Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Sussex County's 0.32% effective property tax rate ranks 86th lowest among the 3,134 US counties tracked, placing it in the bottom 5% lowest nationally. Within Delaware's 3 counties, it's the 1st lowest. On the county's median home value of $382,600, the typical homeowner pays $1,222 annually in property tax, $407 less than the national median of $1,629. At closing, Delaware's 4.00% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $15,304 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller. About 11.4% of the county lies within a FEMA flood hazard zone, worth checking msc.fema.gov for any specific address before buying.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Sussex County.
Moderate flood risk. Some neighborhoods require flood insurance. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Sussex County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Homeowners 65+ receive a 50% credit against school property tax on their primary residence, capped at $500 (raised to $1,000 for tax years beginning Jan 1, 2026). 10-year Delaware residency required.
View official source →100% credit against non-vocational school district property taxes on a primary residence for veterans with a 100% VA service-connected disability rating. Cannot be combined with the senior credit.
View official source →First-time Delaware home buyers receive a 0.5% reduction in the buyer's share of the state realty transfer tax on the first $400,000 of purchase price.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Sussex County.
The effective property tax rate in Sussex County is 0.32%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($1,222) divided by the median home value ($382,600), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Delaware's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 4.00% of the purchase price. On the median Sussex County home value of $382,600, this adds roughly $15,304 at closing. Total combined rate 4% (state 2.5% + local 1.5%) in New Castle County, split 50/50 between buyer and seller by custom. Kent County total 3%, Sussex County total 3.5%. First-time DE buyers receive reduction on the buyer half.
Only in parts. About 11.4% of Sussex County's land area is within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Most homes are outside these zones, but worth verifying the specific address at msc.fema.gov.
Closing costs for a buyer in Sussex County typically run $7,652–$19,130 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $1,222/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $382,600 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.32% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 2.00%, seller 2.00%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Sussex County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Delaware property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
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