Sussex County, Delaware Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Delaware
The population of Sussex County, Delaware is 247,799 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Delaware. The median household income is $78,162, the median home value is $353,300, and the median age is 51.4.
The population of Sussex County has grown 37.0% since 2010 (197,883 → 271,134), a +2.28% annualized rate.
247,799
Population
+2.28%
Annual growth
265
People / sq mi
$78,162
Median Income
$353,300
Median Home Value
Sussex County covers 936 sq mi of land at 264.7 people per square mile.
About Sussex County, DE
Sussex County is a county in Delaware with a population of 247,799. It ranks #2 among counties in Delaware by population. The median age is 51.4, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Sussex County is $78,162, near the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $353,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,221. The homeownership rate of 81.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sussex County reflects 32.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.2 minutes each way.
Sussex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sussex County had a population of 197,883 in 2010 and 271,134 in 2024, a 37.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 271,134 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.28%.
271,134
Population (2024)
197,883
Population (2010)
271,134
Peak (2024)
2.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 197,883 |
| 2011 | 200,398 |
| 2012 | 203,095 |
| 2013 | 206,304 |
| 2014 | 210,407 |
| 2015 | 214,828 |
| 2016 | 219,631 |
| 2017 | 224,697 |
| 2018 | 230,048 |
| 2019 | 235,235 |
| 2020 | 238,654 |
| 2021 | 247,877 |
| 2022 | 256,490 |
| 2023 | 263,975 |
| 2024 | 271,134 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.6% |
| Black or African American | 10.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.4
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
29.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.1% · Seniors (65+): 29.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,162$-4,693 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,000 |
| Per-capita income | $44,963 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sussex County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
11.8%
Work from home
27.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$353,300+$26,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,221
Median rent
81.3%
Homeownership rate
147,904
Total housing units
69.8%
Occupied
30.2%
Vacant
18.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
95.0%
With broadband internet
53.9%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
87.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
32.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Delaware
Other counties in Delaware
Part of Delaware
Metro areas in Delaware
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sussex County, Delaware has a population of 247,799 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Delaware. Population density is 265 people per square mile.
The population of Sussex County has grown 37.0% since 2010 (197,883 → 271,134), a +2.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sussex County, Delaware is $78,162, with mean (average) household income of $105,000 and per-capita income of $44,963. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sussex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.6%), Black or African American (10.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sussex County, Delaware is 51.4 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Sussex County is $353,300 and median monthly rent is $1,221. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 147,904 total housing units, 30.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sussex County, Delaware is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Wilmington is among the largest cities associated with Sussex 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.