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Lewes, Delaware

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

65
Overall Score

Lewes, Delaware, known as 'The First Town in the First State,' is a historic coastal city originally settled by the Dutch in 1631. Located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city offers a charming blend of colonial maritime history, a picturesque downtown with brick-paved sidewalks, and coastal relaxation. People are drawn to Lewes for its small-town charm, proximity to pristine beaches like Cape Henlopen State Park, and a relaxed pace of life that appeals strongly to retirees and remote professionals alike.

About Delaware

Delaware, known as "The First State," offers a diverse character ranging from bustling urban centers like Wilmington to serene beaches and farmlands. Its economy is robust, heavily influenced by the finance and insurance sector, which contributes significantly to the state's GDP, alongside major industries such as chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Living in Delaware generally presents a moderate cost of living, often near the national average, with the advantage of no sales tax and relatively low property taxes. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with precipitation distributed throughout the year. Residents can enjoy a lifestyle that blends small-town charm with access to major East Coast cities and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

3,312
Population
$68K
Avg Salary
118
Cost Index
64.8
Quality Score
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 85 / 100 85.0 30% 25.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 118.0 21.3 25% 5.3
Economy & jobs Median household income: $95,000 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% 87.7 20% 17.5
Growth Population growth rate: 1.5% Job growth rate: 2.2% 63.3 15% 9.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 64.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 15 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Lewes

Featured local businesses in Lewes.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
82
Affordability
75
Growth
74

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lewes is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by coastal real estate demand, tourism, and Delaware's favorable tax structure. Housing costs, property taxes, and home insurance are significant contributors to the overall expense, making it one of the more expensive municipalities in Sussex County. While everyday goods and groceries align reasonably well with regional averages, housing appreciation remains high due to limited coastal land availability and strong demand from out-of-state buyers.

Average Rent
$1,950/mo
Groceries
$460/mo
Transport
$130/mo
Utilities
$190/mo
Healthcare
$240/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$55.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Lewes's local economy is heavily anchored by healthcare, tourism, retail trade, and professional services. Major employers include the Beebe Healthcare system, which serves as a massive economic and employment engine for the entire region. Seasonal tourism also creates robust hospitality and retail activity during the warmer months, though the city has increasingly attracted remote workers and retirees who support a steady year-round local service economy.

The average salary in Lewes is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.50% Healthcare +2.80% Tourism and Hospitality +2.00% Professional Services +2.40% Construction and Real Estate +3.00%

Climate

🌡️
57°F
Avg Temp
☀️
81°F
Summer High
❄️
30°F
Winter Low
🌧️
49.40"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
248
Sunny Days

Transport

Lewes is primarily a car-dependent community, though its historic downtown area is exceptionally walkable and bike-friendly. The Lewes-Cape May Ferry provides unique water transportation to New Jersey, and local DART First State bus routes offer regional connectivity. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands outside the immediate historic core.

24 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
68.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Pristine coastal access and outdoor recreation at Cape Henlopen State Park
Exceptionally low crime rates and high neighborhood safety profile
Favorable Delaware tax climate with no state sales tax
Charming historic downtown with vibrant local dining and boutique shopping
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Beebe Healthcare
Drawbacks
High cost of living and expensive coastal housing market compared to national averages
Significant seasonal traffic congestion during peak summer tourism months
Limited rental housing inventory for year-round residents
High vulnerability to coastal storms and sea-level rise considerations
High reliance on automobiles outside of the immediate historic downtown core

Questions about Lewes

What people ask about living in and moving to Lewes, Delaware.

How does the cost of living in Lewes compare to nearby cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Lewes generally has a cost of living that is close to the national average, but it can be higher than inland parts of Delaware because of its coastal location. Housing tends to be the biggest driver of expense, especially if you are looking near the waterfront. Groceries, utilities, and health care are comparable to other small towns in the state. Transportation costs may be slightly lower if you can walk or bike loc...

What are the typical home prices and rental rates in Lewes? Housing 1 answer

In Lewis, median home prices for a three‑bedroom detached house usually sit near the upper end of the state’s range, reflecting its desirability as a coastal community. Rental rates for a three‑bedroom apartment or townhouse are also above the Delaware average, especially in neighborhoods close to the historic downtown or the water. Prices can vary widely depending on proximity to the beach, age of the property, and...

What public transportation options are available in Lewes? Getting Around 1 answer

Lewes is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes connecting the town to nearby cities, the airport, and the coastal ferry terminals. Service frequency is higher during the summer tourist season and lower on weekends in winter. There are also shared‑ride and paratransit options for seniors and people with disabilities. For short trips within town, many residents use bicycles or walk, as the his...

What utilities and services do I need to set up when moving to Lewes? Moving Here 1 answer

When relocating to Lewis, you’ll need to arrange electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage services through the county’s utility providers. Internet and cable are offered by several regional carriers; you can compare plans on their websites. Trash collection and recycling are handled by the municipal public works department, which provides schedules and guidelines online. If you have a vehicle, you’ll need to regis...

How are the public schools rated in Lewes? Schools & Education 1 answer

Lewes is served by the county’s public school district, which operates several elementary and middle schools that receive ratings close to the state average. Test scores and graduation rates are generally solid, with a focus on small class sizes and community involvement. The district also offers extracurricular programs and special education services. For the most up‑to‑date performance data, consult the state depar...

Where can I find primary care and emergency services near Lewes? Healthcare 1 answer

Lewes has a community health center that provides primary‑care services, including family medicine, pediatrics, and preventive care. For urgent or emergency care, the nearest full‑service hospital is located a short drive away in the adjacent county seat, offering an emergency department, imaging, and specialist referrals. Walk‑in clinics and urgent‑care centers also operate in the area, especially during peak touris...

What outdoor activities are popular in Lewes year‑round? Things to Do 1 answer

Lewes offers a blend of natural and historic attractions. Year‑round, residents enjoy walking and biking along paved trails that wind through wetlands and along the coastline. The nearby state parks provide opportunities for kayaking, paddle‑boarding, and bird‑watching, with launch sites accessible from public parking areas. In the warmer months, beaches attract swimmers and sunbathers, while the historic downtown fe...

How does the climate in Lewes affect daily life? General 1 answer

Lewes experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s °F, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms, so light clothing and rain gear are advisable. Winter lows typically hover in the 30s °F, with occasional snow or ice, but prolonged cold snaps are rare; a moderate winter wardrobe and a reliable heating system are sufficient. Spring...

What are the main employment sectors in Lewes? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Lewes’ economy is anchored by tourism, hospitality, and marine‑related businesses, especially during the summer season. Healthcare, education, and government services also provide steady year‑round employment. A smaller but growing segment includes remote‑work professionals who take advantage of the town’s quality of life while working for firms elsewhere. Seasonal retail and food‑service positions are common, while...

Is Lewes considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Lewes typically reports lower violent‑crime rates than the national average and is often described as a safe, family‑friendly community. Property crime exists, as in most towns, but it is generally modest and concentrated in commercial areas during peak tourist months. The town’s police department maintains a visible presence and runs community outreach programs. For the latest statistics, you can view the state’s cr...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Lewes? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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