Cities and Towns in Kent County, Maryland

Founded in 1642, Kent County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Kent County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Chestertown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Kent County has a population of 19,270 and area of 414 square miles (1,072 km²).

List of all cities in Kent County, MD alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Betterton, MD 21610 410/443/667
Chestertown, MD 21620 410/443/667
Galena, MD 21635 410/443/667
Golts, MD 21635 410/443/667
Kennedyville, MD 21645 410/443/667
Lynch, MD 21678 410/443/667
Massey, MD 21650 410/443/667
Millington, MD 21651 410/443/667
Rock Hall, MD 21661 410/443/667
Still Pond, MD 21667 410/443/667
Worton, MD 21678 410/443/667

Major Cities and Towns in Kent County, Maryland

1. Chestertown

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 2.91 square miles
  • Population: 4,702 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21620
  • Latitude: 39.2184° N
  • Longitude: 76.0703° W

Location and History

Chestertown, the county seat of Kent County, is located along the Chester River, about 60 miles east of Baltimore. Founded in 1706, Chestertown grew as a major port for tobacco and other goods in colonial Maryland. The town’s waterfront location made it a hub for trade, and it played a significant role in the American Revolution, with local residents participating in a “Tea Party” protest against British taxes. Today, Chestertown is known for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture, making it one of the most historic towns on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its waterfront remains a focal point of town life, attracting visitors for sailing, fishing, and festivals.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Chestertown is home to Washington College, one of the nation’s oldest liberal arts colleges, founded in 1782. Chestertown High School serves the town’s secondary students. Major landmarks include the Chester River Waterfront, where the annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival reenacts the 1774 protest. The town also boasts the Historical Society of Kent County and the Garfield Center for the Arts, which offers live theater and music performances. The Schooner Sultana, a replica of a 1768 ship, is a floating classroom docked in Chestertown and used for educational tours. The historic downtown district features beautifully preserved Georgian and Federal-style homes and buildings.

2. Rock Hall

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 1.55 square miles
  • Population: 1,310 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21661
  • Latitude: 39.1373° N
  • Longitude: 76.2440° W

Location and History

Rock Hall is a small waterfront town located on the Chesapeake Bay, about 12 miles west of Chestertown. Founded in 1707, Rock Hall originally served as a port for transporting tobacco and goods to and from Baltimore and Annapolis. The town’s name comes from the early settlers who used a “rocky hall” as a shelter. Over time, Rock Hall evolved into a fishing and crabbing village, with its economy centered around the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Today, Rock Hall is a popular destination for boating and fishing, known for its marinas and scenic waterfront.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rock Hall Elementary School serves local children, with older students attending schools in Chestertown. Notable landmarks include the Rock Hall Harbor, which offers access to the bay and is home to several marinas, and the Rock Hall Museum, which chronicles the town’s maritime heritage. The town also hosts the annual Rock Hall FallFest, a celebration of oysters, seafood, and local culture. The nearby Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and nature observation. The Waterman’s Museum highlights the history and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay watermen who have shaped the town’s identity.

3. Galena

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.36 square miles
  • Population: 578 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21635
  • Latitude: 39.3422° N
  • Longitude: 75.8795° W

Location and History

Galena is a small town located in the northern part of Kent County, close to the Delaware border. Established in the 18th century, the town was originally known as Downs’ Cross Roads before being renamed Galena in 1858, after the mineral deposits discovered in the area. The town served as a key stop along trade routes between Maryland and Delaware, with its economy based on agriculture and milling. Today, Galena retains its rural charm and small-town atmosphere, while also serving as a gateway to the Sassafras River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Galena students attend schools in nearby towns, including Kent County High School. Major landmarks include the historic Galena Methodist Church, built in 1881, and the Galena War Memorial, which honors the town’s veterans. The town is also located near the Sassafras River, offering access to boating, fishing, and waterfront activities. The Galena Dogwood Festival, held annually, celebrates the community with parades, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Galena’s quiet streets and scenic surroundings make it a peaceful place to live and visit, offering a glimpse into rural life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

4. Betterton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.98 square miles
  • Population: 285 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21610
  • Latitude: 39.3660° N
  • Longitude: 76.0590° W

Location and History

Betterton is a small town located at the northern end of Kent County, where the Sassafras River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in the 19th century, Betterton became a popular summer resort town in the early 20th century, known for its beaches, hotels, and cool breezes off the bay. The town attracted visitors from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., who arrived by steamboat to enjoy the sandy beaches and the pristine waters of the Chesapeake. While its popularity as a resort declined after World War II, Betterton remains a peaceful waterfront community, with a focus on outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Betterton students attend schools in nearby Chestertown. Key landmarks include Betterton Beach, a public beach that remains one of the few free beaches on the Eastern Shore, offering swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The Betterton Historic District features Victorian and early 20th-century homes that reflect its history as a resort town. The Betterton Heritage Museum preserves the town’s rich history as a summer destination. The town’s location at the mouth of the Sassafras River also makes it an ideal spot for boating and enjoying the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.

5. Millington

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.70 square miles
  • Population: 642 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 21651
  • Latitude: 39.2632° N
  • Longitude: 75.8401° W

Location and History

Millington is located along the Chester River, near the border between Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. Founded in the 1700s, Millington grew as a milling and agricultural community, with its mills powered by the Chester River. The town was strategically positioned as a transportation hub, with goods flowing along the river and by road to larger markets. In the 19th century, Millington served as a key stop on the railroad, helping to boost its local economy. Today, Millington is a small, quiet town, known for its rural surroundings and access to the Chester River.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Millington’s students attend schools in Kent County, including Kent County Middle and High Schools. The town’s key landmarks include the Millington Wildlife Management Area, which offers hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities. The Chester River provides a picturesque setting for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Millington’s annual community events, such as the Millington Day Festival, bring residents together to celebrate their small-town pride. With its scenic riverfront and rural charm, Millington offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet lifestyle on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

6. Worton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: Unincorporated community
  • Population: Approx. 1,084 (2020 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 21678
  • Latitude: 39.2823° N
  • Longitude: 76.0876° W

Location and History

Worton is a rural, unincorporated community located in central Kent County, a few miles north of Chestertown. Historically an agricultural area, Worton grew as a small village supporting the surrounding farms. The town has maintained its agricultural roots, with many of the original farms still in operation today. Worton’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and its location near key transportation routes have made it a vital part of Kent County’s farming community. While it remains largely rural, Worton also serves as a residential area for those commuting to nearby towns and cities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Worton is home to Kent County High School, the primary public high school for the region, and the Kent County Community Center, which provides recreational facilities for local residents. The nearby Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area offers outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing along the Sassafras River. Worton’s agricultural heritage is celebrated at local events and farm tours, which highlight the importance of farming to the community. The quiet, rural setting of Worton, combined with its proximity to the amenities of Chestertown, makes it an attractive area for those seeking a rural lifestyle close to town.