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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Sussex County: a median age of 51.4, older than the national median. With 247,799 residents, Sussex County is a county in Delaware. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Delaware in the country, at #2 by population.
The typical household earns $78,162 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $353,300, with typical rent around $1,221.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Sussex County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.