RANK #439 / 996 · POP 570,567 · DE
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
The historic town of New Castle, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, offers a glimpse into Delaware's past, having served as the colonial capital. Located in northern Delaware, New Castle County sits about an hour's drive from both Philadelphia and Baltimore, making it a commuter-friendly area. The county features a varied landscape, from the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley in the north to active farms and marshland in the south. This blend of historical charm and natural scenery contributes to a community feel that balances suburban tranquility with access to urban amenities.
Life in New Castle County attracts a mix of families, professionals, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to larger cities. The public schools in New Castle County are highly rated, with options including the Appoquinimink School District and Newark Charter School. Commute options include direct access to I-95, Amtrak service, and local DART bus routes. The economy is diverse, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and established industries such as life sciences and financial services. Recent economic developments include new housing and retail projects, particularly in Wilmington and Middletown, and significant investment in data centers.
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Washington Data Center Campus
Starwood Digital Ventures LLC
|
$9,700M | Proposed |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (ILG1)
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Fulex 3PL New Castle Fulfillment Center
Fulex 3PL
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Southern New Castle County Master Plan (Infrastructure & Development)
New Castle County, WILMAPCO, DelDOT
|
$50M | Planned |
|
UPS High-Speed Package Sortation Center
UPS
|
$40M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
New Castle County has a Boom Town Index score of 56/100, ranking #439 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $85,309, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in New Castle County is $312,000 with median rent at $1,327/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2734, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +3.1% in the past 12 months.