District 5
RANK #388 / 996 NAT · #1 / 18 MD · POP 103,815
1YR FORECAST: +1.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Salisbury, the largest city in Wicomico County, Maryland, serves as a central hub on the Delmarva Peninsula, often called "The Crossroads of Delmarva." Located about 30 minutes west of Ocean City, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and a laid-back, coastal lifestyle. The Wicomico River winds through Salisbury, providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Residents and visitors can explore over 50 parks and outdoor facilities, including Pemberton Historical Park with its nature trails and the Salisbury Zoo. Commuting within Salisbury averages around 20 minutes, shorter than the national average. Public transportation, including Shore Transit buses, operates throughout Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties.
Life in Wicomico County offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other parts of Maryland. The economy is diverse, with strong sectors in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Major employers include TidalHealth, Salisbury University, and Perdue Farms. Recent economic developments include new mixed-use business facilities near Routes 13 and 50, and an Amazon distribution center, indicating growth in the region. Wicomico County Public Schools serves over 15,000 students across 25 schools, including James M. Bennett High School, known for its academic programs.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Distribution Center (Westwood Distribution Center)
Amazon / Opportunity Street, LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Westwood Commerce Park
St. John Properties
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Salisbury Exchange
St. John Properties
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Porter Mill Solar
Urban Grid Solar
|
$46M | Planned |
|
Wicomico Wilber Solar Projects (3 co-located 5 MW AC arrays)
Wicomico Wilber 1, LLC, Wicomico Wilber 2, LLC, Wicomico Wilber 3, LLC
|
$45M | Proposed |
|
Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Newland Park Landfill
WB Wicomico LLC / WAGA Energy Inc.
|
$28M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 61/100, Wicomico County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.2%, and median household income stands at $69,421 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MD.
Housing in Wicomico County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $226,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,190/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Wicomico County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.2% clip. Home values shifted +1.5% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.84% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Wicomico County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.