $247 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 178 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,135 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
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 | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 246 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,864 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Secretary, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% 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: Secretary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,339 |
| Dentists | 1:1,454 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,461 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,061/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Secretary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 21 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 21 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,062/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6082°N, 75.9470°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Caroline County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cambridge-Dorchester Regional (CGE) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.6"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.78"
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
11 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 |
146 km |
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
2 km NW of Chester Heights, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
132 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
107 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 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
242 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
259 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
219 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
128 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
300 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 175 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1995 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1992 |
EF2 |
59 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 |
- |
- |
147 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 |
25 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
27 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
26 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
28 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
27 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
22 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
23 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
26 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Secretary has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Secretary. 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 Secretary
What is the population of Secretary?
Secretary has a population of 598 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 2,062 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Secretary expensive to live in?
Secretary has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,333, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,100 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,135 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Secretary?
Secretary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.6 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Secretary?
The unemployment rate in Secretary is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 732 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Secretary?
The median home value in Secretary is $172,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,359. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $304,000, with homes typically selling within 178 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,135. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,864.
How are the schools in Secretary?
Schools in Secretary score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Secretary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Secretary?
The obesity rate in Secretary is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,339.
What is transportation like in Secretary?
The average commute in Secretary is 25 minutes. 90.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Secretary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Secretary is 79.3% White, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.