Median Income
$72,614
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$196,800
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,537
32% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.9%
175% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
37% higher than US avg
How Willards Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,273
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,117/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$72,614
Per Capita$27,816
Unemployment9.9%
Poverty17.0%
County GDP$4,138M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,800
Rent$1,537
Ownership72.8%
Zillow$294,000
Housing Units463
Rent Burden33.9%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain47.5 in/yr
Elevation39 ft (12 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score7.22
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Willards a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willards receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Willards offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willards is $72,614, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 9.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willards is $196,800, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,537 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Willards enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches, including 8.0 inches of snow.
Willards has a population of 1,273 with a density of 1,117 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 12% Hispanic, 3.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,273
Total Population
2023 Census
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.8%
19% below US avg
The median household income in Willards is $72,614, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,816 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $882, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,455 business establishments, including 478 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,614 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,816 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $882 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,523 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.9% |
| 175% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,455 |
| County GDP | $4,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 478 |
| Healthcare | 168 |
| Retail | 376 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,989 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Willards is $196,800, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,000, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,537 (32% above 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. 72.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 463 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $4,989 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $196,800 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,000 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,537 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.9% |
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 | 72.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.2% |
| Housing Units | 463 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,989 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.54% |
In Willards, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181. The dentist ratio is 1:1,632. 84.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Willards vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,181 |
| Dentists | 1:1,632 |
| Mental Health | 1:319 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,635/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 168 |
Willards enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,117/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3924°N, 75.3494°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Worcester County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.5"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.27"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
47 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 |
284 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 2 |
188 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
45 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
189 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
204 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
162 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
111 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
74 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
134 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1992 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1984 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1977 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1973 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1971 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 27, 1967 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1955 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2022 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF1 |
75 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 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Willards has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 37°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.3") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Willards. 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 | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Willards
What is the population of Willards?
Willards has a population of 1,273 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 1,117 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Willards expensive to live in?
Willards has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,614, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,800 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,537 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Willards?
Willards enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.5 inches, with 8.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Willards?
The job market in Willards faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $882. There are 2,455 business establishments in the area, including 478 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willards?
The median home value in Willards is $196,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,537. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,989.
How are the schools in Willards?
Schools in Willards perform well, with an average test score of 7.2 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 15.7% of adults in Willards hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willards?
The obesity rate in Willards is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181.
What is transportation like in Willards?
The average commute in Willards is 26 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willards?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willards is 79.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 12% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.