Sussex
Delaware

What stands out

Against every county in America, Sussex County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is in the bottom 3% of American counties (0.35%), population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+2.8% a year), and the median home price is in the top 7% of American counties ($490K).

Where you are

You live in Sussex County, Delaware. 240,668 people live here with you. The population grew 2.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +7,329).

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 $75,406 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,078. 10% of workers work from home.

Delaware takes 5.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,960 a year.

Home

The median home costs $490K, pricier than 93% of American counties, about 3.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,088 a month. Property tax is 0.35% of home value, roughly $1,122 a year on that median home, lower than 97% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 71% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.8 years, longer than 73% of American counties. There are 543 active physicians in the county, about 22.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 10.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.10 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 65% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 72% 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 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 93 out of 100, riskier than 93% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 271 Mbps down, faster than 84% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 7 breweries, 9 museums.