countyscore

Delaware County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#57 in Pennsylvania

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.3Health 85.2Schools 68.5

County Report Card

About Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Challenging National Rankings

Delaware County's composite score of 44.5 trails the national median of 50.0. High systemic costs and environmental factors impact its standing on the national scale.

Behind the State Average

The county's 44.5 score is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While wealthy, the high cost of living weighs down its overall livability profile compared to more affordable regions.

Elite Incomes and Medical Care

The county boasts an exceptional Income Score of 91.3, with a median household income of $88,576. Health outcomes are also a major strength, earning a high score of 85.2.

Heavy Tax and Cost Burdens

A Tax Score of 3.3 and a Cost Score of 8.7 represent major financial pressures for residents. An effective tax rate of 1.984% is among the highest, alongside a median home value of $302,400.

A Prime Choice for High Earners

Delaware County is best for affluent households who value proximity to top-tier healthcare and high-paying jobs. It is a destination for those willing to pay a premium for a suburban lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax3.3Cost8.7Safety53.8Health85.2Schools68.5Income91.3Risk7.1Water53.3Weather66.3
🏛3.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Delaware County?

Many homeowners in Delaware County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Delaware County with Baxter County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baxter County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,427
44.5
Charlotte County
Florida
Median income: $66,154
44.5
Bartow County
Georgia
Median income: $79,431
44.5
Lamar County
Georgia
Median income: $68,457
44.5
Henry County
Missouri
Median income: $56,621
44.5
Grafton County
New Hampshire
Median income: $84,021
44.5
Person County
North Carolina
Median income: $64,927
44.5
Latimer County
Oklahoma
Median income: $41,048
44.5

Nearby counties

Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania
28.8
Gloucester County
New Jersey
41.7
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
44
Chester County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Salem County
New Jersey
42.1
Camden County
New Jersey
32.1
New Castle County
Delaware
44.3
Burlington County
New Jersey
46.6

Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Delaware County

via TaxByCounty

Delaware has highest tax rate nationally

Delaware County's 1.984% effective tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, exceeding Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% by 51% and the national median of 1.58% by 26%. The median property tax of $6,001 is more than double the national median of $2,690, driven by both higher rates and home values.

Delaware ranks as Pennsylvania's highest

At 1.984%, Delaware County's effective tax rate is the highest among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, resulting in a median annual property tax of $6,001 versus the state average of $2,657. Delaware homeowners pay more than double the state average in annual taxes.

Delaware far exceeds all nearby counties

Delaware County's 1.984% rate dwarfs every comparable county regionally, including Dauphin (1.427%), Crawford (1.464%), and Cumberland (1.214%). At $6,001 in median taxes, Delaware residents pay nearly triple what neighboring Clearfield County residents pay on comparable values.

Median homeowner pays $6,001 annually

On a median home value of $302,400, Delaware County homeowners pay approximately $6,001 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.984% effective rate. With a mortgage, taxes reach $6,210; without one, they total $5,575.

Aggressive appeals could yield major savings

In Delaware County's ultra-high tax environment, a successful assessment appeal could save $800-1,200 annually, making the effort highly worthwhile. Homeowners should thoroughly document comparable sales and file appeals if their assessed values significantly exceed recent market transactions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delaware County

via CostByCounty

Delaware's premium housing supported by strong income

Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% exceeds the national average, yet the county's exceptionally high median household income of $88,576—nearly $14,000 above national median—enables residents to absorb these premium costs. Rents averaging $1,315 monthly and median home values of $302,400 reflect an affluent suburban market.

Pennsylvania's priciest housing market overall

Delaware County ranks as Pennsylvania's most expensive county for both renters and homeowners; median rent of $1,315 and median home value of $302,400 substantially exceed state averages. The county's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio, while above the state average, becomes manageable only because median household income of $88,576 is Pennsylvania's highest.

Substantially pricier than all regional peers

Delaware's $1,315 monthly rent towers over all comparison counties: Cumberland ($1,184), Dauphin ($1,153), and rural alternatives like Clearfield ($788) or Elk ($720). Similarly, median home values of $302,400 represent the highest in the dataset, reflecting Delaware's position as a high-income Philadelphia suburban corridor.

Highest income supports highest housing costs

Renters dedicate approximately 18% of the $88,576 median household income to $1,315 monthly rent, while homeowners spend roughly 22% on mortgages averaging $1,646 on homes valued at $302,400. Homeowners here face the most significant housing-cost burden, though income levels make it sustainable.

Delaware for high-income Philadelphia proximity seekers

Delaware offers premium suburban living and Philadelphia access for top earners; expect to pay Pennsylvania's highest housing costs, offset by strong median income of $88,576. Consider it if career opportunity and proximity to major job centers justify housing premiums that dwarf rural alternatives by 60–80%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delaware County

via IncomeByCounty

Delaware commands premium above U.S. average

Delaware County's median household income of $88,576 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $13,821, a 18.5% premium. This ranks Delaware among the wealthiest counties nationally and reflects a robust suburban economy anchored by Philadelphia's metro region. The strong performance underscores why the Philadelphia suburbs consistently outpace national benchmarks.

Pennsylvania's wealthiest county in sample

Delaware County leads all eight counties with a median household income of $88,576, surpassing Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $18,962. Per capita income of $48,676 also ranks highest statewide and exceeds the state average by nearly $11,000. Delaware's economic dominance reflects professional services concentration and Philadelphia metro access.

Clear winner in regional earnings

Delaware's $88,576 median household income exceeds every other county in this sample, leading Cumberland ($85,634) by nearly $3,000 and Dauphin ($74,159) by over $14,000. The gap widens dramatically compared to western rural counties, reflecting the fundamental economic divide between Philadelphia suburbs and rural Pennsylvania. Geographic location drives earning power.

High incomes required for expensive housing

Delaware's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $302,400 mean housing consumes substantial wealth despite high incomes. Residents spend roughly $1,323 monthly on rent, and home purchases require substantial down payments relative to national median prices. Wealth accumulation depends heavily on building equity through homeownership.

Leverage premium incomes for aggressive investing

Delaware residents should aggressively fund retirement accounts, 529 college savings plans, and taxable brokerage accounts after housing costs. The high income base supports substantial contributions to diversified portfolios that can generate meaningful wealth within 15–20 years. Consider working with a financial planner to optimize tax efficiency across multiple investment vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delaware County

via CrimeByCounty

Delaware County remains safer than most of the US

Delaware County reports a total crime rate of 1,043.4 per 100,000, significantly better than the national rate of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.4. Fifty-one reporting agencies contribute to this high-detail look at local public safety.

Close to the Pennsylvania safety average

Delaware County's safety score of 98.4 is just a fraction below the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,043.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 932.4. Despite being a densely populated area, it maintains a strong safety profile for its residents.

Comparing safety in suburban Philadelphia

Delaware County has a higher crime rate at 1,043.4 than inland counties like Cumberland at 827.5 or Dauphin at 952.8. This difference is expected given the higher population density and proximity to Philadelphia. It remains an exceptionally safe suburban environment compared to other major metro areas.

Violent crime remains low in Delaware County

The violent crime rate sits at 143.2 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern, occurring at a rate of 900.2 per 100,000. These figures show that while people are generally safe, property requires more attention.

Enhancing security for suburban homes

With property crime as the main statistical outlier, homeowners should invest in reliable security measures like alarms and cameras. Keeping property well-lit and securing vehicles can prevent most local crime incidents. Active participation in local safety programs keeps neighborhoods secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Delaware County

via HealthByCounty

Delaware County outperforms on most metrics

At 77.6 years, Delaware County residents live over 1 year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while just 14.3% report poor or fair health—among the lowest nationally. The county's strong performance reflects robust economic conditions and high provider density.

Pennsylvania's top county in this cohort

Delaware's 77.6-year life expectancy ranks second only to Cumberland County (79.3 years) among these eight Pennsylvania counties and significantly exceeds the state average of 76.4 years. Its 5.4% uninsured rate nearly matches Cumberland's, placing Delaware in the state's most equitable coverage tier.

Urban advantage over rural peers

Delaware's 77.6-year life expectancy outpaces all rural neighbors—Clearfield (75.9), Clinton (76.6), and Elk (76.6)—by 0.9 to 1.7 years. With 101 primary care providers and 366 mental health providers per 100,000, Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia and its urban infrastructure deliver exceptional care density.

Highest mental health provider density in the cohort

Delaware County's 366 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among all eight counties—signals exceptional behavioral health access and reduced wait times for treatment. Combined with 101 primary care providers, Delaware creates one of the region's most comprehensive health care ecosystems.

Maximize Delaware's health care advantage

Although Delaware leads in coverage, approximately 13,200 residents still lack insurance, unable to fully access the county's exceptional provider network. Enroll today at Healthcare.gov or through your employer—coverage ensures you benefit from Delaware's world-class health infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Delaware County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Densely Populated Network of 110 Schools

Delaware County manages 110 public schools across 19 districts, serving a total of 75,544 students. This infrastructure is heavily focused on primary education, with 75 elementary schools supporting its suburban communities.

Strong Academic Investment and Solid Results

The county spends $11,250 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of $10,336. These investments support an 89.0% graduation rate, which remains above the national benchmark.

Upper Darby and Large-Scale Charter Options

Upper Darby SD leads the county with 12,427 students across 14 schools. While there are only 3 charter schools, the Chester Community Charter School is a major player, enrolling 4,276 students.

A Unified Suburban School Experience

Every single school in the county is located in a suburban locale, creating a consistent environment with an average school size of 693. Upper Darby Senior High is the largest school in the county, serving 4,191 students.

Suburban Living Near Reputable Public Schools

For those seeking a classic suburban school experience with high per-pupil investment, Delaware County is an ideal match. Home buyers often target districts like Haverford or Ridley to secure placement in some of the county's largest high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delaware County

via RiskByCounty

Delaware ranks among highest-risk U.S. counties

A composite risk score of 92.91 places Delaware in the national top percentile for natural disaster exposure, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. The county faces exceptionally high risk across flood (94.43), tornado (92.49), earthquake (94.47), and hurricane (88.11) categories.

Pennsylvania's most disaster-prone county

Delaware's 92.91 score represents the highest composite risk in Pennsylvania, substantially exceeding the state average of 67.45 and narrowly surpassing even Dauphin County. This distinction reflects the county's southeastern location, urban density, seismic zone proximity, and exposure to tropical systems and severe convection.

Risk tier above all surrounding counties

Delaware (92.91) dramatically exceeds neighboring counties like Dauphin (91.06) to the west and counties further north, establishing itself as Pennsylvania's premier disaster-risk zone. The county's high population density compounds these natural hazards, creating greater potential community impact from any single event.

Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes converge

Earthquake risk of 94.47 and flood risk of 94.43 represent Delaware's two primary threats—both at critically elevated levels—while tornado risk of 92.49 adds severe convective danger. The county sits at a convergence of geological and meteorological hazard zones that few other Pennsylvania locations experience simultaneously.

Triple-layer disaster protection strategy required

Flood insurance is essential at 94.43 risk; pair it immediately with earthquake coverage given the 94.47 seismic exposure—these two hazards alone justify comprehensive coverage. Strengthen your home's structural integrity for tornadoes (92.49 risk), establish a family communication plan, and maintain a 30-day emergency supply kit given Delaware's highest-in-state hazard concentration.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Delaware County

via WeatherByCounty

The warmest pocket of PA

Delaware County averages a balmy 56.7°F, well above the national median and the state average. This coastal plain climate is significantly more temperate than the rest of the Commonwealth.

A statewide temperature leader

At 56.7°F, this is one of the warmest counties in Pennsylvania, exceeding the state average by nearly 7 degrees. Winters are much milder here, with average temperatures staying well above freezing.

Standing out in the region

Delaware County is nearly 4 degrees warmer than the Harrisburg area counties of Dauphin and Cumberland. It is also the least snowy county in this group, receiving just 23.1 inches annually.

Intense heat and soft winters

Summers are the hottest in the region, featuring 28 days over 90°F and a July average of 79.1°F. Winters are brief, with a Dec-Feb average of 36.6°F and minimal snowfall.

Prioritize summer heat safety

High-capacity air conditioning is essential to manage the month-long stretch of 90-degree days. Winter gear can be lighter here, as heavy snow is rare and temperatures often stay above freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Delaware County

via SoilByCounty

The State's Mildest Soils

Delaware County boasts an average pH of 5.71, the highest in this group and far above the state average of 5.22. This brings it much closer to the national median of 6.5, creating a very hospitable environment for many plants.

Rich Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition is 49.2% silt, 32.7% sand, and 17.0% clay. This high silt and clay content helps the soil lock in nutrients and maintain structure better than the sandier soils of neighboring regions.

Excellent Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in is better than the state average of 0.151 in/in. Although organic matter is 3.75%, the soil remains much richer than the 2.0% national average, supporting vibrant plant growth.

Moisture-Retentive Land

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high clay and silt levels suggest the soil holds onto moisture effectively. Homeowners should ensure proper drainage around foundations to manage this high water capacity.

Extended Growing in 7b

As part of hardiness zone 7b, Delaware County enjoys one of the longest growing seasons in Pennsylvania. Your moisture-rich soil is perfect for hydrangeas and heat-tolerant summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delaware County

via LawnByCounty

Warmest Conditions in the State

Delaware County’s Zone 7b climate is the warmest on our list, yet it maintains a respectable lawn difficulty score of 58.2. While the conditions are generally favorable, the heat presents unique management needs compared to the rest of Pennsylvania.

Intense Heat and High Growth

With 28 extreme heat days and 4,122 growing degree days, your lawn faces significant stress but also has the highest growth potential. The 42.9 inches of rain is slightly below the state average, requiring supplemental watering during peak summer.

Correcting Acidic Soil Values

The local soil has a pH of 5.71, which is the closest to the ideal range among these eight counties. However, with a 17.0% clay and 32.7% sand composition, you still need to monitor pH levels to ensure your lawn remains lush and dense.

Resisting Long-Term Drought

Delaware County has spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of its area is currently abnormally dry. Focus on irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the soil to minimize evaporation during the frequent 90°F days.

Extended Growth in Delaware

Heat-tolerant varieties like Turf-Type Tall Fescue are essential for surviving the intense local summers. Benefit from the longest growing season in the region, starting April 2 and running all the way until November 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware County's county score?
Delaware County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 44.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Delaware County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Delaware County ranks #57 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Delaware County is $6,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Delaware County a tax score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delaware County?
The median household income in Delaware County, Pennsylvania is $88,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delaware County earns an income score of 91.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delaware County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Delaware County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Delaware County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Delaware County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.