Secretary, MD Utility & Living Guide

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Secretary, MD Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Secretary
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Choptank Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Dorchester County Water and Sewer
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Dorchester County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Secretary is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, although options may be limited. The area is attractive to those seeking a rural lifestyle.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Maryland has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, tourism, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, with some sidewalks and bike paths

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
  • 🎯
    Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • 🎯
    Dorchester County Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the town center is popular for families, with its proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities. Other desirable neighborhoods include those near the waterfront and rural areas with larger lots.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Secretary based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Secretary — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Secretary tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In contrast, winter months see lower utility bills, with average costs decreasing by 10-20% due to milder temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 21664 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Secretary has some sidewalks and bike paths, but they can be limited in rural areas, and elevator access in transit is not always available, however, the area is relatively flat and walkable

📍 Secretary City Stories

Secretary, Maryland — Jake Day: Andy Harris is half right about housing | GUEST CO

For anyone considering a move to Secretary, Maryland, the debate between Congressman Andy Harris and Maryland Housing Secretary...

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Secretary, Maryland — Jake Day: Andy Harris is half right about housing | GUEST CO

The recent guest commentary from Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day offers a crucial perspective for anyone eyeing a...

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Secretary, Maryland — Jake Day: Andy Harris is half right about housing | GUEST CO

The housing debate raging in Washington has landed squarely in Secretary, and it’s worth paying attention to. Rep....

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Secretary, Maryland — Jake Day: Andy Harris is half right about housing | GUEST CO

Secretary, Maryland, sits at a crossroads not just of highways, but of competing ideas about how to solve...

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📰 Latest MD Stories
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Maryland often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, but for those considering a relocation, the state offers a...

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