countyscore
44.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.9Income & Jobs 73.6Weather & Climate 69.3

County Report Card

About Kent County, Delaware

Kent County lags national livability median

Kent County's composite score of 44.2 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationwide. This means most U.S. counties offer better overall livability when all factors—taxes, costs, income, health, schools, safety, and environmental quality—are weighed together.

Below average for Delaware overall

Among Delaware's three counties, Kent ranks last with a score of 44.2 compared to the state average of 46.3. Both of its Delaware neighbors perform similarly or better, suggesting regional disparities within the state's livability profile.

Tax efficiency and solid incomes shine

Kent County excels in tax burden, scoring 89.9 with an effective rate of just 0.458%—among the lowest in the nation. Residents also enjoy a median household income of $72,872 and strong income-based scores (73.6), reflecting a workforce with decent earning potential.

Safety and housing costs need attention

Safety is a significant concern, with a score of just 10.5, indicating higher crime rates relative to peers. Housing affordability also challenges residents: the cost score of 12.9 reflects a median home value of $290,600 and rent averaging $1,285/month, limiting options for budget-conscious families.

Best for tax-conscious workers, not families

Kent County suits established professionals and remote workers who value low taxes and moderate incomes but can tolerate higher safety concerns and tight housing markets. Families with young children or those prioritizing school quality and personal security may want to explore alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax89.9Cost12.9Safety10.5Health61.4Schools58.4Income73.6Risk15.5Water56.8Weather69.3
🏛89.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.4
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 →
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New Castle County
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Fulton County
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Nearby counties

Cumberland County
New Jersey
25.4
Caroline County
Maryland
42
Kent County
Maryland
52.8
Sussex County
Delaware
50.4
New Castle County
Delaware
44.3
Salem County
New Jersey
42.1
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
58.9
Cecil County
Maryland
42.2

Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kent County

via TaxByCounty

Kent County taxes rank low nationally

Kent County's effective tax rate of 0.458% sits well below the national median of 0.95%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Homeowners here pay $1,331 annually on a median home valued at $290,600—significantly less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Kent County undercuts Delaware average

Among Delaware's three counties, Kent ranks second for tax burden with a 0.458% effective rate, below the state average of 0.510%. Residents pay $1,331 in median property taxes compared to the state median of $1,649.

Kent sits between Sussex and New Castle

Sussex County's 0.331% rate is the lowest in Delaware, while New Castle County's 0.741% rate is the highest. Kent County's 0.458% rate offers a middle ground, with median taxes of $1,331 versus $1,171 in Sussex and $2,444 in New Castle.

Expect roughly $1,331 annually

On Kent County's median home value of $290,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,331 in property taxes per year. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,416; without one, it drops to $1,098.

You might be overassessed

Many Kent County homeowners are reassessed at inflated values and could benefit from filing a tax appeal. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, the county assessment office can review your case at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kent County

via CostByCounty

Kent County rents bite harder than national norm

Renters here spend 21.2% of their income on housing, compared to the national average of 19.4%—meaning Kent households dedicate more of their paychecks to rent than typical Americans. With a median household income of $72,872 sitting slightly below the national median of $74,755, the cost squeeze is real for working families.

Most expensive place to rent in Delaware

Kent County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the least affordable county for renters in Delaware, above the state average of 19.4%. At $1,285 monthly, Kent rents run $90 higher than the state median, making it a tighter market than its two neighboring counties.

The middle ground in Delaware's housing market

Kent sits between New Castle County (more expensive, $1,379 rent) and Sussex County (cheaper, $1,221 rent), but carries the affordability burden of a lower income base than New Castle. Compared to Sussex—where homebuying is pricier but renting is cheaper—Kent renters face tougher trade-offs.

Where Kent wages go: Housing dominates

A typical Kent renter spends $1,285 monthly while homeowners pay $1,321, leaving similar affordability pressures across both markets. With median household income at $72,872 annually ($6,073/month), housing alone consumes over one-fifth of take-home pay before taxes and other expenses.

Considering Kent? Know what you're signing up for

If you're relocating to Delaware's central county, expect to allocate more of your paycheck to housing than the national average—but also access to Dover's government jobs and mid-state convenience. Compare Kent's rent-to-income ratio against Sussex's more affordable rentals or New Castle's higher earning potential before you decide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kent County

via IncomeByCounty

Kent County earnings lag national average

Kent County's median household income of $72,872 falls about $1,900 below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county ranks solidly middle-class, it underperforms the national baseline by roughly 2.5%, suggesting households here have slightly less purchasing power than the typical American family.

Third in Delaware, but trailing state average

Kent County ranks third among Delaware's three counties in median household income, behind New Castle and Sussex. At $72,872, Kent falls $7,440 below Delaware's state average of $80,312, indicating residents earn notably less than their counterparts statewide.

Kent trails both neighboring counties significantly

New Castle County households earn $89,901 annually—$17,029 more than Kent—while Sussex County pulls in $78,162, a $5,290 advantage. Kent's lower median income positions it as the most affordable county in Delaware, but also signals fewer high-earning households in the local economy.

Rent remains affordable for most households

Kent County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% sits slightly above the national sustainability benchmark of 20%, meaning renters spend just over one-fifth of their income on rent. This modest premium suggests most households can cover housing costs comfortably, though those earning below the median may face tighter budgets.

Build long-term wealth through smart planning

With a median household income of $72,872, Kent County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring retirement accounts to maximize growth over time. Even modest monthly investments—$200 to $400—can compound significantly over 20 to 30 years, helping households in Kent build wealth and financial security for the future.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kent County

via CrimeByCounty

Kent County crime rates exceed national benchmarks

Kent County maintains a safety score of 95.7, which reflects a generally secure environment. However, its total crime rate of 2,734.1 per 100K residents sits above the national average of 2,385.5. This data comes from 22 reporting agencies monitoring the heart of the state.

Kent ranks third for safety in Delaware

Kent County currently ranks as the least safe of Delaware's three counties. Its safety score of 95.7 falls slightly below the statewide average of 96.2. Local law enforcement manages a total crime rate higher than the state's average of 2,392.4 per 100K.

How Kent compares to its Delaware neighbors

Kent County reports more crime per capita than both New Castle and Sussex counties. Its total rate of 2,734.1 per 100K is higher than New Castle's 2,598.1 and significantly higher than Sussex's 1,844.9. This makes Kent the primary outlier for crime volume in the region.

Analyzing violent and property crime in Kent

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 2,265.9 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also trends higher than the U.S. benchmark, with 468.2 incidents per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally. These figures suggest that while property crime is more common, violent crime is also a significant local focus.

Securing Kent County homes and property

High property crime rates suggest residents should prioritize home security systems and visible deterrents. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and neighborhood watch participation can help lower these statistics. Protecting your home starts with awareness of these local trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kent County

via HealthByCounty

Kent County lags on life expectancy

Residents here live to 75.1 years on average, roughly 5 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Nearly 17% report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 13.1%, suggesting deeper health challenges across the county.

Delaware's second-shortest lifespans

Kent County's 75.1-year life expectancy trails the state average of 76.4 years, placing it second-lowest among Delaware's three counties. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state median, indicating room for targeted health improvements.

Outpaced by New Castle and Sussex

Both New Castle (77.1 years) and Sussex (77.1 years) residents live 2 years longer than Kent residents. Kent also has fewer primary care providers at 51 per 100,000—well below New Castle's 87 per 100,000—which may limit access to routine preventive care.

Insurance gaps amid provider shortage

A 7.5% uninsured rate in Kent County slightly exceeds Delaware's 7.3% average, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lack coverage. With only 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, many people struggle to find or reach regular doctors.

Coverage is your first step forward

If you or a family member is uninsured, check Delaware's Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans at healthcare.gov. Having coverage opens doors to preventive care that can add years to your life and catch health problems early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kent County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network for Kent County Students

Kent County operates a robust network of 53 public schools serving 31,010 students across 11 distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 28 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools to support the county's growing student population.

Strong Graduation Rates and Targeted Investment

The county maintains a graduation rate of 87.5%, which outpaces the national average of 87.0%. Officials invest $9,215 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 57.0 that exceeds the national median of 50.0.

Major Districts and Diverse Charter Options

The Caesar Rodney School District dominates the local landscape with 15 schools serving 8,286 students. Charter schools also play a significant role, representing 11.3% of the county's total educational offerings with six active campuses.

Suburban Settings and Large High School Campuses

Students experience a suburban and urban mix, with 22 schools in suburban areas and 16 in city centers. While the average school size is 585 students, Caesar Rodney High School stands as the largest hub with 2,257 enrollees.

Investing in Your Family's Educational Future

Families seeking diverse educational environments should explore Kent County's balanced mix of city and suburban school districts. Choosing a home here puts you near established institutions like Smyrna High School and highly-rated charter options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kent County

via RiskByCounty

Kent County's moderate risk picture

Kent County's composite risk score of 84.51 sits below the national average, earning it a "Relatively Moderate" rating for natural disaster exposure. This means residents face less overall hazard risk than the typical American county, though specific threats like hurricanes still demand attention.

The safest county in Delaware

Kent County ranks as Delaware's lowest-risk county, with a composite score of 84.51 compared to the state average of 91.32. While all Delaware counties face meaningful hazard exposure, Kent residents benefit from comparatively lower risk across most disaster types.

Standing apart from neighboring risk

Kent County's 84.51 score contrasts sharply with New Castle County (95.29) and Sussex County (94.15), making it significantly safer than both neighbors. The gap reflects Kent's lower flood, tornado, and hurricane risks—though it still deserves preparation for major storms.

Hurricanes and earthquakes lead threats

Hurricane risk dominates Kent County's hazard profile at 91.28, followed by earthquake risk at 80.66—both substantial scores that warrant serious preparedness. Flood risk (82.89) rounds out the top three concerns, making water and storm impacts the primary focus for county residents.

Insurance priorities for Kent County

Given Kent County's elevated hurricane and flood risks, homeowners should verify they have adequate wind and flood coverage—standard homeowners policies often exclude both. Consider supplemental flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if your property sits in or near mapped flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kent County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Kent County’s 57.1°F annual average sits several degrees above the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid subtropical climate experiences more warmth and humidity than the typical American county.

A middle ground for Delaware heat

Kent ranks as the second-warmest county in Delaware, slightly exceeding the state average of 56.4°F. It serves as a climatic bridge between the cooler northern hills and the sun-soaked southern coast.

Warmer than northern neighbors

The 57.1°F average is noticeably warmer than New Castle to the north at 54.9°F. Precipitation levels at 47.6 inches also stay slightly above the state average of 47.0 inches, reflecting consistent regional moisture.

Humid summers and mild winters

Residents face 25 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, driven by a humid July average of 77.9°F. Winters stay relatively mild with a 38.2°F average and a modest 13.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and humidity control

High-efficiency cooling systems are essential to handle nearly a month of extreme summer heat. Because snowfall is light at just over 13 inches, homeowners can prioritize basic winterization over heavy-duty snow removal equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kent County

via SoilByCounty

Kent’s Acidic Soil Baseline

Kent County features an average pH of 5.66, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data for the county is currently unmapped, this pH level falls just below the Delaware state average of 5.74.

A Balanced Sandy Mix

The soil contains 48.9% sand and 28.3% silt, paired with a relatively low 8.1% clay content. This high sand ratio ensures the ground remains workable even after heavy rains, though the lack of clay means it may require more frequent nutrient management.

Exceptional Organic Richness

Kent County boasts a massive 10.65% organic matter content, far exceeding the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 9.05%. Its available water capacity of 0.176 in/in also beats the state average, providing a solid moisture reservoir for crops.

Managed Water Movement

While formal drainage class and hydrologic group records are unavailable, the high sand percentage typically suggests rapid water infiltration. These soils likely manage heavy precipitation well, preventing the pooling common in heavier clay regions.

Thriving in Zone 7b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Kent’s nutrient-dense soil is perfect for corn, soybeans, and hearty summer vegetables. Start your garden today to take advantage of an overall soil score that outpaces the state average.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kent County

via LawnByCounty

Kent County's Balanced Growing Conditions

Kent County earns a 58.4 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain a yard here than the national median of 50.0. While it sits slightly below the Delaware state average of 60.1, the Hardiness Zone 7b climate remains hospitable for most popular turf types.

Optimal Rainfall Supports Steady Growth

The county receives 47.6 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. With 25 extreme heat days and 4,118 growing degree days, homeowners should expect a fast-paced mowing schedule during the peak summer months.

Managing Acidic Soil in Central Delaware

The local soil pH of 5.66 is lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to balance acidity. The soil is comprised of 48.9% sand and 8.1% clay, providing a light texture that may require supplemental fertilization.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Kent County endured 22 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with about 19.4% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. To build resilience, use deep watering techniques that encourage roots to reach further into the ground.

Start Your Kent County Lawn

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are the top performers for this 7b zone. Schedule your seeding or sodding projects between the last spring frost on April 4th and the first fall frost on November 4th for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kent County's county score?
Kent County, Delaware has a composite county score of 44.2 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 Kent County rank among counties in Delaware?
Kent County ranks #3 among all counties in Delaware 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 Kent County, Delaware?
The median annual property tax in Kent County is $1,331, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Kent County a tax score of 89.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kent County?
The median household income in Kent County, Delaware is $72,872 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kent County earns an income score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kent County, Delaware a good place to live?
Kent County scores 44.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Delaware. The best way to evaluate Kent 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 Kent 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.