Sussex County, Delaware Property Taxes

$774 avg. annual savings

No Upfront Costs

You only pay if we save

Property Taxes in Sussex County, Delaware

Median Sussex County effective property tax rate: 2.21%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Sussex County home value: $42,600
Median annual Sussex County tax bill: $945, $1,455 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Sussex County calculated?

Property taxes in Sussex County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Sussex County or another part of Sussex County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Sussex County, Delaware Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

2.21%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$941

$874

How Does the Sussex County Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Sussex County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Sussex County's median effective tax rate of 2.21% to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.

Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Sussex County's median property tax rate is higher than the state rate, while the median property tax bill is $945, which is $1,455 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Sussex County.

Property Tax Rates Across Sussex County, Delaware

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Sussex County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Sussex County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.

Below, compare Sussex County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Delaware or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Sussex County's median effective rate stands at 2.21%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Sussex County, the highest rate is found in Dewey Beach at 2.97%, while Bethany Beach has the lowest at 2.07%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property Tax Rates Across Sussex County, Delaware

Source: Ownwell

2.07%

2.52%

2.97%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Sussex County Tax Rate

2.21%

Median Effective Delaware Tax Rate

1.33%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Sussex County, Delaware

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bethany Beach	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%	2.08%
Bethel	1.62%	2.54%	2.54%	2.67%	2.81%
Bridgeville	2.01%	2.90%	2.96%	3.42%	4.03%
Dagsboro	1.33%	2.07%	2.09%	2.13%	2.27%
Delmar	1.59%	2.52%	2.56%	2.60%	2.65%
Dewey Beach	2.46%	2.71%	2.97%	3.34%	3.60%
Ellendale	1.76%	2.47%	2.68%	2.87%	3.08%
Fenwick Island	2.07%	2.07%	2.08%	2.09%	2.11%
Frankford	1.48%	2.08%	2.12%	2.22%	2.59%
Georgetown	1.33%	2.07%	2.10%	2.14%	2.19%
Greenwood	1.77%	2.74%	2.95%	3.02%	4.02%
Harbeson	1.50%	2.09%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%
Harrington	2.08%	2.68%	2.94%	2.97%	2.99%
Laurel	1.64%	2.54%	2.60%	2.68%	2.75%
Lewes	1.67%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%
Lincoln	1.56%	2.46%	2.62%	2.68%	2.68%
Milford	1.56%	2.68%	2.68%	2.68%	2.68%
Millsboro	1.34%	2.07%	2.07%	2.12%	2.18%
Millville	1.42%	2.11%	2.13%	2.15%	2.38%
Milton	1.52%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%
Ocean View	1.65%	2.07%	2.11%	2.20%	2.98%
Rehoboth Beach	1.95%	2.46%	2.46%	2.46%	2.74%
Seaford	1.48%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.51%
Selbyville	1.38%	2.07%	2.07%	2.11%	2.16%
Blades	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Reliance	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sussex County, Delaware

When examining property taxes in Sussex County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Sussex County assessment office estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Sussex County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Sussex County.

For example, the median tax bill in Sussex County is $945, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Fenwick Island has the highest median home price at $60,900.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sussex County, Delaware

Source: Ownwell

$24,350

$42,625

$60,900

Median Sussex County Market Value

$42,600

Median Delaware Market Value

$66,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sussex County, Delaware

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bethany Beach	$35,400	$45,500	$58,700	$78,100	$112,800
Bethel	$10,040	$14,550	$24,350	$36,850	$55,250
Bridgeville	$10,600	$17,225	$30,300	$47,400	$59,770
Dagsboro	$15,700	$27,800	$44,400	$65,300	$84,100
Delmar	$12,200	$18,600	$30,300	$43,000	$57,600
Dewey Beach	$18,100	$28,725	$44,100	$68,550	$89,950
Ellendale	$10,980	$15,300	$28,400	$40,300	$51,800
Fenwick Island	$9,310	$39,825	$60,900	$88,775	$119,300
Frankford	$16,100	$25,900	$40,400	$58,400	$70,800
Georgetown	$12,900	$21,100	$32,200	$46,875	$63,100
Greenwood	$13,600	$22,500	$31,300	$41,525	$59,200
Harbeson	$13,100	$32,875	$57,550	$72,900	$90,290
Harrington	$8,700	$20,400	$33,300	$48,800	$71,080
Laurel	$11,700	$17,100	$27,900	$38,900	$53,940
Lewes	$16,600	$32,800	$52,900	$72,500	$90,700
Lincoln	$12,300	$19,500	$30,800	$40,800	$54,200
Milford	$12,300	$23,200	$33,300	$44,800	$61,100
Millsboro	$12,400	$19,300	$34,800	$57,600	$74,600
Millville	$46,300	$51,900	$58,700	$67,100	$71,490
Milton	$14,850	$30,900	$49,200	$64,900	$79,100
Ocean View	$20,200	$35,200	$52,900	$72,400	$85,800
Rehoboth Beach	$16,300	$32,000	$53,100	$76,200	$101,420
Seaford	$12,000	$18,800	$29,000	$40,300	$55,700
Selbyville	$19,600	$32,800	$51,300	$69,700	$91,940
Blades	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Reliance	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Sussex County, Delaware

Property tax bills in Sussex County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate applied to that value. When a property is assessed higher, the tax bill usually rises, while a lower assessment can reduce what a homeowner owes. Local governments use these bills to fund public services, so the final amount can vary depending on where the home is located within the county.

With a median home price of $42,600, Sussex County homeowners often see tax bills that are lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The county’s tax bill range shows how much location and assessment can matter: the 25th percentile is $565, the 75th percentile is $1,407, and the 90th percentile is $1,898. Median tax bills also differ by city, from $507 in Bethel to $1,352 in Dewey Beach.

Property Tax Bills Across Sussex County, Delaware

Source: Ownwell

$507

$930

$1,352

Median Sussex County Tax Bill

$945

Median Delaware Tax Bill

$1,454

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Sussex County, Delaware

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bethany Beach	$707	$912	$1,199	$1,590	$2,324
Bethel	$266	$353	$507	$888	$1,418
Bridgeville	$346	$497	$859	$1,411	$1,866
Dagsboro	$315	$542	$863	$1,312	$1,771
Delmar	$290	$424	$721	$1,062	$1,436
Dewey Beach	$500	$1,033	$1,352	$2,009	$2,556
Ellendale	$292	$403	$719	$1,033	$1,313
Fenwick Island	$180	$809	$1,250	$1,828	$2,414
Frankford	$335	$564	$861	$1,259	$1,513
Georgetown	$266	$399	$622	$914	$1,264
Greenwood	$401	$633	$889	$1,182	$1,638
Harbeson	$248	$675	$1,306	$1,680	$2,062
Harrington	$229	$558	$947	$1,380	$1,821
Laurel	$282	$411	$660	$938	$1,328
Lewes	$402	$731	$1,235	$1,720	$2,164
Lincoln	$291	$452	$721	$1,015	$1,366
Milford	$327	$544	$817	$1,128	$1,552
Millsboro	$258	$387	$675	$1,149	$1,546
Millville	$858	$1,065	$1,221	$1,419	$1,527
Milton	$335	$656	$1,065	$1,493	$1,861
Ocean View	$525	$807	$1,120	$1,499	$1,792
Rehoboth Beach	$412	$776	$1,290	$1,868	$2,484
Seaford	$280	$422	$643	$935	$1,309
Selbyville	$426	$670	$1,016	$1,420	$1,896
Blades	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Reliance	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	March 15

Links
Sussex Tax Assessor
Website	property.sussexcountyde.gov

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Sussex County, Delaware

How are property taxes calculated in Sussex County, Delaware?

Property taxes in Sussex County, Delaware are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Sussex County, Delaware?

To appeal your property taxes in Sussex County, Delaware, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Sussex County, Delaware?

Common property tax exemptions in Sussex County, Delaware include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Sussex County, Delaware?

Property tax deadlines in Sussex County, Delaware vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Sussex County, Delaware?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Sussex County, Delaware. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.