Middletown, DE Cost of Living & Utility Guide 2026

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Middletown, DE Utility & Living Guide

Middletown is a town in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2021 Census, the population of the town is 24,164..

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Total Utilities$290/mo

1BR Rent$1298/mo

COL Index108 (+8% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$363,800

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🌤️ Live Weather — Middletown

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Living in Middletown, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.5°F, while winters are chilly, with Jan lows around 29.4°F. Winter heating is a real budget factor — 3943 degree days means 4-5 months of meaningful energy bills. Annual rainfall reaches 55.4 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 26 parks, 3 groceries, 17 dining spots and 5 schools. One hospital serves the immediate area. Median household income: $104,662. With a 6.8% poverty rate and 73.3% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 56 over the past week.

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Middletown

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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

Middletown Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1298/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1443/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1803/mo
Median Home Price	$363,800
Property Tax Rate	1.15%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

Middletown’s housing market is characterized by a mix of old and new homes, with a growing number of new developments and subdivisions. The town’s historic district features charming older homes, while newer areas offer more modern amenities. Overall, the market is relatively stable, with moderate price growth.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate	1.15%
<p>State 0% + County 0% + City 0% (no sales tax in Delaware)</p>

Delaware has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%. Middletown residents are also subject to federal income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+10% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and retail

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, public safety, economic development

🚌 Transit for Families

Middletown has a limited public transit system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible buses and sidewalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Middletown Public Library
🎯
Middletown Community Pool
🎯
Brandywine Creek State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The historic district is a popular area for families, with its charming homes and walkable streets. The Oakwood Hills neighborhood is also desirable, with its newer homes and community amenities. The Summit Bridge Road area offers a mix of old and new homes, with easy access to shopping and dining.

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

📰 Live Local News

Middletown has regulations in place to preserve its historic district and protect the environment, including rules on zoning, building permits, and waste management.

Financial Tools

Calculators

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📊 Middletown — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income

$104,662

🏠 Homeownership Rate

73.3%

🔑 Renter Rate

26.7%

📉 Poverty Rate

6.8%

💼 Unemployment Rate

7.2%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Middletown tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low, with average natural gas bills (for those who have gas heat) increasing by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 19709 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 1.15, with no local surtaxes. The New Castle County property tax rate is 0.63, and the state of Delaware has no property tax.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Middletown has good sidewalk quality and park access, with several stroller-friendly parks and trails. However, elevator access in transit is limited, and some areas of town have narrow or uneven sidewalks.

📍 Middletown City Stories

Oct 10, 2026