Kent County, Delaware

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-9% vs. Delaware average

$72,872

Median Household Income

$34,640

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$72,872

-9% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$34,640

-12% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

25.1%

income as % of home value

Rank in Delaware

#3 / 3

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Kent County Compares

Kent County$72,872

Delaware Average$80,312

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$72,872

Median Household Income

$34,640

Per Capita Income

$290,600

Median Home Value

25.1%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Kent County

Income Verdict

Kent County has a median household income of $72,872 and per capita income of $34,640 — a gap of $38,232, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,285/month and a median household income of $72,872, rent consumes approximately 21.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $72,872 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $34,640 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Kent County earns approximately 9.3% below the Delaware state median household income of $80,312.

Data Story

About Household Income in Kent County, Delaware

Kent County earnings lag national average

Kent County's median household income of $72,872 falls about $1,900 below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county ranks solidly middle-class, it underperforms the national baseline by roughly 2.5%, suggesting households here have slightly less purchasing power than the typical American family.

Third in Delaware, but trailing state average

Kent County ranks third among Delaware's three counties in median household income, behind New Castle and Sussex. At $72,872, Kent falls $7,440 below Delaware's state average of $80,312, indicating residents earn notably less than their counterparts statewide.

Kent trails both neighboring counties significantly

New Castle County households earn $89,901 annually—$17,029 more than Kent—while Sussex County pulls in $78,162, a $5,290 advantage. Kent's lower median income positions it as the most affordable county in Delaware, but also signals fewer high-earning households in the local economy.

Rent remains affordable for most households

Kent County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% sits slightly above the national sustainability benchmark of 20%, meaning renters spend just over one-fifth of their income on rent. This modest premium suggests most households can cover housing costs comfortably, though those earning below the median may face tighter budgets.

Build long-term wealth through smart planning

With a median household income of $72,872, Kent County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring retirement accounts to maximize growth over time. Even modest monthly investments—$200 to $400—can compound significantly over 20 to 30 years, helping households in Kent build wealth and financial security for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Kent County, Delaware?

The median household income in Kent County, Delaware is $72,872, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Kent County?

The per capita income in Kent County is $34,640, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $72,872.

How does Kent County compare to the Delaware average?

Kent County's median household income of $72,872 is lower than the Delaware state average of $80,312. The per capita income is $34,640, compared to the state average of $42,198.

What is the per capita income in Kent County, Delaware?

The per capita income in Kent County, Delaware is $34,640, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Kent County a low-income area in Delaware?

Kent County's median household income of $72,872 is below the Delaware average of $80,312. The per capita income of $34,640 is also lower than the state average of $42,198. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Kent County rank for income in Delaware?

Kent County ranks #3 out of 3 counties in Delaware by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $72,872 and per capita income of $34,640, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.