Kent
Delaware

What stands out

Three things set Kent County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is in the top 2% of American counties (317 Mbps), the overdose death rate is in the top 7% of American counties (37 per 100,000), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 10% of American counties (0.47%).

Where you are

You live in Kent County, Delaware. 182,400 people live here with you. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,788).

Delaware has no sales tax, low property taxes and a graduated income tax that tops out at 6.6%. More than a million business entities are incorporated in the state because of its Court of Chancery. Sussex County beaches draw retirees from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland; the state does not tax Social Security and exempts up to $12,500 of pension and retirement income for residents 60 and over.

Money

The typical household here brings in $69,278 a year, higher than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,464. 6% of workers work from home.

Delaware takes 5.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,556 a year.

Home

The median home costs $372K, pricier than 82% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,158 a month. Property tax is 0.47% of home value, roughly $1,291 a year on that median home, lower than 90% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.0 years, longer than 51% of American counties. There are 365 active physicians in the county, about 20.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 7.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.23 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 73% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 6 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Delaware law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 66 and lows near 47, warmer than 53% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 85 out of 100, riskier than 85% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 317 Mbps down, faster than 98% of American counties. There are 13 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 9 museums.