Lewes, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,505
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,393/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,041
-0.6% year-over-year change

Lewes population

How many people live in Lewes

Lewes is home to 3,505 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Lewes locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
3,505
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
1,731
Female
50.6%
1,774
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,731 49.4% 6.8%
Female 1,774 50.6% -1.1%
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 Lewes is 67, with the population distributed as follows: about 5% are children under 15, then 4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.5% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 59.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
67.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
5%
15 to 24
4%
25 to 44
9.5%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
59.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 176 5% -16.2%
15 to 24 140 4% 79.5%
25 to 44 333 9.5% -2.4%
45 to 64 778 22.2% 1.2%
Over 65 2,078 59.3% 3.0%
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 Lewes, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 92.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,439 98.1% 3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 66 1.9% -2.9%
Racial breakdown
White
92.9%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 3,256 92.9%
Black or African American 125 3.6%
Asian 19 0.5%
Two or more races 92 2.6%
Other 13 0.4%

Households in Lewes

A peek inside Lewes households

Lewes has 1,747 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.5% are families, while the remaining 34.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,747
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
603
Family households
1,144
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 603 34.5% 5.2%
Family households 1,144 65.5% 4.0%
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 Lewes

The housing landscape of Lewes

Lewes's housing consists of 3,041 units, with 64.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.6% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,041
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,971 64.8%
1 unit, attached 169 5.6%
2 units 80 2.6%
3 or 4 units 121 4%
5 to 9 units 410 13.5%
10 to 19 units 173 5.7%
20 to 49 units 88 2.9%
Mobile home 29 1%
Homes built since 2020
231
5.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lewes

In Lewes, the median construction year is 1991. About 19.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 605 19.9% 13.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 34 1.1% 30.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 59 1.9% -59.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 112 3.7% 31.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 265 8.7% 6.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 427 14% 2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 356 11.7% 5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 553 18.2% -11.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 399 13.1% -7.0%
Built in 2020 or later 231 7.6% 5.0%
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.

Lewes occupancy rates

Out of the 1,747 occupied housing units in Lewes, 87.1% are owner-occupied, while 12.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 42.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,747
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
225
Owner occupied
1,522
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 225 12.9% 0.9%
Owner occupied 1,522 87.1% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
42.6%
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.

Lewes housing costs

Housing costs in Lewes come to a median of $1,249 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $381.

Median housing costs per month
$1,249/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 Lewes
$381/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 Lewes

Lewes education at a glance

About 15.4% of the population in Lewes went to high school, while 11.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 25.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 1.3% -25.9%
High school diploma 504 15.4% 3.1%
College diploma 386 11.8% 10.9%
Associate degree 186 5.7% -24.7%
Bachelor's degree 834 25.4% 17.5%
Graduate degree 1,328 40.5% -0.1%
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 Lewes

How much people earn in Lewes

The average annual household income in Lewes was $163,365 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $96,393, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lewes
$163,365/year
15.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lewes
$96,393/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Lewes income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,600 overall. Overall, 92.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $130,600 2.2%
Over 65 $89,617 4.8%
Above poverty level
3,087
Below poverty level
266
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,087 92.1% 0.9%
Below poverty level 266 7.9% 42.2%

Employment in Lewes

Workforce and job types in Lewes

The job market in Lewes is powered by 1,091 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.5% run their own businesses, 49.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,091
-12.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,022
Blue collar
69
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,022 93.7% -14.3%
Blue collar 69 6.3% 13.1%
Employer type
Self employees
25.5%
Private companies
49.6%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 278 25.5% -12.8%
Private companies 541 49.6% -10.6%
Governmental workers 151 13.8% -31.4%
Not for profit companies 121 11.1% 11.0%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-7.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lewes stands at 4.1%, 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 Lewes

How people get around in Lewes

Commuting methods vary: 53.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% 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 582 53.5% -26.4%
Bicycle 19 1.8% N/A
Walk 49 4.5% -15.5%
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 Lewes by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19958 31,938 15,233 $97,197 $135,108

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lewes demographics 

What is the total population of Lewes?

Lewes has a total population of 3,505 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lewes?

The gender ratio in Lewes is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (1,731 residents)
  • 50.6% females (1,774 residents)

What is the median age in Lewes?

The median age in Lewes is 67.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lewes?

The age distribution in Lewes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5% (176 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4% (140 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.5% (333 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (778 residents)
  • Over 65: 59.3% (2,078 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lewes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lewes is as follows:
  • White: 92.9% (3,256 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (125 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (19 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (92 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (13 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Lewes.

How many housing units are there in Lewes?

There are 3,041 housing units in Lewes, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lewes has a total of 1,747 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lewes?

Lewes has a median household income of $96,393, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.9% in Lewes, with a workforce of 1,091 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.7% (1,022 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.3% (69 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.5% (278 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.6% (541 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (151 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (121 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