Skip to content
Submit

Sussex County

DE · Pop. 247,799 · Mixed County

41/100Homestead Score

Sussex County, Delaware covers 936 square miles with a population of 247,799 and a density of 264.7 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, wheat. The median home price is $353,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.33%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F and average winter lows of 28.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Beebe Medical Center is 12.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.33%
Growing Season: 202 days
Broadband: 98.2%
Density: 264.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 202-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.33% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • A low poverty rate of 11.5% signals a relatively stable local economy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • A median home price of $353,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.

At a glance

Sussex County, DE is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
41/100
Median home price
$353k
Property tax
0.33%
Growing season
202 days (zone 7b)
Annual rainfall
43.8"
Broadband
98.2%
Nearest hospital
Beebe Medical Center, 12.5 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.33%
Median Household Income$78,162
Poverty Rate11.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$353K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7b
Growing Season202 days
Annual Rainfall43.8 inches
Avg Summer High84.5°F
Avg Winter Low28.4°F
Top CropsCorn, Soybeans, Wheat

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire9/10
Tornado7/10
Flood10/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalBeebe Medical Center (12.5 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities4

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.2%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.7%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Sussex County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Sussex County?
Sussex County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F, and average winter lows of 28.4°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, wheat.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $353,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.33%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Beebe Medical Center is 12.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 4 hospitals in the county.

Explore Delaware Resources

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

LandWatch

Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.

Browse Land Listings

Lands of America

The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.

Search Rural Properties

AcreTrader

Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.

Explore Farmland Investments

More counties in Delaware

All Delaware counties

Nearby counties

The closest counties to Sussex County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.