Odessa, DE Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Odessa, DE Utility & Living Guide

Living in Odessa, Delaware offers a charming small-town experience with easy access to major cities like Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Odessa
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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

Artesian Water Company
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.15%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Odessa is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices may be higher than in surrounding areas. Homeowners can expect to pay around 1.15% of their home’s value in property taxes annually.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.15%
<p>State 0% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Delaware has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%. Odessa residents are subject to state income tax, but there are no local income taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, education, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, parking, and preserving historic character
🚌 Transit for Families

Odessa has limited public transit options, but the town is walkable and bike-friendly.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Odessa Historic District
  • 🎯
    Canal Trail
  • 🎯
    and the nearby Brandywine Creek State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The historic district and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of old and new homes, with easy access to downtown amenities. Families may also consider the nearby town of Middletown for more affordable options.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Odessa has zoning regulations and historic district ordinances to preserve the town’s character.

Odessa is experiencing growth in its downtown area, with new businesses and restaurants opening. However, the town's small size and limited job market may impact long-term financial stability.

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📊 Odessa — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electric bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see increased costs for heating. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 19730 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 1.15%, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Odessa has a mix of sidewalks and crosswalks, with some areas more pedestrian-friendly than others. The town's small size and historic character make it relatively easy to navigate with a stroller, but some streets may lack adequate infrastructure.

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