Caroline County
MD · Pop. 33,406 · Mixed County
Caroline County sits in Maryland across 319 square miles, home to 33,406 people at 104.7 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $272,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F and average winter lows of 26.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Umd Shore Medical Center at Easton is 15 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 193-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.92% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.9% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Umd Shore Medical Center at Easton, is 15 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Caroline County, MD is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $272k
- Property tax
- 0.92%
- Growing season
- 193 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.2"
- Broadband
- 98.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Umd Shore Medical Center at Easton, 15 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Caroline County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Caroline County?
- Caroline County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F, and average winter lows of 26.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $272,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.92%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Umd Shore Medical Center at Easton is 15 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Maryland Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Maryland
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The closest counties to Caroline County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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