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Ocean View, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026

Oldest CityAmong the oldest communities in Delaware with a median age of 66.1 years

During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ocean View, Delaware had a total population of 2,851, the 33rd largest town in Delaware, with a median household income of $91,500, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.8%.

Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes

Ocean View Quick Facts

Population 2,851
Median Household Income $91,500
Median Home Value $514,200
Poverty Rate 9.8%
Unemployment Rate 2.6%
Median Age 66.1 years
Homeownership Rate 93.0%
Affordability Ratio 5.6x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 52.6%
High School Graduation Rate 99.3%
Diversity Index 24/100
Population 2,851 33rd of 79
Median Income $91,500 above average
Poverty Rate 9.8% 21% lower than national
Median Home Value $514,200 top 20%

How Ocean View Changed

Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.

Metric2019–20232020–2024Change
Population2,7602,851+3.3%
Median household income$88,021$91,500+4.0%
Median home value$483,600$514,200+6.3%

How Ocean View Compares

Economy & Housing

Household Income Distribution

Under $25K 17.2%
$25K-$50K 11.4%
$50K-$100K 29.3%
$100K+ 42.1%
Detailed income brackets
Under $10K
8.9%
$10K-$15K
1.8%
$15K-$20K
4.4%
$20K-$25K
2.2%
$25K-$30K
1.6%
$30K-$35K
1.9%
$35K-$40K
3.2%
$40K-$45K
2.8%
$45K-$50K
2.0%
$50K-$60K
2.2%
$60K-$75K
5.4%
$75K-$100K
21.7%
$100K-$125K
12.1%
$125K-$150K
6.7%
$150K-$200K
6.6%
$200K+
16.7%

Employment

2.6% Unemployment Rate State: 5.1%|National: 5.2%
33.6% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 93.0%
Renter 7.0%
Affordability Index Expensive
5.6x home value to income ratio
Median gross rent $1,774/mo 23.3% of median household income annually

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

24out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 60 | National average: 61

Education

Ocean View Rankings in Delaware

#33 Population of 79
#31 Median Income of 77
#15 Education of 79
#12 Home Value of 78

Other Cities in Sussex County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome 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
Lewes 3,505 $96,393 7.9% $826,100
Selbyville 3,097 $75,592 4.3% $432,900
Bridgeville 2,745 $64,879 13.4% $400,900
Millville 2,430 $99,776 5.8% $494,500

Cities Similar to Ocean View

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Dover Base Housing2,962$82,161N/A48.2%2.2%
Riverview2,596$93,162$319,90021.9%8.2%
Kent Acres2,388$91,524$241,60028.2%14.2%
Selbyville3,097$75,592$432,90024.8%4.3%
Millville2,430$99,776$494,50043.5%5.8%

Population Overview

Ocean View is a small community located in Delaware, within Sussex County. The total population is 2,851. It ranks as the 33rd most populous out of 79 Census-designated places in Delaware.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ocean View is 66.1 years. This is 59% higher than the state median of 41.6 years. Only 7.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 31.6% 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 Ocean View is $91,500. This is 8% higher than the state median of $84,954. It is also 13% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.4%. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $514,200. Housing costs are 46% higher than the state median of $352,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x. 93.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% higher than the state average of 73.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ocean View has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (87.2% vs 58.1%). The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 21.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.5%) is well below the state average of 11.1%.

Education

52.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 99.3%. Notably, 20.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Ocean View, 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 Ocean View, Delaware?

Ocean View, Delaware has a population of 2,851 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Ocean View, DE?

The median household income in Ocean View is $91,500, which is 13% higher than the national median of $80,734.

What is the poverty rate in Ocean View, DE?

The poverty rate in Ocean View is 9.8%. This means approximately 280 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Ocean View, Delaware?

Ocean View's population is 87.2% White, 2.1% Black, 4.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.9% Asian.

What is the median home value in Ocean View, DE?

The median home value in Ocean View is $514,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x.

How educated is Ocean View, Delaware?

52.6% of adults (25+) in Ocean View hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.