Berlin
cityBerlin, Maryland, nestled in Worcester County, is a town with a rich history and small-town charm. Located a few miles inland from Ocean City, Berlin offers a blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. The town's population was estimated to be 5,349 in 2024. Berlin's economy benefits from its proximity to Ocean City and its own revitalized downtown commercial district. Key sectors include tourism, healthcare, and retail. The town provides municipal services such as police, fire, and public works, and is served by Worcester County Public Schools. Berlin's distinctive character is rooted in its history as a crossroads community dating back to the 18th century. The town has preserved its historic architecture, with many structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Berlin has been recognized as "America's Coolest Small Town," attracting visitors with its tree-lined streets, art galleries, and antique shops.
Berlin, Maryland
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 24-06800
- Country
- United States
- County
- Worcester
- Region
- Eastern Shore
- Elevation
- 36 ft
- Total Area
- 3.42 sq mi
- Land Area
- 3.39 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.042 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.333
- Longitude
- -75.217
- Climate
- Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters.
- Neighboring Areas
- Ocean Pines · West Ocean City · Showell
- Population (2020)
- 5,026
- Est. Population (2024)
- 5,349
- Median Age
- 39.9
- Median Income
- $81,438
- Poverty Rate
- 17.9%
- Family Households
- 77%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 65.5% White, 20.7% Black or African American, 8.8% Two or more races, 4.0% Hispanic, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% Native American/Other.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- Town Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Worcester County Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Water Resources · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Commercial · Tourist · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Education · Healthcare · Social Services · Tourism · Food Service · Professional · Scientific
- Schools
- 8
- Students
- 4,563
- School Districts
- Worcester County Public Schools
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 50 · U.S. Route 113 · Maryland Route 818
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal electric · Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system · Wastewater · Stormwater Management
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Parks & Trails
- John Howard Burbage Park · Henry Park · Stephen Decatur Park
- Founded
- 1790s
- Incorporated
- 1868
- Named After
- Likely derived from 'Burleigh Inn,' a tavern.
- Historical Significance
- Developed as a crossroads community and commercial center, maintaining its historic character through preservation efforts.
- Key Events
- Part of Burley Plantation established in 1677. · Became a crossroads in the early 19th century. · Three devastating fires in 1895, 1902 and 1904. · Significant revitalization of the historic downtown commercial district since the late 1980s.