Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lewes, DE
Thinking about moving to Lewes, DE? With a charming population of around 3,500, Lewes offers coastal living, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The median home price is $615,000, and average rents are about $1,650, reflecting a popular market among retirees and families. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 24 minutes, highly rated local schools, and mild, sunny weather. Explore Lewes for its safe neighborhoods, scenic beaches, and high educational attainment—it's a welcoming place to settle in Delaware.
Demographics - Lewes, DE
Lewes is a small coastal city with about 3,500 residents, characterized by a predominantly older population with a median age of 62.4 and a strong majority of White residents. The city has a slightly higher proportion of women and a small but present diversity, with nearly 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere that appeals especially to retirees and those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
3,500
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
62.4
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lewes, DE?
The cost of living in Lewes is above the national average, with a median home value of $615,000 and average rent around $1,650, reflecting the city’s popularity and desirable beachside location. Utilities and groceries are only slightly higher than average, and Delaware’s low state taxes can help offset some expenses. Residents should plan for higher housing costs, but benefit from reasonable transportation and healthcare expenses.
Median House Value:
$615,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
2.2%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.5
Grocery:
106.2
Housing:
142.5
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
102.4
Health Care:
104.6
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Lewes, DE a safe place to live?
Lewes offers a safe environment with a violent crime rate of just 98 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate well below national averages. The odds of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 1,020, making it an attractive choice for those prioritizing security. This low-crime reputation contributes to the city’s appeal for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,218
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Lewes, DE year-round?
Lewes enjoys a mild climate with warm summers averaging highs of 84°F and cool but not harsh winters, where lows rarely drop below 28°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rain annually and over half its days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach outings. Residents appreciate the comfortable year-round weather and beautiful seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Lewes residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of nearly $80,000 and a relatively low poverty rate of 7.1%. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and over half have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is stable, with low unemployment and short average commutes, fostering a friendly and educated neighborhood vibe.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$79,800
Family Income:
$92,500
Per Capita Income:
$62,800
Income Male:
$55,600
Income Female:
$49,200
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
56.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lewes, DE?
Lewes offers strong educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public schools like Lewes Elementary and Cape Henlopen High School with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education options are also accessible, including nearby Delaware Technical Community College for post-secondary studies. This commitment to education supports a knowledgeable and well-prepared community.

Public Schools
Name:
Lewes Elementary School
Street:
820 Savannah Rd
Phone:
302-645-7748
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Cape Henlopen High School
Street:
1250 Kings Hwy
Phone:
302-645-7711
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
The Jefferson School
Street:
22051 Wilson Rd, Georgetown, DE
Phone:
302-856-3300
Students:
135

Colleges
Name:
Delaware Technical Community College - Owens Campus
City:
Georgetown
State:
DE
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Lewes is excellent, with Beebe Healthcare providing comprehensive hospital and emergency services within city limits. Residents benefit from high health insurance coverage (over 95%) and a robust supply of physicians, ensuring quality care is always nearby. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable and accessible medical services for all ages.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Beebe Healthcare - Beebe Hospital
Address:
424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
Phone:
(302) 645-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lewes, DE?
The Lewes housing market is sought-after, with median home prices at $615,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76%. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% in the past year, and rental options are available with moderate vacancy. The area’s stable housing conditions make it attractive for both buyers and renters looking for long-term investment and community roots.
Median Home Price:
$615,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lewes residents are served by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles in nearby Georgetown, offering a full range of services for drivers and vehicle owners. The DMV is easily accessible and provides helpful information online and by phone. Delaware’s DMV is known for efficient service and user-friendly resources for new and existing residents.
State:
Delaware
Department:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
20653 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone:
302-853-1000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.