countyscore
50.6
County Score
Property Tax 97.2Income & Jobs 83.4Health 69.5

County Report Card

About Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County meets national livability benchmark

Sussex County's composite score of 50.4 matches the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack nationwide. This rare alignment suggests Sussex offers a balanced, representative livability profile across most dimensions.

Delaware's livability leader by a margin

Sussex County ranks first among Delaware's three counties with a score of 50.4, edging above the state average of 46.3. It's the only Delaware county that meets or exceeds the national median, offering the state's best overall quality-of-life profile.

Tax rates and low environmental risk excel

Sussex leads Delaware in tax efficiency with a score of 97.1 and an ultra-low effective rate of 0.331%—the best in the state. The risk score of 5.9 reflects minimal natural disasters and hazards, providing residents with long-term security and stability.

School quality and water resources lag slightly

The school score of 57.5 is the lowest among Sussex's strengths, suggesting educational infrastructure could be strengthened. Water quality also trails other dimensions at 55.6, though still acceptable compared to national patterns.

Balanced haven for middle-class seekers

Sussex County suits families and retirees seeking balanced livability with low taxes, decent incomes (median $78,162), and minimal disaster risk—without premium price tags. It's ideal for those wanting a measured, stable community that doesn't sacrifice across any single major dimension.

2040608010097.218.925.369.557.583.45.955.668.3Tax97.2Cost18.9Safety25.3Health69.5Schools57.5Income83.4Risk5.9Water55.6Weather68.350.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Sussex County DNA

Foverall

How Sussex County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sussex County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.2/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (5.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.2+45.2
Cost
18.9-29.1
Safety
25.3-29.7
Health
69.5+19.5
Schools
57.5
Income
83.4+32.400000000000006
Risk
5.9-41.1
Water
55.6
Weather
68.3+12.299999999999997
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Sussex County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$382,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,238/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$382,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,497/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

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
Compare Sussex County with Holmes County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Holmes County
Florida
Median income: $49,343
50.6
St. Johns County
Florida
Median income: $109,839
50.6
Rabun County
Georgia
Median income: $67,493
50.6
Tattnall County
Georgia
Median income: $50,747
50.6
Middlesex County
Massachusetts
Median income: $130,847
50.6
Randolph County
Missouri
Median income: $53,033
50.6
Yadkin County
North Carolina
Median income: $62,932
50.6
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $78,425
50.6

Nearby counties

Caroline County
Maryland
42
Wicomico County
Maryland
39.5
Kent County
Delaware
44.3
Worcester County
Maryland
48.7
Dorchester County
Maryland
46.1
Cape May County
New Jersey
39.4
Talbot County
Maryland
57
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
58.8

Deep Dives

Sussex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Sussex County

via CrimeByCounty

Sussex County outperforms national safety averages

Sussex County is the safest region in Delaware, boasting an impressive safety score of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1,844.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight Sussex as a standout for public safety on a national scale.

The safest county in the First State

Sussex County ranks first in safety among Delaware's three counties. Its 97.1 safety score exceeds the statewide average of 96.2 by a notable margin. Law enforcement across 23 reporting agencies maintains the lowest crime rates in the state.

Sussex enjoys lower crime than northern neighbors

Sussex County's crime rate of 1,844.9 per 100K is much lower than Kent's 2,734.1 and New Castle's 2,598.1. This makes Sussex the premier destination for residents seeking a lower-crime environment in Delaware. The county remains the clear regional leader in public security.

Low violent crime rates define the county

Sussex County reports 328.3 violent crimes per 100K, falling below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notably lower at 1,516.6 per 100K, compared to 2,015.7 nationally. These figures confirm that Sussex is safer than the average American community in both major categories.

Maintaining a safe home in Sussex County

While Sussex is very safe, property crime still accounts for the majority of local incidents. Routine safety habits like locking all entry points and using smart home sensors help maintain the county's high safety standing. Community vigilance continues to be the bedrock of Sussex's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sussex County

via WeatherByCounty

Well above national temperature norms

Sussex County’s 57.2°F average annual temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. This southern Delaware enclave enjoys a mild, coastal-influenced climate for much of the year.

Delaware’s warmest region

This is Delaware’s warmest county, exceeding the state average of 56.4°F. Its position on the Delmarva Peninsula keeps it consistently warmer than New Castle County to the north.

Lighter snow than northern counties

Sussex averages 57.2°F, making it slightly warmer than Kent County and much warmer than New Castle. It also sees the least snow in the state, averaging only 11.7 inches compared to New Castle’s 16.1 inches.

Frequent heat and mild winters

Summer is intense with 27 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 78.2°F. Winters are the mildest in the state, featuring a December-through-February average of 38.6°F and minimal snow.

Manage the summer heat

Homeowners should prioritize air conditioning maintenance to combat the state's highest frequency of extreme heat days. Conversely, the light 11.7-inch snowfall means winter weather gear is rarely a primary concern for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sussex County

via SoilByCounty

Sussex County’s Coastal Chemistry

Sussex County soil averages a pH of 5.89, making it less acidic than the Delaware average of 5.74 but still below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic details are sparse, this chemistry is ideal for specialized coastal vegetation and local forest species.

Dominant Sand and Grit

A heavy 58.3% sand content defines the local landscape, resulting in a gritty texture with only 7.3% clay. This composition means the soil is exceptionally easy to work and resists compaction, though it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers.

High Organic Content, Low Storage

Despite an impressive 10.36% organic matter content, the available water capacity sits at just 0.132 in/in, the lowest in the state. This suggests that while the soil is rich in nutrients, it requires consistent irrigation to keep plants hydrated.

Rapid Coastal Infiltration

Soil datasets currently lack formal drainage and hydrologic group classifications for the county. However, the high sand percentage generally points toward fast-draining conditions that prevent water from pooling after frequent coastal storms.

Planting for Sandy Success

Hardiness Zone 7b allows for a wide range of crops, provided you manage the sandy soil's tendency to dry out quickly. Focus on drought-tolerant species or install a drip irrigation system to help your Sussex garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sussex County

via LawnByCounty

Sussex Leads the State in Ease

Sussex County is the easiest place in Delaware to maintain a lawn, boasting a difficulty score of 61.2. This high score, well above the national average of 50.0, makes it an ideal location for homeowners seeking a lush landscape in Hardiness Zone 7b.

Heat and Humidity Drive Growth

Sussex experiences 27 days of extreme heat and 4,134 growing degree days, the highest in the state. While the 45.8 inches of rain is slightly lower than its neighbors, it remains within the ideal 30-50 inch range for most grass species.

Sandy Soils Near the Coast

With 58.3% sand content, Sussex soil drains very quickly and has the highest pH in the state at 5.89. This proximity to the ideal 6.0 range means you will need fewer amendments, though the sandy texture requires more frequent, light fertilization.

Managing High Dryness Levels

Nearly 99.5% of Sussex County is currently abnormally dry, following a year with 24 weeks of drought conditions. Mulch your grass clippings back into the lawn to help sandy soils retain vital moisture and nutrients during these dry periods.

Tackle the Sussex Growing Season

Heat-tolerant grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda are perfect for the county's warmer summers and sandy soils. The wide growing window between April 4th and November 6th provides ample time for your new lawn to take root and flourish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sussex County's county score?
Sussex County, Delaware has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Sussex County rank among counties in Delaware?
Sussex County ranks #1 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 Sussex County, Delaware?
The median annual property tax in Sussex County is $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Sussex County a tax score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sussex County?
The median household income in Sussex County, Delaware is $81,497 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sussex County earns an income score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sussex County, Delaware a good place to live?
Sussex County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Delaware. The best way to evaluate Sussex 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 Sussex 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.