countyscore
44.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.2Water Quality 86Health 76

County Report Card

About New Castle County, Delaware

New Castle slightly below U.S. livability norm

New Castle County's composite score of 44.3 edges below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile. However, the county's strong income and health metrics suggest hidden strengths that don't fully translate into overall livability rankings.

Middle ground in Delaware rankings

New Castle's score of 44.3 falls just below Delaware's state average of 46.3, making it the middle performer among the state's three counties. It offers a different profile than its neighbors, with particular advantages in education and environmental quality.

High incomes and excellent schools lead

New Castle boasts the state's highest median household income at $89,901 and a strong income score of 92.0, placing it among the nation's wealthier counties. The school score of 70.7 and exceptional water quality (86.0) add to its appeal for education-focused families.

Housing costs and higher tax burden strain

Despite high incomes, housing affordability remains tight with a cost score of just 9.4, median homes at $329,800, and rent at $1,379/month. The tax score of 58.6 and effective rate of 0.741% are notably higher than Kent County, eating into household budgets.

Perfect for affluent, education-minded families

New Castle County is ideal for well-earning families prioritizing top schools, good health outcomes, and environmental quality, and who can absorb higher housing and tax costs. It's less suited for budget-minded movers or those seeking affordable entry points into homeownership.

2040608010059.39.612.17670.791.24.78662Tax59.3Cost9.6Safety12.1Health76Schools70.7Income91.2Risk4.7Water86Weather6244.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

New Castle County DNA

Foverall

How New Castle County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

New Castle County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (91.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.3
Cost
9.6-38.4
Safety
12.1-42.9
Health
76+26
Schools
70.7+16.700000000000003
Income
91.2+40.2
Risk
4.7-42.3
Water
86+28
Weather
62
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Compare mortgage rates in New Castle County

Whether buying or refinancing in New Castle County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$352,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,448/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$352,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,166/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

Seminole County
Georgia
Median income: $49,495
44.4
Hillsdale County
Michigan
Median income: $64,242
44.4
Kandiyohi County
Minnesota
Median income: $76,592
44.4
Johnson County
Missouri
Median income: $67,272
44.4
Sullivan County
New York
Median income: $72,382
44.4
Davie County
North Carolina
Median income: $75,057
44.4
Wayne County
Ohio
Median income: $73,574
44.4
Pawnee County
Oklahoma
Median income: $58,738
44.4

Nearby counties

Salem County
New Jersey
42
Cecil County
Maryland
42.9
Delaware County
Pennsylvania
44.6
Chester County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Gloucester County
New Jersey
41.8
Cumberland County
New Jersey
25.8
Kent County
Delaware
44.3
Kent County
Maryland
53.2

Deep Dives

New Castle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in New Castle County

via TaxByCounty

New Castle taxes rank slightly above average

New Castle County's effective tax rate of 0.741% sits slightly above the national median of 0.95%, though homeowners still pay less than the national median property tax of $2,690. The median tax bill here is $2,444 on a median home valued at $329,800.

New Castle has Delaware's highest rate

New Castle County ranks first among Delaware's three counties for property tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.741% compared to the state average of 0.510%. Residents pay a median of $2,444 in annual taxes—nearly $800 more than the state median of $1,649.

New Castle stands out for higher taxes

New Castle County's 0.741% rate is significantly higher than Sussex County's 0.331% and Kent County's 0.458%. With median taxes of $2,444, New Castle homeowners pay roughly double what Sussex residents pay, despite comparable home values.

Budget around $2,444 per year

On New Castle County's median home value of $329,800, homeowners pay approximately $2,444 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,481; without one, it's $2,334.

Challenge assessments to lower bills

New Castle County homeowners should scrutinize their assessments closely, as overvaluations are common in higher-tax counties. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could result in significant annual savings if your assessed value is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in New Castle County

via IncomeByCounty

New Castle outearns most American households

New Castle County's median household income of $89,901 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $15,146, placing residents in the upper-middle income tier nationally. This $15,000+ advantage means households here command roughly 20% more earning power than the typical U.S. family.

Delaware's highest-earning county by far

New Castle County leads all Delaware counties with a median household income of $89,901, ranking first statewide and surpassing the state average of $80,312 by $9,589. This strong performance reflects a concentration of higher-wage jobs and professional employment in the region.

New Castle significantly outpaces other Delaware counties

New Castle County households earn $89,901 annually—$11,739 more than Sussex County and $17,029 more than Kent County. This income gap makes New Castle a clear economic hub in Delaware, attracting higher-paying industries and skilled professionals.

Housing remains very affordable for residents

New Castle County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits well below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters here spend less than one-fifth of income on housing costs. This favorable ratio provides households with substantial discretionary income for savings, investments, and other expenses.

Leverage higher earnings into lasting wealth

With a median household income of $89,901, New Castle County residents have strong capacity to build generational wealth through diversified investments and retirement planning. Monthly contributions of $500 to $800 to stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts can compound into six figures over two decades, positioning households for long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in New Castle County

via CrimeByCounty

New Castle County safety trends near national levels

New Castle County earns a safety score of 95.9, indicating a stable environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 2,598.1 per 100K remains slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Local statistics are compiled from 17 different reporting agencies across the county.

New Castle holds middle ground in Delaware safety

Ranking second among Delaware's three counties, New Castle sits near the state's safety average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 2,598.1 per 100K is higher than the state average of 2,392.4. This reflects the challenges of policing the state's most populous and urbanized region.

New Castle remains safer than neighboring Kent

New Castle County's crime rate of 2,598.1 per 100K is lower than Kent County's rate of 2,734.1. However, it still sees considerably more crime than Sussex County to the south. These figures show a clear safety gradient that decreases as you move further south in Delaware.

Property crime drives most local incidents

The county reports 413.8 violent crimes per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent, with 2,184.3 incidents per 100K compared to 2,015.7 nationally. Most reported incidents involve theft or burglary rather than person-to-person violence.

Proactive security for New Castle residents

With property crime rates above national benchmarks, home security is a wise investment for New Castle residents. Smart cameras and motion-activated lights serve as effective deterrents against local theft. Staying informed about neighborhood activity helps keep the whole community safer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in New Castle County

via WeatherByCounty

Matching the national temperature median

At 54.9°F annually, New Castle County aligns closely with the national median temperature for U.S. counties. It offers a balanced four-season climate that avoids the extreme heat found further south.

Delaware’s coolest county

New Castle is Delaware’s coolest county, falling 1.5 degrees below the state average of 56.4°F. While the rest of the state leans warmer, this northern corridor maintains a more temperate profile year-round.

Chillier than southern neighbors

The county is significantly cooler than its southern neighbor Kent, which averages 57.1°F. It also receives 16.1 inches of snow, the highest volume in Delaware, distinguishing it from the sandier coastal regions.

The state's snowiest winters

Winter brings a chilly January average of 32.7°F, contributing to the state's most robust snowfall totals. Summers remain warm with 24 days over 90°F, though the July average of 76.9°F is the lowest in the state.

Prepare for freezing temperatures

Reliable heating and insulation are vital as winter temperatures frequently dip below freezing. Residents should also invest in snow shovels or blowers to manage the county's 16.1-inch annual snow accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in New Castle County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Delaware’s Acidic Foundation

New Castle County soil maintains an average pH of 5.68, placing it well below the national 6.5 neutral target. This acidic profile is characteristic of the northern region and closely tracks the state average of 5.74.

Silt-Heavy Soil Structure

With 44.4% silt and 13.5% clay, this soil is the finest in the state, offering better structural stability than its sandier southern neighbors. The 34.8% sand content balances the mix, providing a versatile medium for diverse agriculture and landscaping.

Reliable Water Retention

An available water capacity of 0.188 in/in leads the state, ensuring plants have access to moisture longer than in other Delaware counties. Although the 6.15% organic matter is lower than the state average, it remains triple the national average of 2.0%.

Robust Soil Stability

While specific drainage classifications are missing from local datasets, the high silt and clay content indicates a greater ability to hold water compared to coastal sands. These characteristics suggest a stable foundation for both farming and suburban development.

Garden Success in 7b

The county’s soil score of 64.5 makes it the highest-rated in the state for productivity and health. Hardiness Zone 7b supports long growing seasons for everything from heirloom tomatoes to ornamental shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in New Castle County

via LawnByCounty

Friendly Yard Maintenance in New Castle

New Castle County scores a 60.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, edging out the state average and the national median of 50.0. The 7b hardiness zone provides a versatile environment where many cool-season and transition-zone grasses can thrive.

Mild Extremes and Ample Rain

The county averages 47.5 inches of rain annually and 24 days of extreme heat, creating a stable environment for turf. A total of 3,709 growing degree days suggests a slightly more manageable growing pace compared to the southern part of the state.

Retention-Heavy Soil Challenges

With a clay content of 13.5%, your soil retains moisture better than neighboring counties but still faces an acidic pH of 5.68. Testing your soil is essential, as you'll likely need to amend the ground to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH window.

Current Dry Trends Require Attention

New Castle spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and 85.3% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Focus on early morning irrigation to maximize water absorption before the sun and wind increase evaporation rates.

Plan for Success in Zone 7b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for the local climate and soil structure. For the strongest establishment, aim to plant between the April 7th spring frost and the November 2nd fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Castle County's county score?
New Castle County, Delaware has a composite county score of 44.4 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 New Castle County rank among counties in Delaware?
New Castle County ranks #2 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 New Castle County, Delaware?
The median annual property tax in New Castle County is $2,499, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns New Castle County a tax score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in New Castle County?
The median household income in New Castle County, Delaware is $91,166 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. New Castle County earns an income score of 91.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is New Castle County, Delaware a good place to live?
New Castle County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Delaware. The best way to evaluate New Castle 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 New Castle County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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