Moving to Delaware statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Delaware?

Approximately 39,006 people moved to Delaware in 2023, while 29,121 moved out. This represents a net gain of 9,885 residents. The state averaged 35 movers per day between 2022 and 2023 driven largely by domestic migrants.

In part due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, many people are drawn to the First State. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Delaware ranked as the 17th most desired state for relocation.

Top 3 cities that people moved to in Delaware

Delaware ranks as the 12th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, primarily due to its strong health care and education combined with affordable housing for the region. Compared to its neighbors on the Atlantic coast — including Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania — Delaware was the only state to gain domestic migrants.

Of those moving to the First State, the majority are choosing from a few major cities and towns in the North. Middletown — a Wilmington exurb — attracted the most new residents, adding 1,826 (7.9% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Wilmington itself added 783 new residents.

The top three locations in Delaware people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Delaware?

Domestic migrants are attracted to Delaware for a variety of reasons, including tax benefits, employment opportunities and general affordability compared to other states in the region. For example, the First State has no sales tax and the 10th lowest property tax rate in the nation.

Job availability in both Delaware and other nearby major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia also attracts movers. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and government. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 51% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is mining, logging, and construction, growing by 3.3% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Delaware housing statistics

With a median rent price of approximately $1,789 and a median home sale price of $387,700, Delaware renters and homeowners can expect to pay slightly less than the national median for housing.

The First State also offers the 10th lowest property taxes in the country at 0.61%. The tax rate here is half that of 16 states, including Maine (1.24%). Despite its small size, property taxes paid in Delaware still vary by county. In 2021, the average property owner in New Castle County paid $2,196 in annual property taxes, while residents in Sussex County paid as little as $1,027 the same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Delaware

Delaware’s cost-of-living index is 102.6, making it the 20th most expensive state in the nation. Typical gas prices in the state are also slightly higher ($3.46) than the national average of $3.26 per gallon. Compared to nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Delaware lacks oil and gas production. However, the lack of CO2 emissions ranks it as the 18th most green state in the country.

In line with the cost of living, Delaware’s median household income of $76,844 is just slightly higher than the national median of $75,358. The unemployment rate of 4% is also just under the national average of 4.2%.

Overall, Delaware offers a slightly higher-than-average cost of living and median household income, creating a balanced financial environment for would-be movers.

Who lives in Delaware?

An estimated 1,031,890 people live in Delaware as of 2023, making it the 45th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 12,431 people compared to 2022.

Delaware’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 51.6% of the population and men accounting for 48.4%. In 2023, around 532,742 Delaware residents were female, and 499,148 were male.

On average, Delaware’s population is also older (41.9 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 to 64 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 25.1% of the population, or 259,182 people. Those between 25 to 44 follow closely behind, at 24.6%.

Delaware is one of the more diverse states, with White residents approximating 67.6% of the population (697,094 people) — a proportion smaller than many other states. The First State also has a large Black and Hispanic population, accounting for 24.1% and 11.1% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Delaware

Not sure how to start your move to Delaware? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

While Delaware is generally more affordable than its neighbors, including Maryland and New Jersey, costs are still slightly above the national average. Costs can also vary greatly between more expensive cities like Wilmington and the more affordable rural areas in the southern portion of the state. Before relocating, we recommend using Delaware.gov to research the cost of housing, utilities and taxes in your desired area.

2. Explore the job market

With opportunities in health care, education and government, as well as access to major cities like Philadelphia, Delaware is a great destination for job seekers. The First State is known to be business-friendly, harboring over 2 million business entities. This includes major players like Alphabet Inc. (Google), AT&T and Walmart. Not sure where to start your search? Resources like the Delaware Department of Labor can help you explore roles in your field.

3. Prepare for natural hazards

Delaware offers mild winters and warm summers, but coastal and low-lying areas can be especially prone to flooding from hurricanes and nor’easters. Avoid homes in flood zones, or ensure that you’re prepared to deal with severe weather events. You can utilize resources like the Delaware Emergency Management Agency website for information about upcoming storms and preparation tips.

4. Review transportation options

Delaware’s small size and flat terrain make it easy to navigate, whether by personal vehicle or public transportation. DART buses offer services for towns and cities statewide, while major cities like Wilmington offer additional public transportation options. Research the transportation available in your desired area through the Delaware Department of Transportation website.

5. Enjoy Delaware’s coastal charm and history

Known as the First State, Delaware is a historical gem with a stunning coastline. Despite its small size, the entire state exists within a coastal climate zone, allowing for easy beach days. Spend weekends exploring Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach or historic New Castle. Plus, tax-free shopping makes festivals and malls as affordable as they are fun. Check out the Delaware Tourism Office website for tips on making the most of your new home.

6. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Delaware, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.