Sussex County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Sussex County, DE, has a population of approximately 237,378. The racial composition is 74.8% White, 10.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.3% Native American. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 10.5% of the population. The county's gender distribution is roughly 51.8% female and 48.2% male. Median household income is around $63,184, with about 11.3% living below the poverty line. The median age is 49.6 years, indicating an older population base compared to national averages.

As of the latest data, Sussex County, DE has a median home price of approximately $350,000. The area has experienced a robust annual appreciation rate of roughly 4.5%. The median rent for residential properties is about $1,500 per month. Homeownership rates hover around 75%. The housing inventory shows a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, with new construction also contributing to market dynamics. The average days on market for a home is about 45 days, reflecting moderate demand in the region.

Sussex County, DE, conducts elections for various positions, including County Council, state legislature seats, and federal offices. Here’s a brief snapshot for the most recent election cycle:

County Council Election:

• 2022 Seats Contested: Districts 2, 3, 4
• Notable District 3 candidates: Mark Schaeffer (R, Incumbent) vs. Ruth Briggs King (R)

State Legislature:

• House District 4: Candidates—Pete Schwartzkopf (D) vs. Ted Kittila (R)
• Senate District 6: Candidates—Ernesto Lopez (R, Incumbent) vs. Jack Bucchioni (D)

Federal Elections:

• U.S. House (At-Large): Lisa Blunt Rochester (D, Incumbent) vs. Lee Murphy (R)

Voter Turnout:

• 2022 General Election: Approximately 64,000 voters (Specific turnout percentage varies)

Elections are overseen by the Sussex County Department of Elections. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Sussex County election website or contact the Department of Elections.

Sussex County, Delaware, presents an educational profile showing some disparities when compared to state and national averages. As of the latest data, approximately 87% of Sussex County residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is slightly below the national average of around 88% and Delaware’s average of 89%. When looking at higher education, about 26% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32% and the state average of 34%. These figures suggest that while Sussex County is fairly close to the national and state levels in high school education, there is room for improvement in higher education attainment. Efforts to enhance educational opportunities could help bridge these gaps.

As of the latest data, Sussex County, DE boasts an employment rate of approximately 60.5%, with an unemployment rate hovering around 3.4%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 3.9% and lower than Delaware's state average of 4.1%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, employing around 16.5% of the workforce, consistent with national trends but slightly above the state average. The retail trade sector employs roughly 12.3% of workers, above the national average of 10.8%. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries are crucial here, comprising about 7.1% of employment, significantly higher than the national average of 1.6%. Tourism and hospitality also play a substantial role, employing around 10.5% of the workforce, compared to the national average of 8.3%. These sectors highlight Sussex County's unique economic landscape influenced by its geographical and demographic characteristics.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Sussex County, Delaware, is approximately $74,000. In comparison, the national average household income in the United States stands around $97,000, and the state of Delaware has an average household income of about $83,000. This demonstrates that Sussex County falls below both the state and national income averages.

Sussex County, Delaware, has generally exhibited a lower crime rate compared to national averages. As of the latest available data, the county's crime rate stands at approximately 22.4 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes.

Below is a table outlining the types of crimes and their respective rates per 1,000 residents:

These figures reflect efforts by law enforcement and community programs to maintain safety, though caution is advised in areas with higher crime rates.