Property Tax in Delaware by County
The typical Delaware homeowner pays $1,731 per year in property taxes, with a median home value of $326,800 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023). This page lists the same figures for each of the state's 3 counties with published Census data. That state median is about 42% lower than the US median of $2,969.
At the top of the Delaware table sits New Castle County, DE (median $2,444); at the bottom, Sussex County, DE (median $1,171). One state, one tax system on paper — but the bills are set locally, county by county and district by district.
How do the counties compare with the nation? 0 of the 3 counties listed here sit above the US median bill of $2,969. Take the county medians themselves and the middle one is $1,331; the full range runs from $1,171 (Sussex County) up to $2,444 (New Castle County).
Population and land tell different stories in Delaware: New Castle County leads on population (573,030), whereas Sussex County leads on land area (936 square miles). Find both in the county table to see how their tax bills compare.
Where people live in Delaware: New Castle County leads with 573,030 residents (median tax $2,444, median home $329,800), followed by Sussex County (247,799; $1,171 on $353,300) and Kent County (185,043; $1,331 on $290,600).
Delaware counties: median property tax
| County | Median tax paid | Median home value | Derived rate* | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County, DE | $2,444 | $329,800 | 0.74% | 573,030 |
| Kent County, DE | $1,331 | $290,600 | 0.46% | 185,043 |
| Sussex County, DE | $1,171 | $353,300 | 0.33% | 247,799 |
*Derived rate = median taxes paid ÷ median home value — an estimate from two survey medians, not an official rate. Counties in bold detail pages are linked; all figures: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023.
How assessment and appeals work in Delaware
Nobody in Delaware pays a single statewide property tax. Instead, each property is assessed where it sits — usually by a county assessor — and taxed by the stack of local districts that cover it: the county, often a town or city, a school district, and sometimes fire, water or other special districts. Exemptions, above all a homestead exemption where offered, come off the assessed value before those rates are applied.
Disagree with the value on your assessment notice? The appeal route runs through the local office named on that notice. Ask for your property record card first and audit it for errors in area, rooms or condition; then support your case with recent comparable sales or a professional appraisal. Deadlines are printed on the notice and are strict, commonly only a month or two after assessments are mailed.
Keep in mind that the state-level medians shown here blend very different local markets inside Delaware. They are a benchmark for comparison, never a prediction of an individual bill — for that, only your own assessment, exemptions and district rates count.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median property tax in Delaware?
The median real estate tax paid in Delaware is $1,731 per year, on a median home value of $326,800 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023).
Which Delaware county has the highest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, New Castle County has the highest median real estate taxes paid at $2,444 per year.
Which Delaware county has the lowest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Sussex County has the lowest median real estate taxes paid at $1,171 per year.
How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Delaware?
Assessments in Delaware are handled locally, usually by the county assessor or an equivalent local office. If you believe your assessed value is too high, request your property record card, check it for errors, and file an appeal with the local board named on your assessment notice before the deadline printed on that notice — appeal windows are short, often 30 to 90 days.