Delaware Living Report — July 19, 2026

Delaware often flies under the radar, squeezed between the bustling corridors of the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic’s quieter stretches. But for those considering a move, the First State offers a distinct blend of affordability, convenience, and coastal charm that’s increasingly hard to find. With a population hovering just under one million—993,635 as of the latest estimates—it’s compact enough to feel manageable yet diverse enough to offer real choices, from beach towns like Rehoboth to historic Wilmington and the growing suburbs of Middletown.

The cost of living is a primary draw. The median household income clocks in at $79,325 per year, while the median home value sits at $305,200. That’s a price-to-income ratio of about 3.8, well below the national average, making homeownership attainable for many middle-class families. Renters also find relative relief: the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,286 per month. That translates to roughly 19.5% of the median household’s gross income—comfortably under the 30% threshold that financial experts consider affordable. For a single earner making the median salary for a household, that’s a manageable slice of the budget, though it’s worth noting that individual incomes often lag behind household figures.

The job market remains steady, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% as of May 2026. That’s slightly

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 19, 2026.

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