Delaware Living Report — July 11, 2026

Delaware’s small size belies its growing appeal. With a population edging toward one million—993,635 as of the latest estimates—the First State offers a mix of East Coast convenience and suburban calm that draws a diverse crowd: remote workers trading pricier metros for lower taxes, retirees seeking walkable coastal towns, and families looking for good schools without the sticker shock of the Northeast. But what does the everyday reality look like for someone considering relocation?

The cost of living is a major draw. Median household income sits at $79,325 per year, while the median one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,286 a month. That puts rent at roughly 19.5 percent of gross monthly income—well below the 30 percent threshold that housing experts consider affordable. Homeownership is also within reach for many: the median home value is $305,200, a figure that feels modest compared to neighbors like Maryland or Pennsylvania, where similar homes often cost $100,000 more. Still, prices have risen in recent years, and inventory in popular areas like New Castle County and Sussex County’s beach towns remains tight.

The job market is stable. As of May 2026, Delaware’s unemployment rate stands at 4.2 percent, slightly above the national average but still historically low. Key sectors include finance, health care, and agriculture, with

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 11, 2026.

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