Cities and Towns in Worcester County, Maryland

Founded in 1742, Worcester County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Worcester County was formed from part of Somerset County. The city of Snow Hill is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Worcester County has a population of 53,132 and area of 695 square miles (1,800 km²).

List of all cities in Worcester County, MD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Berlin, MD	21811	410/443/667
Bishopville, MD	21813	410/443/667
Eden, MD	21822	410/443/667
Girdletree, MD	21829	410/443/667
Newark, MD	21841	410/443/667
North Ocean City, MD	21842	410/443/667
Ocean City, MD	21842	410/443/667
	21843	410/443/667
Ocean Pines, MD	21811	410/443/667
Pocomoke, MD	21851	410/443/667
Showell, MD	21862	410/443/667
Snow Hill, MD	21863	410/443/667
Stockton, MD	21864	410/443/667
West Ocean City, MD	21842	410/443/667
Whaleyville, MD	21872	410/443/667

Major Cities and Towns in Worcester County, Maryland

1. Ocean City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 36.37 square miles
• Population: 6,844 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21842, 21843
• Latitude: 38.3365° N
• Longitude: 75.0849° W

Location and History

Ocean City is located on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Maryland’s premier vacation destinations. It stretches for 10 miles along the coast and is bordered by the Isle of Wight Bay to the west. Founded in 1875, Ocean City began as a small fishing village, but with the construction of the Atlantic Hotel, it quickly transformed into a bustling resort town. The town gained significant attention in the 20th century with the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which made it accessible to more tourists. Known for its iconic wooden boardwalk, amusement parks, and miles of beaches, Ocean City has become a major economic hub, particularly during the summer months when its population surges with visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ocean City Elementary School serves the local young population, while nearby Stephen Decatur High School, in Berlin, provides secondary education. Major landmarks include the Ocean City Boardwalk, which runs for nearly three miles and is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park. The Assateague Island National Seashore, just south of Ocean City, offers a natural contrast with its wild ponies and serene beaches. The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum chronicles the town’s maritime history, while annual events like the White Marlin Open, a major fishing tournament, draw international crowds.

2. Berlin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 3.15 square miles
• Population: 5,084 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21811
• Latitude: 38.3226° N
• Longitude: 75.2174° W

Location and History

Berlin is located about 10 miles inland from Ocean City, just off U.S. Route 50. Established in the 1790s, the town grew around a 300-acre tract of land known as the “Burley Plantation.” Berlin’s historic downtown area features a well-preserved collection of 19th-century Victorian buildings, and its charm has earned it the title of “America’s Coolest Small Town” in recent years. Berlin gained prominence in the late 19th century as a rail stop and as the location for several notable horse-breeding farms. Today, the town is a hub for art, culture, and tourism, offering a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere compared to bustling Ocean City.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Berlin Intermediate School and Stephen Decatur High School serve the town’s students. Major landmarks include the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, which highlights local history, and the downtown district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Berlin has also been a filming location for several movies, including “Runaway Bride” and “Tuck Everlasting.” Just outside of town, the renowned Burley Oak Brewing Company attracts craft beer enthusiasts. The town is also home to numerous antique shops, art galleries, and the annual Berlin Fiddlers Convention, which celebrates bluegrass music.

3. Snow Hill

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 3.12 square miles
• Population: 2,103 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21863
• Latitude: 38.1779° N
• Longitude: 75.3921° W

Location and History

Snow Hill, the county seat of Worcester County, is located on the banks of the Pocomoke River, about 20 miles southwest of Ocean City. Founded in 1686, Snow Hill is one of the oldest towns in Maryland, originally serving as a trading post along the river. Its name is believed to have been derived from a town in England. During the colonial era, Snow Hill was an important center for shipbuilding and trade. The town has preserved much of its historic charm, with a number of 18th- and 19th-century homes and buildings still standing. Today, Snow Hill serves as the governmental and judicial hub of Worcester County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Snow Hill Elementary and Snow Hill High School are the main educational institutions serving local students. Major landmarks include the Pocomoke River State Park, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, and the Julia A. Purnell Museum, which showcases more than 500 years of local history and artifacts. The Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum, located just outside of town, is a restored 19th-century iron furnace community that offers a glimpse into the industrial past. The town also boasts several art galleries and hosts annual events like the Snow Hill Oyster Roast and the Blessing of the Combines, celebrating the area’s agricultural roots.

4. Pocomoke City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 3.89 square miles
• Population: 4,072 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21851
• Latitude: 38.0735° N
• Longitude: 75.5688° W

Location and History

Pocomoke City is located in southern Worcester County, along the Pocomoke River, near the Maryland-Virginia state line. Settled in the late 17th century and originally known as Stevens Landing, the town was later renamed Pocomoke City in 1878. The name comes from the Algonquian word “pocomoke,” meaning “dark water,” a reference to the river’s tannin-rich waters. Pocomoke City was historically a center for shipbuilding, trade, and agriculture. Its location along the river made it an important shipping hub for timber and agricultural products. Today, the town prides itself on its natural beauty and rich history, with a revitalized downtown area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pocomoke Middle and Pocomoke High School serve the town’s students. Major landmarks include the Delmarva Discovery Museum, which features exhibits on the Pocomoke River’s ecology and local history, and the Mar-Va Theater, a historic 1920s theater that now hosts live performances and films. The scenic Pocomoke River provides ample opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with the Pocomoke River State Forest and Parks offering additional outdoor activities. The Cypress Park and Nature Trail is a local favorite for walking and wildlife observation. The annual Cypress Festival is a major event that draws visitors from the surrounding region.

5. Bishopville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 6.44 square miles
• Population: 531 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21813
• Latitude: 38.4424° N
• Longitude: 75.1964° W

Location and History

Bishopville is a small rural community located in northern Worcester County, just a few miles from the Delaware state line and about 10 miles north of Ocean City. Settled in the early 19th century, Bishopville originally served as an agricultural and milling community. The town is named after Elijah Bishop, an early settler who operated a successful mill in the area. Though small in population, Bishopville has maintained its rural charm and agricultural heritage, with many local farms still in operation. Its proximity to both Ocean City and Delaware’s coastal resorts makes it a quiet residential alternative to more tourist-heavy areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bishopville’s students typically attend schools in nearby Berlin or Ocean City, including Stephen Decatur High School. Major landmarks include the Bishopville Praying Hands Church, a local landmark with a large sculpture of praying hands outside the building, and the historic Saint Martin’s Church, built in 1756 and one of the oldest churches in the region. The nearby St. Martin River offers opportunities for boating and fishing. Bishopville’s rural landscape, dotted with farmlands and historic homes, provides a peaceful, pastoral setting for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle.

6. Stockton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.54 square miles
• Population: 92 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21864
• Latitude: 38.0164° N
• Longitude: 75.4325° W

Location and History

Stockton is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Worcester County, near the Virginia state line. It was originally settled in the early 19th century and became a modest agricultural and lumbering center. The town grew around a crossroads that served local farmers and lumbermen, but over time, its population dwindled as larger nearby towns like Pocomoke City expanded. Despite its small size, Stockton remains a tight-knit community with a deep connection to its rural roots. It serves as a gateway to the southernmost regions of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stockton students attend schools in nearby Pocomoke City, such as Pocomoke High School. Although Stockton is small, it is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Pocomoke River and the nearby Pocomoke State Forest. Major landmarks include the historic Stockton United Methodist Church, which has served as a community gathering place for over a century. The nearby Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including birdwatching, hiking, and beachgoing. Stockton’s quiet rural atmosphere and close proximity to larger towns make it an appealing spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.