Your EZ Search Profile: Get to Know Delaware

Did you know the state of Delaware is known as the “First State”? This nickname dates to 1787, when it became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. But knowing this small Mid-Atlantic state’s historical significance isn’t going to help if you’re considering a move to Delaware. This charming place has some unique quirks, location benefits, and a few things you should know about living there. Start with this wide-angle look at living in Delaware.

Delaware Fast Facts

With its small size and high population, Delaware has one of the highest densities per square mile in the US–522.6.

Delaware is the nation’s second-smallest state after Rhode Island.

Delaware History

Indigenous peoples inhabited the Delaware Valley and Bay for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The Dutch and Swedish originally colonized its shores before the English took over. Finally, it declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Delaware Bay and its fishing grounds were long essential for transporting goods but also for supporting the local economy. Fishing remains one of the top industries today. The fertile soils also supported farming, and it’s still an agricultural state even with all the modern development.

Delaware didn’t see much action during the Revolutionary War despite being the first to ratify the Constitution. It did have a prisoner-of-war facility during the Civil War. The state’s history around the issue is contentious as it did not vote against slavery, but it also did not exit from the Union. Yes, not many people realize there was a state with legalized slavery on the Union side of the border. But, particularly in the north, Delaware had a strong Quaker presence, who helped enslaved people on the Underground Railroad.

Today, you can still find many historical landmarks and sites throughout the state, such as the historic town of New Castle and the First State National Historical Park.

Coastal highways and railways connect Delaware to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, built in 1829, is still a significant shipping route as it shortens the trip between Philadelphia and Baltimore by 500 miles.

Major Regions

Delaware is divided into just three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. In the north, New Castle County is the most populous and home to the state’s largest city, Wilmington. Central Kent County is known for its small-town charm and state capital Dover, while large Sussex County boasts beautiful beaches and a thriving tourist industry. Geographically, most of the state is a coastal plain, while the northern area has more rolling terrain associated with the Piedmont formation.

Delaware’s strategic location to the bustling urban centers of the Northeast is a perk. A resident can reach prominent cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore within a two-hour drive. This geographical advantage facilitates efficient travel and enhances opportunities for business, cultural exchange, and exploration across these significant metropolitan areas.

Delaware Climate

Delaware experiences a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, but less than their southern counterparts. The average daily temperature is 74F. Winters can bring cold temperatures, averaging near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasional snowfall. Statewide, it averages 15 inches.

Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making them the perfect seasons for outdoor activities. One notable quirk residents talk about during these seasons is the fog. It seems to be everywhere all the time, but that’s because water is everywhere in Delaware. Between the rivers and bays, locals have a higher chance of experiencing foggy days.

These temperature averages change by as much as 10F depending on how close you are to the Atlantic Coast.

Delaware Cost of Living

With its high population density, Delaware has pressure placed on the goods and services it provides. For that reason, Sperling’s Best Places Index had the overall cost of living at 103.5, with 100 being the national average. It is slightly more expensive to live in Delaware compared to other states. However, what residents experience for their cost of living varies by location and can be significantly lower in more rural areas.

The good news is you won’t need to stretch your budget dramatically to live in Delaware. On average, transportation and miscellaneous costs are less. Healthcare expenses did run 12% above the national average, but housing, groceries, and utilities were only 4-5% more.

As of Q3 2023, MERIC data ranked Delaware 29th for its overall cost of living, making it less expensive than nearby New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

Another part of what makes the cost of living here more reasonable is the lack of sales taxes on goods and services. Add to that Delaware’s low property tax rate, and residents have the third-lowest overall tax burden in the nation.

Employment Opportunities

Four major industries form the backbone of Delaware’s economy: agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and mining. It’s long been a top producer of soybeans, corn, crabs, and clams. The state also has a strong presence in the finance, healthcare, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Based on the number of persons employed, top employers in Delaware include JP Morgan Chase, DuPont, ChristianaCare Health System, and the University of Delaware.

This access to high-quality employment in stable industries and with well-respected Fortune 500 brands has led Delaware to post one of the highest household median incomes. As of 2022, it was 8% more than the national median.

Delaware Education

For public K-12 education, Delaware ranked no. 30 in the nation for 2023. As of 2022, over 140,000 students were enrolled. It had an 87.8% graduation rate, but the departing seniors do score highly as being prepared for college.

The school system is broken into 19 public school districts, plus an additional 23 public charter schools as of 2023. Delaware Public Schools does evaluate schools using a public report card system to help families measure a local school’s performance. Some of its schools have earned recognition as National Blue Ribbon schools and are on top high school lists in independent media.

The eight available universities and colleges for higher education include the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware State University. The first is the state’s largest university, with around 23,000 students enrolled. Wilmington is the largest private higher education school with 20,000 students. Delaware State is the only HBCU institution in the state.

Healthcare Access

Delaware residents have some of the highest medical insurance coverage rates and access to quality healthcare nationwide. Bolstering this is access to the Christiana Care Health System, named the best hospital in Delaware by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. This facility serves Northern Delaware with innovative and comprehensive care, including two hospitals, a Level I trauma center, surgical care facilities, a renowned research institute, and rehabilitation centers.

It’s one of many facilities available to meet healthcare demand. Each county has a major provider, from the Bayhealth system in Kent and Sussex to Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington. Beebe and Tidal Health are two other large healthcare providers in the state with specialties from COPD to cardiovascular care.

Delaware Infrastructure

Delaware may be small, but its infrastructure is not. It’s well-connected across the Mid-Atlantic. Wilmington residents live just 32 miles from Philadelphia, and they can get there by car or on the commercial rail system. US President Joe Biden was well-known for commuting into DC using the Amtrak service as a Senator and Vice President.

Residents have five international airports within reach, a seaport, and three Interstates, making moving around the Mid-Atlantic accessible.

Parks and Recreation

For outdoor lovers, Delaware has long recognized a need to protect its green spaces. Even though Delaware is tiny, it has 17 state parks and wildlife refuges. Find plenty of hiking, biking, boating, and more opportunities to be active at parks like Cape Henlopen State Park and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Besides established parks, Delaware has over 60 outdoor trails–greenways and blueways. Most notably, Delaware ranks as one of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly states. It even backed it up with the passage of the Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act in 2017. And while the state isn’t exactly prized for its elevation changes, the available hiking trails are still beautiful. They wind through forests, coastal wetlands, and prairies.

Considering its small size, it’s amazing to think Delaware has 380 miles of shoreline, but the eastern half is all bordered by water. The access to paddle sports, sailing, and motorized craft enables everyone to enjoy the waterfronts as they see fit. Learn to surf on the Atlantic coast or take a relaxing canoe float on the pristine Brandywine River. Lose yourself in the estuaries and flats of a cove or bay. Everyone can find a way to enjoy the great outdoors in tiny Delaware.

Delaware Arts and Culture

Many museums, galleries, and theaters document the state’s culture and passion for the creative arts. The world-renowned Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington houses one of the country’s best collections of pre-Raphaelite art, while the Delaware Chamber Music Festival and Rehoboth Beach Film Society are just two popular annual events.

It’s not just classic arts that take centerstage. Music lovers know the outdoor music festival Firefly for featuring top acts across all music genres, while Ladybug is for female-fronted bands only. Locals dig in each year at the Apple Scrapple and Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival. Life here is a feast for all your senses and soul.

Culinary Scene

No guide to living in Delaware would be complete without mentioning its delicious food. Fresh-caught seafood and local farm produce are easily accessible by local restaurants. Some call Southern Delaware the “culinary coast,” as you can work through James Beard-nominated restaurants, oceanfront dining, and Delaware’s Wine and Ale Trail.

Complementing the year-round access to quality ingredients and restaurants are several food-themed festivals highlighting the state’s deep roots in agriculture. You may not realize that Delaware is a haven for peach orchards. The humble peach pie is the state dessert, and you can taste the best at the Middletown Peach Festival contest. Experience the unique celebration of Delaware’s iconic breakfast staple at Bridgeville’s Apple Scrapple Festival. There’s even more to taste at local Greek, Italian, Irish, and other cultural food events across the three counties.

Delaware Taxes

One of the main benefits of living in Delaware is its low taxes. The state has no sales tax, making it an attractive option for shoppers. Additionally, property taxes are some of the lowest in the country, making it a great place to own a home.

Residents do pay a state income tax, which is graduated from 2.2 to 6.6%, depending on what you earn. Some jurisdictions may collect a local income tax. Overall, Tax Foundation ranked Delaware no. 13 for its income tax burden.

Homeowners benefited from one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. For 2023, Delaware placed tenth with an average effective tax rate of 0.61%. That came out to an average property tax payment of $2,067.97 for a home at the state median value of $337,200.

Living in Delaware

Delaware may be small in size, but it has a lot to win over those considering a move. Its moderate cost of living, weighed against the many opportunities for education and recreation, means Delaware is definitely worth a look as your next home.