CountyScore

Sussex County

Delaware · DE

#1 in Delaware
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County outperforms the national livability baseline

Sussex County's composite score of 68.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 18 points, placing it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties. This 36% advantage reflects a county where residents consistently experience above-average livability across measured dimensions. Sussex's strong national standing indicates a community with genuine quality-of-life advantages for its residents.

Sussex leads all Delaware counties in livability

With a score of 68.1, Sussex County ranks first among Delaware's three counties, exceeding the state average of 65.7 by 2.4 points. This top ranking reflects Sussex's balanced strength across multiple dimensions, from taxes to housing to health. Sussex emerges as the state's most well-rounded county for overall livability.

Taxes and housing affordability define Sussex's edge

Sussex County dominates with a tax score of 92.9—the lowest effective tax rate in Delaware at just 0.331%—and a cost score of 69.0 reflecting the most affordable housing statewide. Median home values of $353,300 and rent of $1,221 per month offer reasonable access to homeownership without the pressure found in New Castle. The combination of minimal tax burden and moderate housing costs creates genuine financial breathing room.

Income levels remain Sussex's main development area

Sussex County's income score of 34.4, with a median household income of $78,162, is its weakest dimension and trails both other Delaware counties. While not concerning in absolute terms, the lower income base means residents have less purchasing power than neighbors in New Castle. Attracting higher-wage employers or expanding professional opportunities would strengthen the county's overall economic profile.

Sussex suits families prioritizing affordability and low taxes

Sussex County is perfect for families and retirees seeking maximum tax efficiency, affordable housing, and reasonable cost of living with moderate income expectations. The balanced profile makes it especially appealing to those transitioning to retirement, young families building savings, or anyone prioritizing financial stability over maximum earning. Sussex offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community health or basic services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.9Cost69SafetyComing SoonHealth74.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.4Risk5.9WaterComing Soon
🏛92.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.9
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 Sussex County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Sussex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sussex County

via TaxByCounty

Sussex enjoys one of the lowest rates

Sussex County's effective tax rate of 0.331% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.95%. Homeowners pay just $1,171 annually despite having the state's highest median home value at $353,300.

Sussex County offers Delaware's best deal

Sussex ranks third—and best—for property tax rates among Delaware's counties, with an effective rate of 0.331% versus the state average of 0.510%. Residents pay the lowest median property taxes in the state at $1,171, compared to the state median of $1,649.

Sussex significantly undercuts both peers

Sussex County's 0.331% rate is roughly half of Kent County's 0.458% and less than half of New Castle County's 0.741%. With median taxes of just $1,171, Sussex homeowners save hundreds annually compared to their neighbors, even on higher-valued homes.

Count on roughly $1,171 per year

On Sussex County's median home value of $353,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,171 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,241; without one, it drops to $1,041.

Even low rates deserve review

Sussex County homeowners should still review their assessments periodically, as misvaluations happen regardless of tax rate. A successful appeal could lower your already-modest tax bill even further at no upfront cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sussex County

via CostByCounty

Sussex rents are the cheapest in Delaware

Sussex County's $1,221 monthly rent is the lowest in the state, and its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average of 19.4%. With a median household income of $78,162—about 4.5% above the national median—Sussex renters enjoy an affordability sweet spot that balances reasonable costs with solid earning power.

Second-most affordable for renters in Delaware

Sussex's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks just behind New Castle County's 18.4%, making it the second-most affordable county in the state for renters. At $1,221, its monthly rent runs $74 below the state median and $158 below pricier Kent County.

Cheapest rent, but homes cost more

Sussex offers the state's most affordable rentals, but its median home value of $353,300 is the highest among Delaware's three counties—a 10% premium over New Castle's homes. This creates an interesting dynamic: renters enjoy the best deals, but would-be homebuyers face steeper entry costs.

Renting wins; buying stretches budgets here

Renters pay $1,221 monthly (18.8% of income) while homeowners pay $1,125—seemingly cheaper—but the median home value of $353,300 signals higher down payment and long-term equity demands. Sussex's $78,162 median income ($6,513/month) covers rent easily, but homeownership requires deeper financial planning.

Sussex shines for coastal living on a budget

If you're drawn to Delaware's beaches and rural charm, Sussex offers the region's cheapest rents alongside reasonable income levels—ideal for renters prioritizing affordability. However, prospective homebuyers should factor in the county's premium home prices before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sussex County

via IncomeByCounty

Sussex County income edges above national norm

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $3,407, positioning the county slightly above the U.S. average. This modest $3,400 edge suggests households here enjoy marginally more purchasing power than typical American families.

Second in Delaware, slightly below state average

Sussex County ranks second among Delaware's three counties in median household income at $78,162, behind only New Castle County. However, the county falls $2,150 short of Delaware's state average of $80,312, indicating residents earn below statewide norms despite strong county performance.

Sussex splits difference between Kent and New Castle

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 sits between Kent County ($72,872) and New Castle County ($89,901), making it Delaware's middle-earning region. This positioning reflects a mixed economic base of tourism, agriculture, and professional services compared to New Castle's stronger wage base.

Housing costs remain reasonable and sustainable

Sussex County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% falls comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend less than one-fifth of earnings on housing. This healthy ratio demonstrates that most Sussex households can cover housing affordably while maintaining discretionary income for other needs.

Build wealth through consistent, disciplined investing

With a median household income of $78,162 and favorable housing affordability, Sussex County residents can channel savings into long-term wealth strategies. Regular monthly investments of $300 to $600 in diversified portfolios and retirement accounts can accumulate substantial assets over 20 to 30 years, supporting financial goals and family security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sussex County

via HealthByCounty

Sussex matches U.S. life expectancy baseline

Sussex residents live to 77.1 years on average, nearly on par with the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and show the state's lowest poor/fair health rate at 15.5%. However, comparing to top-performing counties nationwide reveals opportunity for further gains.

Second-best health outcomes in Delaware

At 77.1 years, Sussex ties New Castle for the highest life expectancy among Delaware counties—0.7 years above the state average. The 15.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest statewide, reflecting relatively good population health management.

Competitive but behind New Castle's access

Sussex and New Castle both hit 77.1 years life expectancy, but New Castle provides far better provider access—87 primary care providers per 100,000 versus Sussex's 61. This disparity in primary care availability may eventually widen health gaps between the counties.

Higher uninsured rates threaten gains

Sussex County's 8.4% uninsured rate is the highest in Delaware and above the state average of 7.3%, meaning 1 in 12 residents lack coverage. With 61 primary care providers per 100,000, Sussex has adequate but not abundant access to doctors.

Close the coverage gap now

Over 8% of Sussex residents are uninsured—reach out to healthcare.gov or call Delaware's Navigator program to explore Medicaid and marketplace options. Getting covered today protects your health tomorrow and keeps preventive care within reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sussex County

via RiskByCounty

Sussex County faces elevated risk

Sussex County's composite risk score of 94.15 exceeds the national average, reflecting a "Relatively Moderate" rating for natural disaster exposure. The county ranks among higher-risk American counties, primarily due to exceptional hurricane and flood vulnerabilities.

Second-riskiest in Delaware

Sussex County ranks second among Delaware's three counties with a composite score of 94.15, slightly trailing New Castle County (95.29) but well above Kent County (84.51). The county's 97.20 hurricane risk and 97.60 flood risk both significantly exceed the state average of 91.32.

Higher risk than most neighbors

Sussex County's 94.15 score exceeds Kent County's 84.51 by a substantial margin, making it noticeably riskier than Delaware's safest county. Though slightly safer than New Castle County (95.29), Sussex remains among the state's most hazard-exposed areas, particularly for water-related disasters.

Hurricanes and floods dominate Sussex

Hurricane risk (97.20) and flood risk (97.60) are Sussex County's defining hazards—both among the nation's highest for these specific threats. Wildfire risk (84.80) also ranks notably elevated, making wind, water, and fire the primary disaster concerns for county residents.

Flood and wind coverage critical

Sussex County residents must secure flood insurance given the 97.60 risk score—standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Ensure your homeowners policy provides robust wind coverage for hurricanes, and verify your coverage limits are adequate for today's replacement costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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