Delaware demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,021,191
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,954/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
464,203
1.4% year-over-year change

Delaware population

How many people live in Delaware

Delaware is home to 1,021,191 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Delaware locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
1,021,191
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
494,652
Female
51.6%
526,539
Value Percent YoY change
Male 494,652 48.4% 1.4%
Female 526,539 51.6% 1.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Delaware is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 173,818 17% 0.3%
15 to 24 124,329 12.2% 1.7%
25 to 44 253,284 24.8% 1.5%
45 to 64 259,659 25.4% -0.0%
Over 65 210,101 20.6% 4.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Delaware, 87.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.9% of locals are Caucasian, 21.9% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.5%
Non-citizens
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 894,374 87.6% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 76,824 7.5% 3.1%
Non-citizens 49,993 4.9% 2.9%
Racial breakdown
White
59.9%
Black or African American
21.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 611,821 59.9%
Black or African American 223,830 21.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,012 0.4%
Asian 43,748 4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 358 0%
Two or more races 90,177 8.8%
Other 47,245 4.6%

Households in Delaware

A peek inside Delaware households

Delaware has 402,038 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.1% are families, while the remaining 34.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
402,038
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
140,168
Family households
261,870
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 140,168 34.9% 1.1%
Family households 261,870 65.1% 1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Delaware

The housing landscape of Delaware

Delaware's housing consists of 464,203 units, with 59.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
464,203
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 274,525 59.1%
1 unit, attached 71,894 15.5%
2 units 6,782 1.5%
3 or 4 units 11,050 2.4%
5 to 9 units 18,316 4%
10 to 19 units 23,872 5.1%
20 to 49 units 10,502 2.3%
50 or more units 14,393 3.1%
Mobile home 32,513 7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 356 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
14,493
70.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Delaware

In Delaware, the median construction year is 1987. About 8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 37,351 8% 0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16,934 3.6% -0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 41,673 9% -3.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43,678 9.4% -0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 54,935 11.8% 1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 54,846 11.8% 0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 62,958 13.6% 1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 80,188 17.3% -1.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 57,147 12.3% 2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 14,493 3.1% 70.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Delaware occupancy rates

Out of the 402,038 occupied housing units in Delaware, 73% are owner-occupied, while 27% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
402,038
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
108,655
Owner occupied
293,383
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 108,655 27% -1.1%
Owner occupied 293,383 73% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Delaware housing costs

Housing costs in Delaware come to a median of $1,379 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,401.

Median housing costs per month
$1,379/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Delaware
$1,401/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Delaware

Delaware education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Delaware went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 19.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23,196 2.9% -0.8%
High school diploma 287,321 35.5% 0.7%
College diploma 166,457 20.6% 1.6%
Associate degree 64,412 8% 1.7%
Bachelor's degree 156,509 19.3% 2.5%
Graduate degree 111,624 13.8% 4.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Delaware

How much people earn in Delaware

The average annual household income in Delaware was $112,616 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,954, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Delaware
$112,616/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Delaware
$84,954/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Delaware income by age

In Delaware, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,507. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,881 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,973, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,198 in earnings. Overall, 89.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,973 11.6%
25 - 44 $92,507 4.3%
45 - 64 $100,881 3.0%
Over 65 $68,198 1.4%
Above poverty level
885,820
Below poverty level
102,393
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 885,820 89.6% 2.0%
Below poverty level 102,393 10.4% -1.4%

Employment in Delaware

Workforce and job types in Delaware

The job market in Delaware is powered by 487,985 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
487,985
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
388,970
Blue collar
99,015
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 388,970 79.7% 1.9%
Blue collar 99,015 20.3% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42,839 8.8% 1.6%
Private companies 320,559 65.7% 0.7%
Governmental workers 76,520 15.7% 2.2%
Not for profit companies 48,067 9.8% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Delaware stands at 5.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Delaware

How people get around in Delaware

In Delaware, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 382,957 79.5% -1.2%
Taxicab 1,205 0.2% 41.9%
Bus or trolleybus 7,151 1.5% 9.0%
Subway or elevated 257 0% N/A
Railroad 1,165 0.2% -10.9%
Ferryboat 138 0% 1,433.3%
Motorcycle 207 0% -13.8%
Bicycle 1,531 0.3% 14.6%
Walk 9,565 2% -1.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Delaware demographics 

What is the total population of Delaware?

Delaware has a total population of 1,021,191 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Delaware?

The gender ratio in Delaware is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (494,652 residents)
  • 51.6% females (526,539 residents)

What is the median age in Delaware?

The median age in Delaware is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Delaware?

The age distribution in Delaware is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (173,818 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (124,329 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (253,284 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (259,659 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (210,101 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Delaware?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Delaware is as follows:
  • White: 59.9% (611,821 residents)
  • Black or African American: 21.9% (223,830 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (4,012 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (43,748 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (358 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (90,177 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (47,245 residents)

What percentage of the population in Delaware are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.6% of the population in Delaware.

How many housing units are there in Delaware?

There are 464,203 housing units in Delaware, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Delaware and what is the average household size?

Delaware has a total of 402,038 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Delaware?

Delaware has a median household income of $84,954, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Delaware?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Delaware, with a workforce of 487,985 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (388,970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (99,015 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (42,839 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (320,559 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (76,520 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (48,067 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025