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Cheswold, DE Utility & Living Guide

Cheswold is a town in Kent County in the U.S. state of Delaware.

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Total Utilities$290/mo

1BR Rent$765/mo

COL Index108 (+8% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$147,500

📷 Live Cameras — Cheswold

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🌤️ Live Weather — Cheswold

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Living in Cheswold, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 88.0°F, while winters are chilly, with Jan lows around 29.6°F. Winter heating is a real budget factor — 3804 degree days means 4-5 months of meaningful energy bills. Annual rainfall reaches 55.1 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 30 parks, 6 groceries and 24 dining spots. One hospital serves the immediate area. Median household income: $68,083. With a 14.7% poverty rate and 88.9% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Smyrna (6mi N), Middletown (17mi NW), Greenwich Township (18mi NE). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 51 over the past week.

📍 City Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cheswold

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Delmarva Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Cheswold Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$765/mo
2 Bedrooms	$850/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1062/mo
Median Home Price	$147,500
Property Tax Rate	0.86%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Cheswold is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also an option, though the selection may be limited. Overall, the area is seeing slow but steady growth.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate	0.86%
<p>State 0% + No county or city sales tax</p>

Delaware has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%, but no local income taxes are imposed by Cheswold or Kent County.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, leaning slightly Republican

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including agriculture, healthcare, and small manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, public safety, economic development

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks, though improvements are needed for better accessibility.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Killens Pond State Park
🎯
Dover Downs
🎯
Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the town center offers a mix of older homes and community amenities, making it a desirable place for families. Other neighborhoods, like those near the state park, provide a more rural setting. Overall, the town's small size means that most areas are relatively safe and family-friendly.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Cheswold based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents should be aware of zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations, particularly concerning wetlands and water resources.

Financial Tools

Calculators

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Planning Tools

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📊 Cheswold — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income

$68,083

🏠 Homeownership Rate

88.9%

🔑 Renter Rate

11.1%

📉 Poverty Rate

14.7%

💼 Unemployment Rate

4.4%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cheswold can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and slightly higher costs in the winter for heating, though the latter is less pronounced due to the moderate climate. Residents can expect to pay about 10-20% more for utilities during peak summer months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Cheswold is around 0.86%, with no additional local surtaxes. However, residents should be aware of any changes in tax rates and exemptions available.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Cheswold has some sidewalks and crosswalks, especially in the town center, but improvements are needed for better accessibility and connectivity, including more ramps and safer pedestrian crossings.

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