Delaware Living Report — July 21, 2026

With a population just shy of a million—993,635 residents as of the latest estimates—Delaware offers a compact, accessible alternative to the sprawling metros of the Mid-Atlantic. For anyone considering a move, the state’s numbers tell a story of modest affordability, steady employment, and a quality of life that appeals to a broad cross-section of newcomers, from young remote workers to retirees seeking a quieter pace.

Finding a place to live in Delaware doesn’t require the budget stretch common in neighboring states like New Jersey or Maryland. The median one‑bedroom apartment rents for $1,286 per month, while the median home value sits at $305,200. To put that in perspective, the median household income is $79,325 a year. A basic affordability check: at that income, the median rent consumes roughly 19.5 percent of monthly earnings—well below the 30 percent threshold that typically signals a housing burden. Homebuyers face a similar advantage; with a conventional 20 percent down payment, a $305,200 home translates to a monthly mortgage that, including taxes and insurance, often lands near or below the region’s average. A handful of small cities and towns cluster across the state—Finklick tracks 29 of them—offering choices that range from beachfront resorts like Rehoboth to the historic charm of New Castle and the more suburban feel of Newark.

The job market in Delaware has remained balanced. As of May 2026, the unemployment rate stands at 4.2 percent, a figure that aligns with national trends and reflects a reasonably diverse economy anchored by finance, health care, and chemical manufacturing. The

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 21, 2026.

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