Wicomico County, Maryland
Encyclopedia
As of the census
of 2010, there were 98,733 people, 37,220 households, and 24,172 families residing in the county. The population density
was 261.7 people per square mile (101/km²). There were 41,192 housing units at an average density of 109.2 per square mile (42.2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.7% White
, 24.2% Black
or African American
, 0.2% Native American
, 2.5% Asian
, 1.90% from other races
, and 2.5% from two or more races. 4.5% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
The largest ancestry groups in Wicomico County are 23% African American
, 14% English American
, 13% German, 12% Irish
and 4% Italian
.
There were 37,220 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples
living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 25% of households had individuals 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county the population was spread out with 6.2% under age 5, 6.2% age 5 to 9, 6.1% 10 to 14, 9.1% from 15 to 19, 9.5% from 20 to 24, 6.4% from 25 to 29, 5.8% from 30 to 34, 5.7% from 35 to 39, 6.1% from 40 to 44, 7.1% from 45 to 49, 7.1% from 50 to 54, 6.3% from 55 to 59, 5.4% from 60 to 64, 4.1% from 65 to 69, 2.8% from 70 to 74, 2.4% from 75 to 79, 1.9% from 80 to 84, and 1.8% over the age of 85. The median age was 35.7 years. For every 100 females there were 91.00 males. Females made up 52.3% of the population, while males made up the remaining 47.7%.
As of the census of 2000 The median income for a household in the county was $39,035, and the median income for a family was $47,129. Males had a median income of $32,481 versus $23,548 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $19,171. About 8.70% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 8.80% of those age 65 or over
The United States Census Bureau
recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Wicomico County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.
Some areas not listed as Census-Designated Places include:
operates public schools in the county.
, Inc., a multi-national poultry and grain corporation employing 22,000, is headquartered in Salisbury, MD, the county seat of Wicomico County. Piedmont Airlines
is headquartered in unincorporated
Wicomico County, at the airport and near the City of Salisbury
.
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 98,733 people, 37,220 households, and 24,172 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 261.7 people per square mile (101/km²). There were 41,192 housing units at an average density of 109.2 per square mile (42.2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.7% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 24.2% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.2% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.5% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.90% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.5% from two or more races. 4.5% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
The largest ancestry groups in Wicomico County are 23% African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, 14% English American
English American
English Americans are citizens or residents of the United States whose ancestry originates wholly or partly in England....
, 13% German, 12% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 4% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
.
There were 37,220 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 25% of households had individuals 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county the population was spread out with 6.2% under age 5, 6.2% age 5 to 9, 6.1% 10 to 14, 9.1% from 15 to 19, 9.5% from 20 to 24, 6.4% from 25 to 29, 5.8% from 30 to 34, 5.7% from 35 to 39, 6.1% from 40 to 44, 7.1% from 45 to 49, 7.1% from 50 to 54, 6.3% from 55 to 59, 5.4% from 60 to 64, 4.1% from 65 to 69, 2.8% from 70 to 74, 2.4% from 75 to 79, 1.9% from 80 to 84, and 1.8% over the age of 85. The median age was 35.7 years. For every 100 females there were 91.00 males. Females made up 52.3% of the population, while males made up the remaining 47.7%.
As of the census of 2000 The median income for a household in the county was $39,035, and the median income for a family was $47,129. Males had a median income of $32,481 versus $23,548 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $19,171. About 8.70% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 8.80% of those age 65 or over
Cities and towns
This county contains the following incorporated municipalities:- 2 CitiesCityA city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
:- FruitlandFruitland, MarylandFruitland is a city in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 4,866 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Fruitland is located at ....
(incorporated 1947) - SalisburySalisbury, Maryland-Demographics:Salisbury is the principal city of the Salisbury-Ocean Pines CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Salisbury metropolitan area and the Ocean Pines micropolitan area , which had a combined population of 176,657 at the 2010 census.As of the census of 2000, there were...
(incorporated 1854)
- Fruitland
- 6 TownTownA town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
s:- DelmarDelmar, MarylandDelmar is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 3,003 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area. When the population is added to "twin city" Delmar, Delaware the town's total population is 4,600...
(incorporated 1888) - HebronHebron, MarylandHebron is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 807 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.It is the hometown of pro wrestler Mark Hildreth.-Geography:...
(incorporated 1931) - Mardela SpringsMardela Springs, MarylandMardela Springs is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 364 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Mardela Springs is located at ....
(incorporated 1906) - PittsvillePittsville, MarylandPittsville is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,182 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Pittsville is located at ....
(incorporated 1906) - SharptownSharptown, MarylandSharptown is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 649 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Sharptown is located at ....
(incorporated 1874) - WillardsWillards, MarylandWillards is a town in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. The population was 938 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
(incorporated 1906)
- Delmar
The United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Wicomico County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.
Some areas not listed as Census-Designated Places include:
- AllenAllen, MarylandAllen is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- BivalveBivalve, MarylandBivalve is a small town along the eastern shore of the lower Nanticoke River, near its mouth on the Chesapeake Bay, in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. Bivalve takes its name from the oyster, upon which the town's economy once depended. Currently there is no economy to speak of. It is...
- NanticokeNanticoke, MarylandNanticoke is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- ParsonsburgParsonsburg, MarylandParsonsburg is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- PowellvillePowellville, MarylandPowellville is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- QuanticoQuantico, MarylandQuantico is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States, along the former stage route from Vienna to the port of Whitehaven on the Wicomico River. It consists of approximately 35 homes on the Quantico Creek. The community lies four miles from Hebron, Maryland along...
- TyaskinTyaskin, MarylandTyaskin is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- WhitehavenWhitehaven, MarylandWhitehaven is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.Whitehaven is home to one of the few remaining public ferries in Maryland, and was once a thriving settlement which included stores, a shipyard, and the Whitehaven Hotel. It is the location of the Whitehaven...
Colleges and universities
- Salisbury UniversitySalisbury UniversitySalisbury University is a public university in Salisbury, Maryland.According to U.S. News and World Report's 2009 America's Best Colleges index, "In guidebooks and surveys by U.S...
- Sojourner-Douglass CollegeSojourner-Douglass CollegeSojourner–Douglass College is a private institution of higher learning with an Afrocentric focus headquartered Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States....
- Wor-Wic Community CollegeWor-Wic Community College-Tuition:Tuition is $81 per credit hour for residents of Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties, $197 per credit hour for other Maryland residents, and $239 per credit hour for out-of-state students.-External links:*...
Primary and secondary schools
Wicomico County Public SchoolsWicomico County Public Schools
Wicomico County Public Schools is the public school district in Wicomico County, Maryland. In July 2009, WCPS had 25 schools, consisting of 16 elementary, 1 elementary/middle, 3 middle, 1 middle/high and 4 high schools....
operates public schools in the county.
Economy
Perdue FarmsPerdue Farms
Perdue Farms is a major chicken processing company based in Salisbury, Maryland, United States with annual sales in excess of $4.6B.-Origin and war era:...
, Inc., a multi-national poultry and grain corporation employing 22,000, is headquartered in Salisbury, MD, the county seat of Wicomico County. Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines is an American regional airline operating for US Airways Express. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US Airways Group, headquartered in unincorporated Wicomico County, Maryland, near the city of Salisbury, it conducts flight operations using De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft...
is headquartered in unincorporated
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
Wicomico County, at the airport and near the City of Salisbury
Salisbury, Maryland
-Demographics:Salisbury is the principal city of the Salisbury-Ocean Pines CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Salisbury metropolitan area and the Ocean Pines micropolitan area , which had a combined population of 176,657 at the 2010 census.As of the census of 2000, there were...
.
Periodicals
- The Daily TimesThe Daily Times (Salisbury)The Daily Times is a morning daily English-language publication based in Salisbury, Maryland. It has been a Gannett publication since 2002.-History:The Daily Times was first owned by the Truitt family of Salisbury, Maryland...
- Wicomico Weekly - weekly publication of the Daily Times
- Metropolitan Magazine - monthly magazine
- Delmarva Youth - bimonthly magazine
Television
- WBOCWBOC-TVWBOC-TV, channel 16 , is a CBS affiliate based in Salisbury, Maryland, USA. WBOC-TV is owned by the Draper Holdings Business Trust, with its main studios in Salisbury, secondary studios/office facilities in Dover and Milton, Delaware, and transmitter in Laurel, Delaware...
Channel 16, DT 21.1 CBSCBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... - WBOC-DT2WBOC-DT2WBOC-DT2 is the Fox-affiliated television station for the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland and Delaware. It is a second digital subchannel of CBS affiliate WBOC-TV locally owned by Draper Holdings Business Trust. Over-the-air, the station broadcasts a standard definition digital signal on UHF channel...
(Fox 21 Delmarva) DT 21.2 FoxFox Broadcasting CompanyFox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... - WMDTWMDTWMDT is the ABC-affiliated television station broadcasting on the Delmarva Peninsula that is licensed to Salisbury, Maryland. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 47 from a transmitter in rural Wicomico County northeast of Mardela Springs. The tower is the second tallest...
Channel 47, DT 53.1 ABCAmerican Broadcasting CompanyThe American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948... - WMDT-DT2WMDT-DT2WMDT-DT2 is the CW-affiliated television station for the Delmarva Peninsula. The station is part of The CW Plus, a special CW feed that broadcasts on cable and / or over-the-air on a digital signal. It is a second digital subchannel of ABC affiliate WMDT which is owned by the Brechner Management...
(The CW 3 Delmarva) DT 53.2 The CWThe CW Television NetworkThe CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB... - WCPBMaryland Public TelevisionMaryland Public Television is a non-profit, state-licensed Public Broadcasting Service non-commercial educational public television state network which serves U.S. state of Maryland. Its six transmitters cover nearly all of the state, plus Washington, D.C...
Channel 28, DT 58.1 & 58.2 PBSPublic Broadcasting ServiceThe Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
-- additional subchannels 58.3-58.5 - PAC 14PAC 14PAC 14 is the community Public, educational, and government access cable TV channel for Wicomico County, Maryland. It airs on channel 14 throughout the county on Comcast Cable. Its studios and office are located on the campus of Salisbury University....
Public, Educational, and Government Access TelevisionPublic, educational, and government accessPublic, educational, and government access television, refers to three different cable television specialty channels...
Channel 14 (Comcast)
Notable residents
- Joseph Stewart CottmanJoseph Stewart CottmanJoseph Stewart Cottman was an American politician.Born near Allen in Somerset County, Maryland, Cottman completed preparatory studies, attended Princeton College in 1821, and Yale College in 1822 and 1823. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1826, and commenced practice in Princess Anne,...
, (1803–1863), born near Allen, United States Congressman from Maryland - Sarah Louise Northcott, convicted of murder in 1928 in Riverside County, CaliforniaRiverside County, CaliforniaRiverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
for her role in the notorious Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. Northcott served 12 years in a California prison for her crimes. Following her parole in 1940, she moved to Parsonsburg, MarylandParsonsburg, MarylandParsonsburg is an unincorporated community in Wicomico County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
, where she resided until her death in 1944. The Chicken Coop Murders gained renewed public interest and attention following the release of the 2008 movie "Changeling", directed by Clint EastwoodClint EastwoodClinton "Clint" Eastwood, Jr. is an American film actor, director, producer, composer and politician. Eastwood first came to prominence as a supporting cast member in the TV series Rawhide...
and starring Angelina JolieAngelina JolieAngelina Jolie is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011. Jolie is noted for promoting humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for the...
. - Frank PerdueFrank PerdueFranklin Parsons "Frank" Perdue , born in Salisbury, Maryland, was for many years the president and CEO of Perdue Farms, now one of the largest chicken-producing companies in the United States.-Career:...
Former president of Perdue Farms