Economic Snapshots provide a glimpse into the cultural and economic landscape of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Explore workforce, education, employment, recreation, and culture through the lens of maps, dashboards, and infographics.
In a moment, be whisked away and led through communities as unique and diverse as the landscape they inhabit. Fall in love all over again with the place you call home or take an insider's look into Maryland’s hidden peninsula.
"No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck." - Frederick Douglass
So near and yet so far
<100 Miles (Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Dover, DE);
<200 Miles (Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA);
<300 Miles (New York City, NY);
The Delmarva Peninsula, quietly situated in the heart of the bustling Mid-Atlantic, has long been protected and provided for by the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay.
Centrally located on the Peninsula, crisscrossed by rivers, lies Talbot County, a picturesque waterfront community. Established in the 17th Century as one of the earliest settlements of its kind, Talbot's prime location lent itself to being one of the areas top producers both economically and culturally.
Residents enjoy a lush environment of well preserved open spaces, wild lands, and pristine waterways. Idyllically positioned less than 60 miles from the nation's capital, Talbot carries the full resources of the Baltimore-Washington Corridor with a picture perfect setting.
Economic and Cultural Hub
Talbot County is open for business. With over 100,000 acres of farmland and 600 miles of shoreline, Talbot has long had a vested interest in agriculture. That commitment continues today with both practical and professional support, as well as focused innovation. In addition, the County is targeting new growth in emerging markets through tax credits and exemptions, capital investment opportunities, conceptual, startup, and small business support, the Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park, an Arts and Entertainment District, the establishment of two Enterprise Zones (Easton and Tilghman Island), an Opportunity Zone, participation in Maryland Commercial PACE and One Maryland Program.
Population
An established community
Talbot is the most populated of the Mid-shore counties and with a median age of 51 years, Talbot has a solid concentration of working age* residents.
2020 population projections estimate that the County will be home to 38,850 residentsand 16,967 households, a steady increase from the 2010 census which reported 37,782 (population) and 16,157 (households) (1).
Most residents call Easton, the county seat, home while others largely choose to live in one of four other picturesque communities:
Top Communities: Easton (15,945), Trappe (1,077), St. Michaels (1,029), Tilghman Island (784), Oxford (651)
*ages 18 - 64
Education
Homegrown Talent
Talbot County makes public education a priority. The County invests nearly $13k per pupil and maintains a 14.4 to 1student per teacher ratio. In addition, all public high school students receive a laptop (1).
Equally impressive is the number of colleges & universities located in the region, including Chesapeake College, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Washington College.
It's no surprise~40% of resident adults 25 years and older hold a bachelors degree or higher(2).
Educational Attainment Among Residents (aged 25+): High School Diploma/GED: 24.7%; Some College/No Degree: 16.0%; Associate's: 8.8%; Bachelor’s degree 22.0%; Grad/Professional: 20.8% (2)
Academic Institutions
The County maintains 5 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high/combined schools. In 2018, these schools combined to enroll4,674 students and graduate 341 (1). In addition, numerous private schools offer education from k-12 with comparable student-faculty ratios.
Workforce
Willing and able
The Talbot County labor force is comprised of 19,562 individuals, however, this resource swells to 80,316 when you expand to include adjacent counties*. 69% of workers (14,224) have the luxury of working within the County (1).
Over 90% of the County's residents are employed in the private sector, reflecting the County's ambition and success (1).
Leading Industries: Trade and Transportation (3,274); Professional and Business (2,679); Leisure and Hospitality (2,488); Education and Health Service (2,421); Local Government (1,448); Construction (1,043)
*Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, and Queen Anne's counties
Employment
Deep-rooted and diversified
The private sector reigns supreme. Lifestyle is a central theme but the County's economy remains diverse and proudly boasts agriculture, aquaculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Top Employers (Annual Avg. Empl.) (1):
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (1,510)
Bayleigh Chase (300)
Chesapeake Center (200)
Genesisi HealthCare / The Pines (170)
Eurofins EAG Easton (160)
Business & Industry
Growing expectations
Economic Prosperity
Whether new or existing, established or expanding, Talbot County is a prime location for business. The community maintains a 0%Corporate Income Tax, 0% Sales & Use Tax, and 0% Business Personal Property Tax rate (1).
Business Incentives
Businesses considering locating or expanding in Talbot can further invest in their companies thanks to several State and local-sponsored tax credits:
Commercial/Industrial Real Estate
A substantial commercial real estate market continues to develop in support of Talbot's booming economy. Eightbusiness parks and fivecommercial shopping centers provide first class utilities for this energetic market.
The Easton Technology Center, adjacent to the Easton Airport, serves as the County's incubator for opportunist seeking pad-sites for small-, mid-, and large-scale development.
Competitive pricing exists for land ownership in both Industrial($150k cost per acre - average) and Office($200k cpa - avg.) spaces. In addition, favorable rental prices (Industrial$7.50, Technology $8.00 per sq. ft. - average) encourages business and industry owners to locate, relocate, or expand in Talbot (1).
Transportation
The sky's the limit
Residents and businesses alike enjoy Talbot County's central location. Movement is made easy with well maintained state and local roads. Interstate highways connect Talbot to the Baltimore/Washington Corridor and beyond.
Regionally, rails and ports provide manufacturers with opportunities to import/export goods to and from outside markets.
Locally, the Easton Airport (ESN) provides charter service around the area. Neighboring Wicomico County provides extended travel via the Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) and international flights are available thanks to the acclaimed Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Outdoor Recreation
It's our way of life
Idyllic Waterfront Communities
Oxford - History abounds in one of America's oldest and best preserved towns. Walk charming treelined streets and take-in early American architecture.
St. Michaels - The historic shipbuilding continues but oh how there's so much more. First-class sailing, shopping, dining, and lodging makes this a premier waterfront destination.
Tilghman Island - Embodying the phrase "slow and low", this quintessential watermen village showcases Chesapeake culture. Dine on fresh seafood, fish alongside locals or explore the beautiful "W" homes of this Eastern Shore icon.
Getting Outdoors
Looking to crab, fish or sail? Water access is a must and the County delivers with 24 public landings.
Prefer dry land under your toes? Try one of 16 county maintained parks and experience crafted trails, manicured fields, and shaded pavilions.
Looking for adventure? Maryland maintains 3 state parks in the County for history, fishing, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Easton proudly boasts a recognized Arts & Entertainment District (A&E). The A&E designation provides tax incentives to artists, art organizations, and businesses relocating within the area.
Talbot County offers the perfect balance of urban and rural development. The area's high quality of life continues to draw attention from locals and non-locals alike.
As the community looks toward the future, a keen eye is kept on the past. Agriculture remains a mainstay thanks in part to green development and farming incentives. Innovation is promoted and investment in emerging markets is helping Talbot grow both economically and culturally. The future is bright here in the heart of Delmarva.
Oyster tongs
watching a sailboat from scenic park bench
Frederick Douglass statue in front of Talbot County Courthouse, Easton, Maryland
<100 Miles (Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Dover, DE);
<200 Miles (Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA);
<300 Miles (New York City, NY);
Top Communities: Easton (15,945), Trappe (1,077), St. Michaels (1,029), Tilghman Island (784), Oxford (651)
Educational Attainment Among Residents (aged 25+): High School Diploma/GED: 24.7%; Some College/No Degree: 16.0%; Associate's: 8.8%; Bachelor’s degree 22.0%; Grad/Professional: 20.8% (2)
Leading Industries: Trade and Transportation (3,274); Professional and Business (2,679); Leisure and Hospitality (2,488); Education and Health Service (2,421); Local Government (1,448); Construction (1,043)
