Lewes, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lewes, Delaware had a total population of 3,505, the 30th largest city in Delaware, with a median household income of $96,393, which is 13% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- 67.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Delaware.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.6x the median household income.
Lewes Quick Facts
How Lewes Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,415 | 3,505 | +2.6% |
| Median household income | $92,375 | $96,393 | +4.3% |
| Median home value | $806,700 | $826,100 | +2.4% |
How Lewes Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 60 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lewes Rankings in Delaware
Explore Delaware Rankings
Other Cities in Sussex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford | 12,803 | $59,464 | 17.2% | $296,900 |
| Seaford | 8,485 | $54,016 | 18.8% | $224,300 |
| Georgetown | 7,660 | $49,719 | 16.8% | $281,400 |
| Millsboro | 7,424 | $78,707 | 8.3% | $332,600 |
| Laurel | 4,152 | $48,644 | 34.6% | $230,300 |
| Milton | 3,567 | $80,875 | 5.5% | $407,000 |
| Selbyville | 3,097 | $75,592 | 4.3% | $432,900 |
| Ocean View | 2,851 | $91,500 | 9.8% | $514,200 |
| Bridgeville | 2,745 | $64,879 | 13.4% | $400,900 |
| Millville | 2,430 | $99,776 | 5.8% | $494,500 |
Cities Similar to Lewes
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Acres | 3,752 | $102,356 | $306,400 | 37.3% | 6.2% |
| Milton | 3,567 | $80,875 | $407,000 | 40.7% | 5.5% |
| Harrington | 3,838 | $72,679 | $221,900 | 27.9% | 6.9% |
| Ocean View | 2,851 | $91,500 | $514,200 | 52.6% | 9.8% |
| Clayton | 4,222 | $107,307 | $361,300 | 32.1% | 5.3% |
Population Overview
Lewes is a small community located in Delaware, within Sussex County. The total population is 3,505. It ranks as the 30th most populous out of 79 Census-designated places in Delaware.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lewes is 67.2 years. This is 62% higher than the state median of 41.6 years. Only 6.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 24.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lewes is $96,393. This is 13% higher than the state median of $84,954. It is also 19% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.4%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 19% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $826,100. Housing costs are 135% higher than the state median of $352,000. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 87.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 73.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lewes has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.9% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (92.9% vs 58.1%). The Black or African American population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 21.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 11.1%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 4.3%.
Education
67.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Lewes in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 90% higher than the state rate of 35.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.2%. Notably, 41.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lewes, Delaware is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Delaware state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 79 Census-designated places in Delaware. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lewes, Delaware?
Lewes, Delaware has a population of 3,505 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lewes, DE?
The median household income in Lewes is $96,393, which is 19% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lewes, DE?
The poverty rate in Lewes is 7.9%. This means approximately 266 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lewes, Delaware?
Lewes's population is 92.9% White, 3.6% Black, 0.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lewes, DE?
The median home value in Lewes is $826,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x.
How educated is Lewes, Delaware?
67.8% of adults (25+) in Lewes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 41.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.