Kirkwood, DE Utility & Living Guide

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Kirkwood, DE Utility & Living Guide

Kirkwood is an unincorporated community in central New Castle County, Delaware, United States. It lies along Delaware Route 71, southwest of the city of Wilmington, the county seat of New Castle County.

Last updated: July 4, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Kirkwood
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🌤️ Live Weather — Kirkwood
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Living in Kirkwood, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.7°F, while winters are chilly, with Jan lows around 29.6°F. Winter heating is a real budget factor — 3939 degree days means 4-5 months of meaningful energy bills. The area receives 54.8 inches of rainfall per year. Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 56 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Kirkwood, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.7°F, while winters are chilly, with Jan lows around 29.6°F. Winter heating is a real budget factor — 3939 degree days means 4-5 months of meaningful energy bills. The area receives 54.8 inches of rainfall per year. Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 56 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kirkwood
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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

Artesian Water Company
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.15%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Kirkwood is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, but may be limited. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.15%
<p>State 0% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Delaware has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, education, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, public safety, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Kirkwood has limited public transit options, but the area is relatively flat and stroller-friendly, with some sidewalks and crosswalks available

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Brandywine Creek State Park
  • 🎯
    Delaware Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Wilmington Riverwalk

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kirkwood are those with access to good schools, parks, and community amenities, such as the areas around Kirkwood Highway and New Road.

Household Budget Calculator

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📊 Kirkwood — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Kirkwood tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In contrast, winter utility bills are relatively lower, with some residents opting for electric heat pumps or propane heating.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.05 to 1.20, with no local surtaxes specific to Kirkwood county

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Kirkwood has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but the area is not highly pedestrian-friendly, and some roads lack adequate infrastructure for strollers and families

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