Delaware Living Report — October 04, 2026

For those considering a move to the First State, Delaware offers a unique proposition: the urban amenities of the Northeast corridor wrapped in a distinctly suburban, laid-back package. With a population of just under one million (993,635), it is one of the country’s smallest states, yet it punches above its weight in strategic location and tax friendliness. The median age of 41.4 suggests a mature demographic, a blend of long-time residents and newcomers drawn to its relative calm.

The housing market remains the primary draw for many transplants. The median home value sits at $305,200, a figure noticeably lower than neighboring Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland, making homeownership attainable for many middle-class families. For renters, the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,286 per month. To put that in perspective, with a median household income of $79,325, the typical renter spends roughly 19% of their gross monthly income on housing. This is a healthy ratio that leaves significant financial breathing room—a key factor for those fleeing the high cost of living in major metros.

Economically, Delaware presents a mixed but stable picture. The unemployment rate was recorded at 4.9% in August 2026, slightly above the national average, but this is offset by the state’s robust financial sector. As the corporate home to over a million businesses, including many Fortune 500 companies, the legal and banking industries provide a stable bedrock of white-collar employment. The median household income of $79,325 remains above the national median, indicating that wages are keeping pace with the cost of living for most residents. However, the poverty rate of 10.8% serves as

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated October 04, 2026.

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