According to Countryaah, Sussex County is located in the southeastern corner of Delaware and borders Maryland to the east, Kent County to the north, and Worcester County, Maryland to the south. Sussex County is known for its coastal towns, beaches, and historical sites. The county is situated along the Atlantic Coast and includes five major beach towns: Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes.
The county has a total area of 1,190 square miles making it the second largest county in Delaware. It is home to a population of more than 200,000 people as of 2019. The county seat is Georgetown which is also the largest city in Sussex County.
The terrain of Sussex County consists mostly of flat plains with some rolling hills in the north and east parts of the county near the state line with Maryland. The Nanticoke River runs through Sussex County from north to south while several creeks drain into Delaware Bay from west to east including Love Creek and Indian River Bay.
The climate in Sussex County can be classified as humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters with occasional snowfall during winter months. Summers are generally hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). Winters are cool but mild with temperatures ranging from 40-50 degrees F (4-10 degrees C).
In terms of bordering counties, Sussex County borders Kent County to its north while Worcester County lies directly south across state lines in Maryland. To its east lies Wicomico County in Maryland while Caroline Country lies across state lines on its western border.
Demographics of Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County, Delaware is home to over 200,000 people as of 2019. The county has a population density of 166 people per square mile with a median age of 43.4 years old. The largest racial/ethnic group in the county is White which makes up 77% of the population while Black or African American comes in at second with 16.3%. Other groups include Hispanic/Latino (4%), Asian (2%), and Native American (0.8%).
In terms of education, 94% of adults over 25 have earned their high school diploma or equivalent while 33% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the most popular fields are business (21%), healthcare (19%), social sciences and history (13%), and engineering (10%).
The median household income in Sussex County is $62,711 while the poverty rate stands at 8%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.3%. The top three industries that employ the most people are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services.
In terms of housing, 73% of homes in Sussex County are owner-occupied while 27% are rented out to tenants. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $219,400 while the median rent for rented homes is $1,096 per month.
Overall, Sussex County has a diverse population with an average age of 43 years old and a variety of industries that employ its citizens. It also has relatively affordable housing options for both renters and owners alike making it an attractive place to live.
Places of Interest in Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County, Delaware has plenty of attractions to offer its visitors. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended vacation, Sussex County has something for everyone.
The beaches are one of the biggest attractions in the county. Rehoboth Beach is the most popular destination, located along a two-mile stretch of coastline lined with restaurants and shops. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing on the sand. Nearby Dewey Beach is another popular spot with its lively beach bars and nightlife.
History buffs will love exploring the many historical sites throughout Sussex County. The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes is a great place to start as it houses artifacts from the area’s first European settlers in 1631. The Indian River Life Saving Station Museum is also worth visiting as it tells the story of early rescue efforts along the Delaware coast from 1876-1915.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate all that Sussex County has to offer in terms of recreational activities. The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge covers over 10,000 acres of preserved wetlands and offers kayaking and fishing opportunities as well as hiking trails through its natural beauty. Cape Henlopen State Park offers scenic views from its beaches and trails while Fenwick Island State Park provides a peaceful spot for swimming and sunbathing with its calm waters and white sand beaches.
Finally, if you’re looking for some entertainment, there are plenty of options in Sussex County as well. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk features carnival rides, arcades, mini golf courses, shopping outlets, and eateries while Delmarva Motorsports Park hosts auto racing events throughout the year. In addition to these larger attractions, there are also several local galleries and theaters that offer unique experiences such as live music concerts and theatrical performances.
No matter what your interests may be, there’s something for everyone in Sussex County.
Notable People of Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County, Delaware is home to a number of notable people, from politicians to entrepreneurs. One of the county’s most famous residents is former Vice President Joe Biden who served as Delaware’s senator from 1973 to 2009. During his time in office, Biden was instrumental in passing a number of important bills such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Affordable Care Act. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and was an outspoken advocate for gun control and environmental protection.
Another famous resident of Sussex County is entrepreneur Kevin Plank who founded Under Armour, one of the world’s leading sports apparel companies. Plank grew up in the area and attended St. Mary’s High School before attending University of Maryland where he started his business with just $20,000 in 1996. Since then, Under Armour has grown into a multi-billion dollar company that has revolutionized athletic clothing and footwear.
In addition to Biden and Plank, Sussex County has been home to several other prominent figures over the years including astronaut Ellen Baker who became the first female astronaut from Delaware when she flew on STS-34 mission aboard Discovery shuttle in 1989; actor Robert Loggia who starred in films such as Scarface; and Nobel Prize winning scientist Gertrude Elion whose research in chemotherapy led to breakthrough treatments for leukemia, AIDS, and other diseases.
Today, Sussex County continues to be home to a number of influential individuals including professional golfer Stacy Lewis who won two major championships; author Bethany Beach who wrote several books about life on the shore; businesswoman Diane Koken who founded Koken Enterprises which specializes in financial services; and philanthropist James Robinson III whose foundation focuses on improving education opportunities for underserved communities across Delaware.
The impressive list of notable people from Sussex County demonstrates its vibrant culture and commitment to progress over time. From politicians to entrepreneurs to athletes and more, this county has an impressive track record for producing some truly remarkable individuals.