countyscore
50.4
County Score
Property Tax 97.1Income & Jobs 81.7Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax97.1Cost18.3Safety25.3Health69.5Schools57.5Income81.7Risk5.9Water55.6Weather68.3
🏛97.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.2
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

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42
Wicomico County
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Kent County
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Cape May County
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Talbot County
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Deep Dives

Sussex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Sussex County

via SchoolsByCounty

Primary Education Focus in Southern Delaware

Sussex County's education system consists of 49 schools and 31,516 students distributed among 10 school districts. The landscape is primarily focused on primary education, featuring 25 elementary schools alongside 9 middle and 9 high schools.

Steady Results Across Local School Districts

Graduation rates hold steady at 87.1%, aligning closely with the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $9,133 per pupil, supporting a school score of 56.6 that remains competitive with broader state benchmarks.

Indian River Leads the Local District Mix

Indian River School District is the largest provider, educating 10,799 students across 16 different schools. While charter schools are less frequent here, Sussex Academy serves over 1,100 students as a key alternative for local families.

Rural and Small-Town School Settings

Schools in Sussex offer a distinct rural and small-town feel, with 37 of the 49 schools located in these settings. Despite the rural footprint, the average school size is a substantial 671 students, led by Sussex Central High School's 2,039 enrollees.

Finding Your Place in Sussex County Schools

Homebuyers seeking a town-centered or rural school environment will find Sussex County's 10 districts highly appealing. Consider homes near Cape Henlopen or Indian River to benefit from the county's largest and most established educational networks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 50.4 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 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 $1,171, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Sussex County a tax score of 97.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sussex County?
The median household income in Sussex County, Delaware is $78,162 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sussex County earns an income score of 81.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sussex County, Delaware a good place to live?
Sussex County scores 50.4/100 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.

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.