RANK #811 / 996 NAT · POP 570,567
1YR FORECAST: +0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
The data is not encouraging — New Castle County scores just 18/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #811 of 996 counties. Job growth at +1.2% and median household income of $85,309 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in New Castle County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $312,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,327/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in New Castle County are hiring — job growth of +1.2% — but the population is close to flat (+0.5% YoY). Home values moved +3.1% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
Not particularly — 0.75% of New Castle County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.