countyscore
44.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 92Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax58.6Cost9.4Safety12.1Health76Schools70.7Income92Risk4.7Water86Weather62
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.7
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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Nearby counties

Salem County
New Jersey
42.1
Cecil County
Maryland
42.2
Delaware County
Pennsylvania
44.5
Chester County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Gloucester County
New Jersey
41.7
Cumberland County
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25.4
Kent County
Delaware
44.2
Kent County
Maryland
52.8

Deep Dives

New Castle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in New Castle County

via CostByCounty

New Castle punches above its weight economically

With a median household income of $89,901—significantly higher than the national median of $74,755—New Castle residents earn 20% more than typical American households. This income advantage translates to a 18.4% rent-to-income ratio that sits comfortably below the national average, making housing more manageable despite higher absolute costs.

Delaware's most affordable county for renters

New Castle's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 19.4%, ranking it as the most rental-affordable county in Delaware. The combination of robust household incomes and relatively stable rents creates a stronger affordability picture than its inland and coastal peers.

Highest earners, but not the cheapest rents

New Castle's $1,379 monthly rent is the priciest in the state, but its residents earn 14% more than Kent County and 15% more than Sussex County households. That income cushion allows New Castle renters to manage their higher housing costs better than their counterparts elsewhere.

Income-to-housing balance tips in New Castle's favor

Renters spend $1,379 monthly while homeowners pay $1,479, yet median household income of $89,901 ($7,492/month) means housing takes roughly 18–20% of income—the lowest burden in Delaware. New Castle's stronger wage economy provides breathing room that lower-income counties simply cannot match.

Relocating to Delaware's economic hub

New Castle County's proximity to Wilmington's financial and professional sectors commands higher rents, but the region's above-average incomes make it the most affordable choice for renters statewide. If you're moving for job growth, New Castle offers the best housing-to-income alignment among Delaware's three counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in New Castle County

via HealthByCounty

New Castle exceeds national health benchmarks

At 77.1 years, life expectancy here nearly matches the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and just 16.1% report poor or fair health versus the national 13.1%. New Castle performs best among Delaware counties, though there's still room to close gaps with top-performing regions.

Delaware's healthiest county

New Castle leads the state with the highest life expectancy at 77.1 years—0.7 years above Delaware's 76.4-year average. Its 16.1% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among Delaware's three counties, reflecting better overall population health.

Provider advantage drives outcomes

New Castle boasts 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly 40% more than Kent County's 51 and significantly above Sussex's 61. With 418 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers robust behavioral health access that supports longer, healthier lives.

Lowest uninsured rate in the state

Just 6.2% of New Castle County residents lack health insurance, the best rate in Delaware and below the state average of 7.3%. Abundant primary and mental health providers mean most residents can access care when needed.

Keep coverage strong and continuous

Even with strong baseline insurance rates, staying covered is essential—visit healthcare.gov or Delaware's navigator services to renew or upgrade your plan. Continuous coverage ensures you can maintain preventive care and catch emerging health issues early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in New Castle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Delaware's Largest Public Education Hub

New Castle County manages 127 schools and 78,939 students across 21 districts, the largest volume in the state. This expansive system features 66 elementary schools and 22 high schools to meet significant regional demand.

State-Leading Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county achieves an impressive 90.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Education spending of $10,092 per student helps drive a composite school score of 60.3, the highest in the region.

Powerhouse Districts and Massive Charter Schools

Red Clay Consolidated and Christina are the heavy hitters, combined serving nearly 28,000 students across 56 schools. Charter schools are highly prominent here, with Newark Charter School alone hosting 2,987 students across multiple grade levels.

A Predominantly Suburban Academic Environment

Education here is primarily suburban, with 82 schools located in these settings compared to 21 in city locales. The average school size is 642 students, but massive campuses like William Penn High School serve over 2,200 learners.

Securing a Home in High-Performing Districts

With the state’s highest graduation rates and substantial per-pupil investment, New Castle County remains a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods within the Appoquinimink or Red Clay districts to secure a spot in these high-performing systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in New Castle County

via RiskByCounty

New Castle County faces high risk

New Castle County's composite risk score of 95.29 ranks well above the national average, earning a "Relatively High" rating for natural disaster exposure. This places the county among America's higher-risk areas, driven by exceptional flood and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Delaware's riskiest county

New Castle County tops Delaware's hazard rankings with a composite score of 95.29, significantly higher than the state average of 91.32. The county's flood risk (97.58) and tornado risk (88.14) push it well above statewide norms, making it the state's most disaster-prone area.

Notably riskier than Sussex and Kent

New Castle County's 95.29 score outpaces Sussex County (94.15) and substantially exceeds Kent County (84.51), making it Delaware's hazard hotspot. The difference is most pronounced in flood risk, where New Castle scores 97.58—among the highest in the nation for this specific threat.

Floods and tornadoes dominate exposure

Flood risk (97.58) and earthquake risk (92.88) represent New Castle County's most severe hazards, with tornado risk (88.14) also ranking dangerously high. Together, these three threats create a complex disaster landscape requiring multi-layered protection strategies.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

New Castle County residents should prioritize flood insurance immediately—the 97.58 flood risk score means many properties face genuine exposure that standard policies won't cover. Additionally, review your homeowners policy for adequate tornado/wind coverage and consider a separate earthquake policy given the 92.88 seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 44.3 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 $2,444, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns New Castle County a tax score of 58.6/100 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 $89,901 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. New Castle County earns an income score of 92/100 on CountyScore.
Is New Castle County, Delaware a good place to live?
New Castle County scores 44.3/100 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.

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.