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 a county in Delaware with a population of 185,043. It ranks #3 among counties in Delaware by population. The median age is 38.5, in line with the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The median household income in Kent County is $72,872, near the US median of $74,580. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $290,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,285. The homeownership rate of 71.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kent County reflects 26.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.0 minutes each way.
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.
More from Delaware
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.