Dewey Beach, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
351
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,625/yr
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,407
-2.8% year-over-year change

Dewey Beach population

How many people live in Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is home to 351 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Dewey Beach locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
351
7.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
169
Female
51.8%
182
Value Percent YoY change
Male 169 48.2% 1.2%
Female 182 51.8% 13.0%
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 Dewey Beach is 63, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.6% are children under 15, then 5.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12% of the population, while another 37.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 39.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
63.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.6%
15 to 24
5.7%
25 to 44
12%
45 to 64
37.9%
Over 65
39.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16 4.6% 77.8%
15 to 24 20 5.7% 11.1%
25 to 44 42 12% 2.4%
45 to 64 133 37.9% 1.5%
Over 65 140 39.9% 8.5%
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 Dewey Beach, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 0.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 338 96.3% 6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 3.1% 10.0%
Non-citizens 2 0.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
97.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.8%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 343 97.7%
Asian 2 0.6%
Two or more races 3 0.8%
Other 3 0.8%

Households in Dewey Beach

A peek inside Dewey Beach households

Dewey Beach has 188 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
188
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
70
Family households
118
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 70 37.2% 0.0%
Family households 118 62.8% 8.3%
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 Dewey Beach

The housing landscape of Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach's housing consists of 1,407 units, with 41.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,407
-2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 579 41.2%
1 unit, attached 70 5%
2 units 142 10.1%
3 or 4 units 164 11.7%
5 to 9 units 189 13.4%
10 to 19 units 113 8%
20 to 49 units 61 4.3%
50 or more units 73 5.2%
Mobile home 16 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dewey Beach

In Dewey Beach, the median construction year is 1985. About 2.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 41 2.9% 20.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 2.5% 9.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 98 7% -20.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 257 18.3% -7.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 123 8.7% 21.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 292 20.8% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 195 13.9% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 241 17.1% 12.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 125 8.9% -17.2%
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.

Dewey Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 188 occupied housing units in Dewey Beach, 87.8% are owner-occupied, while 12.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 86.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
188
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23
Owner occupied
165
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23 12.2% 21.1%
Owner occupied 165 87.8% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
86.6%
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.

Dewey Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Dewey Beach come to a median of $1,813 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,536.

Median housing costs per month
$1,813/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 Dewey Beach
$2,536/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 Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach education at a glance

About 9.7% of the population in Dewey Beach went to high school, while 11.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 26.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 41.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1 0.3% 0.0%
High school diploma 32 9.7% -3.0%
College diploma 39 11.8% 11.4%
Associate degree 32 9.7% 60.0%
Bachelor's degree 88 26.8% -4.3%
Graduate degree 137 41.6% 3.0%
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 Dewey Beach

How much people earn in Dewey Beach

The average annual household income in Dewey Beach was $178,219 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $105,625, reflecting a -2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dewey Beach
$178,219/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dewey Beach
$105,625/year
-2.1% year-over-year change

Dewey Beach income by age

In Dewey Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $133,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,875 overall. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $133,750 N/A
45 - 64 $87,875 1.5%
Over 65 $119,844 4.5%
Above poverty level
321
Below poverty level
30
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 321 91.4% 5.6%
Below poverty level 30 8.6% 25.0%

Average renter income in Dewey Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dewey Beach, their median household income was $60,536 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 50.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,536
Rent-to-income ratio
50.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Dewey Beach

Workforce and job types in Dewey Beach

The job market in Dewey Beach is powered by 145 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20% run their own businesses, 56.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
145
6.6% year-over-year change
White collar
139
Blue collar
6
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 139 95.9% 6.9%
Blue collar 6 4.1% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
20%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 29 20% 107.1%
Private companies 82 56.6% 5.1%
Governmental workers 23 15.9% -25.8%
Not for profit companies 11 7.6% -15.4%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dewey Beach stands at 2.7%, 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 Dewey Beach

How people get around in Dewey Beach

Commuting methods vary: 57.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 82 57.3% 5.1%
Walk 10 7% 42.9%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Dewey Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19971 14,886 7,587 $102,146 $152,393

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FAQs about Dewey Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Dewey Beach?

Dewey Beach has a total population of 351 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 +7.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dewey Beach?

The gender ratio in Dewey Beach is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (169 residents)
  • 51.8% females (182 residents)

What is the median age in Dewey Beach?

The median age in Dewey Beach is 63.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dewey Beach?

The age distribution in Dewey Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.6% (16 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.7% (20 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12% (42 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 37.9% (133 residents)
  • Over 65: 39.9% (140 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dewey Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dewey Beach is as follows:
  • White: 97.7% (343 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.8% (3 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Dewey Beach.

How many housing units are there in Dewey Beach?

There are 1,407 housing units in Dewey Beach, reflecting a -2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dewey Beach has a total of 188 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dewey Beach?

Dewey Beach has a median household income of $105,625, representing a -2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dewey Beach?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Dewey Beach, with a workforce of 145 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.9% (139 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.1% (6 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20% (29 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (82 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (23 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (11 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