Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware Property Taxes
Median Lewes, DE effective property tax rate: 2.46%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lewes, DE home value: $51,900
Median annual Lewes, DE tax bill: $1,214, $1,186 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Sussex calculated?
Property taxes in Lewes, DE 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 Lewes’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Lewes, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.46%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,277
$1,185
Property Tax Rates Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Annually, each county calculates its necessary budget to provide essential services and divides this by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While votes and laws are involved in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Lewes, located in Sussex County, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This difference underscores the variation in tax rates across different regions. Despite the higher rate, property owners in Lewes benefit from the services funded by these taxes, which can include public schools, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Comparing Lewes' property tax rate to other cities in Delaware and the national median offers valuable insights for property owners. Understanding these differences can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and financial planning.
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 Lewes Tax Rate
2.46%
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
2.20%
Median Effective Delaware Tax Rate
1.41%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19958 | 1.66% | 2.46% | 2.46% | 2.46% | 2.46% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
When examining property taxes in Lewes, Delaware, 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 appraisal district 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.
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 Lewes. For example, the median home price in Lewes is $51,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 19958 has the highest median home price at $51,900.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
Source: Ownwell
$23,500
$41,800
$60,100
Median Lewes Market Value
$51,900
Median Sussex County Market Value
$42,000
Median Delaware Market Value
$64,200
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19958 | $15,600 | $31,100 | $51,900 | $72,200 | $90,700 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
In Lewes, located in Sussex County, Delaware, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local authorities. Factors such as the property's size, location, and improvements influence this assessed value. The median property tax bill in Lewes is $1,214, which is significantly lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The property tax rate in the area is also lower than the national median rate of 1.02%. For homeowners in Lewes, understanding these calculations is crucial as it directly impacts their annual financial obligations.
Ownwell assists homeowners by providing property tax appeal and exemption services, potentially reducing their tax burden. By analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can help ensure that homeowners are not overpaying on their property taxes. This service is particularly beneficial in areas like Lewes, where even a slight reduction in the assessed value can lead to significant savings, given the relatively lower tax bills compared to national figures.
Median Lewes Tax Bill
$1,214
Median Sussex County Tax Bill
$943
Median Delaware Tax Bill
$1,362
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19958 | $387 | $707 | $1,214 | $1,711 | $2,162 |
Source: Ownwell