CountyScore

Kent County

Delaware · DE

#2 in Delaware
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Kent County, Delaware

Kent County scores well above the national median

With a composite score of 65.8 out of 100, Kent County significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county where most residents enjoy better-than-average livability across multiple dimensions. Kent's score suggests a community with notably lower tax burdens and solid health outcomes compared to typical American counties.

Kent ranks second among Delaware's three counties

Kent County's 65.8 score sits just above Delaware's state average of 65.7, ranking it second in the state behind Sussex County. While this puts Kent in solid footing statewide, the slight difference shows that all three Delaware counties cluster tightly in overall livability. Kent's performance remains competitive despite facing stronger economic challenges than its neighbors.

Tax efficiency and health lead Kent's strengths

Kent County excels with a tax score of 89.4—reflecting an exceptionally low effective tax rate of just 0.458%—and a health score of 72.1. These two dimensions represent the county's biggest competitive advantages, with taxes being among the lowest in the nation. The strong health profile suggests reliable access to quality healthcare and good community health outcomes across the county.

Income and risk present Kent's biggest hurdles

Kent County's income score of 31.0 is its weakest dimension, with a median household income of $72,872 trailing state and national peers. The risk score of 15.5 also signals exposure to economic or environmental vulnerabilities that warrant attention. While housing costs are moderate at $1,285 per month in rent and $290,600 for home values, income growth would strengthen the county's overall profile.

Kent suits tax-conscious families seeking affordability

Kent County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and moderate living costs over maximum earning potential or rapid income growth. The strong health infrastructure makes it particularly appealing to older residents or those with healthcare needs. It's a solid, stable choice for people who value financial efficiency and community health over the most dynamic job markets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.4Cost64.8SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk15.5WaterComing Soon
🏛89.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kent County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308
Walker County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,887

Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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