Statewide · Property tax · ACS 2024

Delaware Property Taxes

The average Delaware homeowner pays $1,768 a year at an effective rate of 0.50%, 11% below the U.S. average. Compare 3 counties below.

Compiled byPlainPropertyTax Editorial, Property Tax Editorial Team · June 9, 2026

$1,768
Avg median tax: 0.50%
Effective rate: #43 of 51
U.S. rank (burden): 3
Counties

The verdict

The average Delaware homeowner pays $1,768 a year in property tax, an effective rate of 0.50%, the #43 highest burden of 51 U.S. states.

$1,768
Average median tax, 2024: 0.50%
Statewide effective rate: #43 of 51
U.S. states by tax burden: 3
counties measured

Effective rate is the median property tax bill divided by the median home value ($352,000). U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2024.

The average median property tax in Delaware is $1,768/year, which is 11% below the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 0.50% on a median home value of $352,000. Taxes range from $1,222 in Sussex County to $2,499 in New Castle County.

What This Data Tells Us About Delaware

The statewide average property tax in Delaware is $1,768 per year, 11% below the national average of $1,993, based on Census ACS state-level estimates. The statewide effective rate of 0.50% on a median home value of $352,000 reflects how Delaware's assessment rules and local millage combine at the household level; the 3 counties below show how that varies locally.

Within Delaware, median annual tax ranges from $1,222 in Sussex County (effective rate 0.32%) to $2,499 in New Castle County (effective rate 0.71%). Median home values in Delaware ($352,000) compared with $227,791 nationally help explain why the same effective rate produces different dollar bills in different states. Within-state variation often tracks local school levies, county bonds, and municipal overlays rather than a single statewide rate.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures describe median homeowner households reported to the Census Bureau, individual bills can differ based on assessed value, exemptions, special districts, and local overlays. Always confirm current rates with your county assessor or a qualified professional before making decisions that rely on these numbers.

State Average vs National Average

Median Annual Tax

$1,768

-11% vs US avg

Median Home Value

$352,000

+55% vs US avg

Effective Tax Rate

0.50%

-46% vs US avg

How Delaware compares

Average effective property tax rate vs the national average, ACS 2024.

Delaware 0.50%

U.S. average 0.92%

Delaware has a higher effective property tax rate than 16% of U.S. states, ranking #43 of 51 for property tax burden.

Top 5 Lowest Tax Counties

Top 5 Highest Tax Counties

Tax Affordability Score

9.7

Very Affordable

Based on the average effective tax rate of 0.50% compared to the national average of 0.92%. Delaware has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.

Very Expensive Very Affordable

How this score is calculated: a 1-10 scale derived mechanically from the ratio of this state's average effective rate to the national average effective rate (0.92%) - a ratio at or below 0.5× scores 10, a ratio at or above 2.0× scores 1, with a linear scale between. It is a factual comparison of Census figures only, not a recommendation, quality rating, or endorsement of Delaware or any other state.

All Counties in Delaware (3)

County (by tax bill)	Median tax	Eff. rate	Home value
New Castle County	$2,499	0.71%	$352,200
Kent County	$1,363	0.43%	$316,600
Sussex County	$1,222	0.32%	$382,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax in Delaware? ▼

The average median property tax paid in Delaware is $1,768 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 0.50%.

How does Delaware compare to the national average? ▼

Delaware property taxes are 11% below the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,768 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.

Which county in Delaware has the lowest property taxes? ▼

Sussex County has the lowest median property tax in Delaware at $1,222 per year with an effective rate of 0.32%. The highest is New Castle County at $2,499.

How are property taxes calculated? ▼

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate (mill rate). Rates vary by county, city, and school district. The effective tax rate shown here is the median tax paid divided by the median home value, which provides a standardized comparison across counties.

What is the median home value in Delaware? ▼

The median home value across Delaware is $352,000, compared to $227,791 nationally. Home values directly impact property tax bills since taxes are assessed as a percentage of property value.

Can I appeal my property taxes in Delaware? ▼

Yes. Every Delaware homeowner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The process typically starts at your county assessor's office within 30-90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can challenge the assessed value by providing comparable sales data, evidence of property condition, or errors in the assessment. See our guide on how to appeal property taxes for detailed steps.

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PlainPropertyTax is rendered directly from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on the Census ACS state-level record for Delaware. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2026-06-09.