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Millsboro, DE Utility & Living Guide

Millsboro is a town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. As of the 2020 census, Millsboro had a population of 6,863.

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$1040/mo

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$247,300

📷 Live Cameras — Millsboro

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🌤️ Live Weather — Millsboro

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Living in Millsboro, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.9°F, while winters are chilly, with Jan lows around 31.2°F. With 3448 heating degree days annually, heating costs are moderate. The area receives 49.1 inches of rainfall per year. Within 5 miles: 4 parks, 1 grocery and 8 dining spots. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $64,622. With a 12.8% poverty rate and 65.2% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 58 over the past week.

📍 City Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Millsboro

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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

Millsboro Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1040/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1156/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1445/mo
Median Home Price	$247,300
Property Tax Rate	0.55%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Millsboro is growing, with new developments and subdivisions being built to accommodate the increasing population. The area offers a range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments and townhouses. However, the market can be competitive, and prices may be higher than in surrounding areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate	0.55%
<p>State 0% + No county tax + No city tax</p>

Delaware has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%. However, the state does not tax Social Security benefits or retirement income from 401(k) and IRA accounts.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+10% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, technology, and tourism

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, growth management, environmental protection

🚌 Transit for Families

Millsboro has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Delaware Seashore State Park
🎯
Cape Henlopen State Park
🎯
Jungle Jim's

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Millsboro Village and Plantation Lakes, are popular with families due to their proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities. The area also offers a range of housing options, from historic homes to new constructions.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Millsboro has regulations in place to preserve the town’s historic character and natural resources, including zoning ordinances and environmental protections.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Millsboro — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income

$64,622

🏠 Homeownership Rate

65.2%

🔑 Renter Rate

34.8%

📉 Poverty Rate

12.8%

💼 Unemployment Rate

3.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Millsboro can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning usage and higher heating bills in the winter. However, the town's mild climate means that extreme temperature fluctuations are rare, and overall utility costs remain relatively stable throughout the year.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 19966 has a property tax millage rate of 0.55, with no local surtaxes. However, Sussex County imposes a transfer tax of 1.5% on real estate transactions.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Millsboro has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the town's infrastructure can be limited in some areas, and elevator access in public transportation is not always available.

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