Delaware Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

52.97%

Median Annual Tax

$1,731

Median Home Value

$326,800

Delaware Property Tax Overview

This article summarizes property‑tax data for the state of Delaware using the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Key Statistics

Metric	Figure (2026)
Median home value	$326,800
Effective Delaware property tax rate	0.53 %
Median annual property tax	$1,731
National average effective property tax rate	0.97 %
Delaware’s rank	8th lowest out of 52 states and territories (based on effective rate)
Difference vs. national average	45.26 % lower

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

Property Tax in Delaware – Example Calculations

The effective tax rate of 0.53 % can be applied to a home’s assessed value to estimate the annual tax bill.

Home value	Approx. annual property tax*
$250,000	$1,324
$500,000	$2,649

*Rounded to the nearest dollar; calculated as 0.53 % × home value.

These examples illustrate the proportional nature of the tax: a doubling of the home price roughly doubles the tax amount.

Variation by County

Delaware’s three counties—New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—administer property taxes independently. While the statewide effective rate is 0.53 %, the actual levy can differ:

County	Typical range of effective rates (2023 ACS)
New Castle	0.55 % – 0.60 % (higher property values, higher levies)
Kent	0.45 % – 0.55 %
Sussex	0.40 % – 0.50 % (generally lower)

Exact rates depend on local millage, school district funding, and other municipal assessments. Property owners should consult the county assessor’s office for precise figures.

Comparison to the National Average

Effective rate: Delaware’s 0.53 % is 45.26 % below the national average of 0.97 %.
Tax burden: The median Delaware homeowner pays $1,731 per year, compared with the national median of roughly $3,000 (based on the same ACS methodology).

These differences are driven primarily by lower millage rates and a smaller reliance on property taxes for local government financing.

Considerations for Retirees and Landlords

Retirees

Lower tax burden: The below‑average effective rate can reduce housing costs for retirees on fixed incomes.
Exemptions & credits: Delaware offers a senior property tax credit for eligible homeowners (age 65+ with income thresholds). Eligibility and credit amounts are administered at the county level.

Landlords

Operating costs: A lower effective property tax rate can lower the ongoing expense of rental properties relative to many other states.
Rental market: Tax rates are only one factor; landlords should also assess vacancy rates, rental demand, and local regulations, which vary by county.

All statements above are factual observations; they do not constitute a recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average Delaware property tax rate?
Based on the most recent ACS estimates (2026), the effective Delaware property tax rate is 0.53 % of assessed value.

2. How does Delaware’s property tax compare with the national average?
Delaware’s effective rate of 0.53 % is 45.26 % lower than the national average effective rate of 0.97 %.

3. Do property tax rates differ by county in Delaware?
Yes. New Castle County generally has the highest effective rates (around 0.55 %–0.60 %), while Kent and Sussex counties tend to be lower, often ranging from 0.40 % to 0.55 %.

References

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates, 2023. Property values and tax data retrieved from the ACS tables on housing characteristics and tax burden.

All monetary figures are presented in U.S. dollars and are rounded for clarity.

Neighboring States

Maryland

New Jersey

Pennsylvania