Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chestertown, MD
Thinking of moving to Chestertown, MD? This charming waterfront town of about 5,100 residents offers an affordable median home price of $274,000 and average rents around $1,100. With low average commute times (21.6 minutes), a reputable local hospital, and access to Washington College, Chestertown is ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace and strong sense of community. The crime rate is moderate, cost of living is below the national average, and the area enjoys four distinct seasons with 56% sunny days each year—making it a welcoming choice for families, retirees, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Chestertown, MD
Demographics - Chestertown, MD
Chestertown is home to approximately 5,100 residents, with a median age of 37.2 years and a population density of about 1,800 per square mile. The community is predominantly White (73.5%), with notable Black (18.2%) and other minority populations, and around 7.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
5,100
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
73.5%
Black:
18.2%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chestertown, MD?
The cost of living in Chestertown is about 5% lower than the national average, with a median home value of $274,000 and average rents of $1,100 per month. Utility and health care costs are close to national norms, making the area an affordable choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$274,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,625
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.4
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
83.6
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
97.2
Health Care:
99.5
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Chestertown, MD a safe place to live?
Chestertown experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 267 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,485 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 375 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 67 chance of property crime, suggesting a community where basic precautions are advisable.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
267
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,485
Crime Index:
1,752
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 375
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Chestertown, MD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with summer highs averaging 87°F and winter lows dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 44.5 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 56% sunny days, making it pleasant for those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Chestertown neighborhoods reflect a median household income of $56,100 and a poverty rate of 17.1%. Most residents (91.8%) have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 21.6 minutes, contributing to a friendly, accessible community.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$56,100
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chestertown, MD?
Chestertown offers quality educational options, including public schools like Chestertown Middle and H.H. Garnet Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is also home to the private Radcliffe Creek School and Washington College, providing diverse opportunities from early education through higher learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Chestertown Middle School
Street:
402 E Campus Ave
Phone:
410-778-1771
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
H.H. Garnet Elementary School
Street:
320 Calvert St
Phone:
410-778-6890
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Private Schools
Name:
Radcliffe Creek School
Street:
201 Talbot Blvd
Phone:
410-778-8150
Students:
80

Colleges
Name:
Washington College
City:
Chestertown
State:
MD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chestertown is anchored by the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, offering emergency and general services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% having health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown
Address:
100 Brown St, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone:
(410) 778-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
74.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chestertown, MD?
The housing market features a median home price of $274,000 and an average rent of $1,100 for a two-bedroom unit. About 57% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 4.2% home appreciation rate over the past year, indicating a stable and moderately growing market.
Median Home Price:
$274,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chestertown residents access vehicle services through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, with the closest full-service office in Salisbury. The DMV provides a comprehensive range of licensing and registration services for Maryland drivers, and more information can be found on their official website.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
251 Tilghman Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.