Kent County, Delaware Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Delaware
The population of Kent County, Delaware is 185,043 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Delaware. The median household income is $72,872, the median home value is $290,600, and the median age is 38.5.
The population of Kent County has grown 18.2% since 2010 (162,972 → 192,690), a +1.20% annualized rate.
185,043
Population
+1.20%
Annual growth
316
People / sq mi
$72,872
Median Income
$290,600
Median Home Value
Kent County covers 586 sq mi of land at 315.7 people per square mile.
About Kent County, DE
Kent County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 42.7% of the population. Kent County is a county in Delaware with a population of 185,043. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Delaware nationally.
The typical household earns $72,872 a year, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $290,600, with typical rent around $1,285.
26.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.6%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Kent County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Kent County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kent County had a population of 162,972 in 2010 and 192,690 in 2024, a 18.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 192,690 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.20%.
192,690
Population (2024)
162,972
Population (2010)
192,690
Peak (2024)
1.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 162,972 |
| 2011 | 165,161 |
| 2012 | 167,370 |
| 2013 | 169,144 |
| 2014 | 171,600 |
| 2015 | 173,308 |
| 2016 | 174,776 |
| 2017 | 176,754 |
| 2018 | 178,954 |
| 2019 | 181,492 |
| 2020 | 182,317 |
| 2021 | 185,069 |
| 2022 | 187,819 |
| 2023 | 190,123 |
| 2024 | 192,690 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.9% |
| Black or African American | 27.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.5
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,872$-9,983 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,176 |
| Per-capita income | $34,640 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kent County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
78.5%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
27.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$290,600$-36,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,285
Median rent
71.0%
Homeownership rate
74,997
Total housing units
93.4%
Occupied
6.6%
Vacant
29.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.0%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
42.7%
Foreign-born
11.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.3%
With a disability
88.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
26.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Delaware
Other counties in Delaware
Part of Delaware
Metro areas in Delaware
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kent County, Delaware has a population of 185,043 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Delaware. Population density is 316 people per square mile.
The population of Kent County has grown 18.2% since 2010 (162,972 → 192,690), a +1.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kent County, Delaware is $72,872, with mean (average) household income of $89,176 and per-capita income of $34,640. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kent County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.9%), Black or African American (27.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kent County, Delaware is 38.5 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Kent County is $290,600 and median monthly rent is $1,285. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 74,997 total housing units, 6.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kent County, Delaware is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Wilmington is among the largest cities associated with Kent County, Delaware, with a population of 71,124.
Kent County, DE Climate
Kent County, DE has an average annual temperature of 13.1°C (56°F) and receives about 1142 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.1°C
Avg Temp
1142
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 94 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 75 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 107 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 90 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 106 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 93 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 109 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 106 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 84 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 81 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 89 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kent County, DE
The most comfortable months to visit Kent County, DE are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kent County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.