Kent County is a county located in the state of Maryland. As of 2000, the population is 19,197. It was named for the county of the same name in England (see Kent.) Its county seat is Chestertown.

A farm in Kent County, Maryland

History

In 1642, the Governor and Council appointed commissioners for the Isle and County of Kent. This act appears to represent the creation of Kent County.

Law and government

Kent County was granted home rule in 1970 under a state code.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,073 km² (414 mi²). 724 km² (279 mi²) of it is land and 349 km² (135 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 32.55% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 19,197 people, 7,666 households, and 5,136 families residing in the county. The population density is 27/km² (69/mi²). There are 9,410 housing units at an average density of 13/km² (34/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 79.64% White, 17.41% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. 2.84% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,666 households out of which 26.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.70% are married couples living together, 11.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.00% are non-families. 27.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.81.

In the county the population is spread out with 20.80% under the age of 18, 10.90% from 18 to 24, 23.70% from 25 to 44, 25.30% from 45 to 64, and 19.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 91.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $39,869, and the median income for a family is $46,708. Males have a median income of $31,899 versus $24,513 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,573. 13.00% of the population and 9.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 17.00% of those under the age of 18 and 8.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

1. Betterton (incorporated 1906)
2. Chestertown (incorporated 1805)
3. Galena (incorporated 1858)
4. Millington (incorporated 1890) (This town is partly in Kent County and partly in Queen Anne's County.)
5. Rock Hall (incorporated 1908)

All five are classified as towns under Maryland law.

The United States Census Bureau recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Kent County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.