What to know when moving to Lewes, DE
TL;DR: Lewes at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 49.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 17% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $91,445, offering financial stability for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With a public transit usage of just 0.1%, you will need a car to get around.
- Top Tip:
- Median rent is $1,654, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lewes has a population of about 29,599, with a median household income of $91,445. The community is characterized by a low poverty rate of 6.5%, indicating economic stability. However, with only 17% of residents renting, homeownership is quite prevalent, which may affect availability for newcomers looking to rent. The area also sees about 106 rainy days a year, so prepare for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for an area with a high percentage of rental properties.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,654, indicating a moderate housing market.
- Median home value is $488,900, which suggests that homeownership could be a significant investment.
- 49.2% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, reflecting the area's educated demographic.
- Poverty rate stands at 6.5%, contributing to a stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Delaware, the annual rate of arson is 8.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 14.4% lower than the national rate of 9.7 per 100,000. Since 2022, the arson rate has decreased by 25.3%. However, property and violent crime data is currently unavailable due to errors in reporting.
- Arson: 8.3 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 9.7 per 100,000.
- Notable trend: Arson down 25.3% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Delaware).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lewes is home to one postsecondary institution.
- Margaret H Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Medical Center.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Sussex County experiences approximately 37.9 inches of precipitation annually, with 106 rainy days each year. The area has about 8 days of snowfall per year, so prepare for a mix of wet and snowy weather throughout the year.
- Cape Henlopen State Park - 4.8 stars (8,310 reviews)
- Savannah Beach - 4.7 stars (4,872 reviews)
- Delaware Seashore State Park - 4.6 stars (1,172 reviews)
- Lewes Public Beach - 4.6 stars (154 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Sussex County, the unemployment rate stands at 5.1%. The total labor force consists of 119,010 individuals, with 112,972 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.1% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 112,972.
- Labor force: 119,010.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.