Sussex County, Delaware

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-3% vs. Delaware average

$78,162

Median Household Income

$44,963

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$78,162

-3% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$44,963

+14% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

22.1%

income as % of home value

Rank in Delaware

#2 / 3

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Sussex County Compares

Sussex County$78,162

Delaware Average$80,312

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$78,162

Median Household Income

$44,963

Per Capita Income

$353,300

Median Home Value

22.1%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Sussex County

Income Verdict

Sussex County has a median household income of $78,162 and per capita income of $44,963 — a gap of $33,199, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,221/month and a median household income of $78,162, rent consumes approximately 18.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $78,162 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $44,963 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Sussex County earns approximately 2.7% below the Delaware state median household income of $80,312.

Data Story

About Household Income in Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County income edges above national norm

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $3,407, positioning the county slightly above the U.S. average. This modest $3,400 edge suggests households here enjoy marginally more purchasing power than typical American families.

Second in Delaware, slightly below state average

Sussex County ranks second among Delaware's three counties in median household income at $78,162, behind only New Castle County. However, the county falls $2,150 short of Delaware's state average of $80,312, indicating residents earn below statewide norms despite strong county performance.

Sussex splits difference between Kent and New Castle

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 sits between Kent County ($72,872) and New Castle County ($89,901), making it Delaware's middle-earning region. This positioning reflects a mixed economic base of tourism, agriculture, and professional services compared to New Castle's stronger wage base.

Housing costs remain reasonable and sustainable

Sussex County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% falls comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend less than one-fifth of earnings on housing. This healthy ratio demonstrates that most Sussex households can cover housing affordably while maintaining discretionary income for other needs.

Build wealth through consistent, disciplined investing

With a median household income of $78,162 and favorable housing affordability, Sussex County residents can channel savings into long-term wealth strategies. Regular monthly investments of $300 to $600 in diversified portfolios and retirement accounts can accumulate substantial assets over 20 to 30 years, supporting financial goals and family security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median household income in Sussex County, Delaware is $78,162, 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 Sussex County?

The per capita income in Sussex County is $44,963, 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 $78,162.

How does Sussex County compare to the Delaware average?

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 is lower than the Delaware state average of $80,312. The per capita income is $44,963, compared to the state average of $42,198.

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

The per capita income in Sussex County, Delaware is $44,963, 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 Sussex County a low-income area in Delaware?

Sussex County's median household income of $78,162 is below the Delaware average of $80,312. The per capita income of $44,963 is also comparable to 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 Sussex County rank for income in Delaware?

Sussex County ranks #2 out of 3 counties in Delaware by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $78,162 and per capita income of $44,963, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.