Kent County Public RecordsDelaware

As of 2023, Kent County, DE, has an estimated population of about 187,400. The median age is 38.7 years, with 48.7% male and 51.3% female residents. Racially, the county is 59.2% White, 27.5% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% identifying as two or more races. Ethnic diversity continues to grow, particularly in the Hispanic and multiracial segments.

Kent County, Delaware, reports moderate crime rates compared to the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 4.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 18.7 per 1,000. Areas like Dover see higher incidences than rural zones. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office and local police actively encourage crime reporting via hotlines and online forms. Recent statistics show a slight decrease (about 3%) in total crime complaints compared to 2021, reflecting ongoing community safety initiatives and heightened law enforcement patrols throughout the county.

Kent County, Delaware, has approximately 126,000 residents, with over 104,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include primaries, general, and local contests. In 2020, 52% voted Democratic and 46% Republican in the presidential race. There are around 50 polling locations across cities like Dover and Milford. Key issues are economic development and education. The Department of Elections for Kent County administers voting, with major parties being Democratic, Republican, and a smaller independent segment. Voter turnout in recent elections hovered near 66%.

Kent County, DE, is served by 19 public high schools and several private institutions. About 89.9% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 21.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools). The Dover School District offers Advanced Placement and vocational programs. Delaware Technical Community College provides robust adult education. School safety programs are implemented, with a reported 1.3 incidents per 100 students annually. Educational opportunities emphasize career and technical readiness, ensuring a well-rounded, safe learning environment.

As of 2023, Kent County, DE has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.0%. Major employment sectors include government (27%), healthcare and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (11%). Top occupations are office and administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and management (9%). Roughly 83% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes; about 75% work within the county, while 25% commute to New Castle or Sussex counties.

Kent County, DE has a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with median home values around $285,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is about $1,450. The county features diverse housing, from suburban single-family homes in Dover and Camden to townhouses and apartments, especially in Smyrna. Property values have risen 6% year-over-year. Notable neighborhoods include Caesar Rodney and Highland Acres. Kent County's average property tax rate is roughly 0.52%, resulting in annual taxes of about $1,482 on a median-priced home.