Caroline County

Welcome to Caroline County, Maryland

Where small-town charm meets natural beauty in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Caroline County is a peaceful, rural destination that invites you to slow down and enjoy the quiet pleasures of Eastern Shore living. Home to charming towns like Denton and Federalsburg, the area is defined by its connection to nature, welcoming communities, and the simple joys of outdoor recreation. With winding trails, wide-open green spaces, and historic farmland, Caroline County offers a serene lifestyle that’s grounded, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land.

This is a place where weekends are best spent walking through native woodlands, discovering local farms, or exploring the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Residents love Caroline County not just for its small-town atmosphere, but for the authentic connections it offers—both to the natural world and to the people who call it home.

What to Love

Small towns with true community spirit and deep-rooted charm
Nature-centered living with easy access to parks, trails, and gardens
A strong local focus on sustainable agriculture and conservation
Hidden-gem destinations that offer peace and privacy
Rich with history, yet relaxed in pace

Local Lifestyle

Life in Caroline County is shaped by the seasons, the land, and the desire for a slower rhythm. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that favors local over commercial, natural over manufactured. It’s common to spend weekends biking through forested trails, picking up fresh goods from a roadside stand, or attending a small-town festival with neighbors. The area is especially appealing to those looking to escape the busyness of larger towns while staying within reach of Maryland’s broader Eastern Shore communities.

Dining and Shopping

While Caroline County is not defined by bustling shopping districts, it offers a wealth of locally owned experiences that reflect its agrarian roots and nature-loving spirit. At Clayton Farms, you’ll find more than just fresh produce—this family-run spot also features a market filled with homemade baked goods and seasonal plants. The area has several markets where you can pick up goods from local businesses like Faulkner Branch Cidery.

The Smokey Cat Lavender Farm adds a unique, sensory experience to the local shopping landscape. With its fragrant fields and handcrafted lavender products, it’s a peaceful retreat and a perfect place to find artisanal gifts. For those who enjoy culinary exploration, the Chesapeake Culinary Center is a standout destination. It supports regional food education while offering locally inspired menus and cooking events that celebrate the bounty of the Shore.

Things to Do and Entertainment

Caroline County offers outdoor enthusiasts a rich array of experiences. Tuckahoe State Park is a major draw, featuring miles of hiking and biking trails, a 60-acre lake for canoeing and fishing, and campgrounds tucked into native woods. Adkins Arboretum provides a more curated botanical experience, showcasing native plants and themed gardens along peaceful walking paths.

For those interested in local culture, the area is home to Castle Hall, a historic estate offering glimpses into Caroline County’s past through architecture and preservation. Martinak State Park, located along the Choptank River, is another favorite for boaters, picnickers, and birdwatchers alike, with scenic views and open space ideal for quiet recreation.

Around Caroline County, MD

There's plenty to do around Caroline County, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

38

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

42

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Naz’s Halal - Denton, Shore Gourmet, and Clayton Farms.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Naz’s Halal - Denton page on Yelp Search 33 Denton Plaza on Google Maps	Dining	0.39 miles	16 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Shore Gourmet page on Yelp Search 512 Franklin St on Google Maps	Dining	0.86 miles	23 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Clayton Farms page on Yelp Search 24290 Shore Hwy on Google Maps	Dining · $$	2.35 miles	19 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Blough's Seafood page on Yelp Search 9620 New Bridge Rd on Google Maps	Dining	1.74 miles	3 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cohee's 404 Restaurant & Lounge page on Yelp Search 26171 Shore Hwy on Google Maps	Dining · $$	2.8 miles	27 reviews	4.4/5 stars
Visit the Night Kitchen Coffee page on Yelp Search 14 S 3rd St on Google Maps	Dining	0.97 miles	2 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Caroline's Sidebar page on Yelp Search 406 Market St on Google Maps	Dining	0.95 miles	10 reviews	4.2/5 stars
Visit the What's New Shop page on Yelp Search 224 Market St on Google Maps	Shopping	0.98 miles	2 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Martinak State Park page on Yelp Search 137 Deep Shore Rd on Google Maps	Active	0.85 miles	15 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Camp Mardela page on Yelp Search Deep Shore Rd on Google Maps	Active	0.4 miles	2 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Black Anchor Tattoo page on Yelp Search 223 Market St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.01 miles	15 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Parlour 7 & Co Salon page on Yelp Search 7 N 6th St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.97 miles	2 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Caroline County, MD

Population Households Employment

Caroline County has 12,181 households, with an average household size of 2.7. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Caroline County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 33,406 people call Caroline County home. The population density is 104.58 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

33,406

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

39.8

Median Age

49.22 / 50.78%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

12,181

Total Households

2.7

Average Household Size

$33,898

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Caroline County

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Neighborhood Guides

Learn what makes each of these neighborhoods unique.

Still Pond Galena
Kennedyville
Betterton
Talbot County
Kent County
Queen Anne's County
Caroline County
Dorchester County
Rock Hall
Chestertown
Ridgely
Federalsburg
Preston
Greensboro
Denton
Chester
Queenstown
Centreville
Grasonville
Kent Island
South Dorchester
North Dorchester
Cambridge
Cordova
Wye Mills
Trappe
Tilghman Island
St. Michaels
Oxford
Easton

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Explore Talbot County

An elegant coastal escape defined by historic harbor towns, scenic waterscapes, and refined leisure.
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Explore Kent County

Kent County is a predominantly agricultural area steeped in rich maritime history with a small-town lifestyle.
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Explore Queen Anne's County

Queen Anne's County is the gateway to the Eastern Shore, entering just as you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
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Explore Caroline County

Where small-town charm meets natural beauty in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
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Explore Dorchester County

Dorchester County, Maryland is known for its heart-shaped borders and offers much to outdoor lovers, foodies, history buffs, and athletes.
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Explore Easton

An artsy, small-town gem with historic charm and upscale flair on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
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