Is Sussex County, DE good for real estate investing?

Sussex County has an investment score of 47/100, rated as "Hold". The county ranks #609 nationally among 1000 counties analyzed.

What is the rent-to-price ratio in Sussex?

The rent-to-price ratio in Sussex County is 5.48% annually, which ranks in the 38th percentile nationally. Higher ratios indicate better cash flow potential.

What is the median home price in Sussex?

The median home price in Sussex County is $475,272. This ranks #899 in affordability among all US counties.

Can you cash flow on rental properties in Sussex?

Based on median values with 20% down at current rates, a typical rental in Sussex County would generate negative cash flow of $1,082/month. Individual property performance varies based on purchase price, rent, and operating expenses.

Sussex County

DelawarePopulation: 240,668

/100

Hold

#609 of 1,000 counties

#3 in Delaware (3 counties)

Market Snapshot

$475,272

Median Home Price

103% above national median

$2,169/mo

Median Rent

44% above national median

5.48%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Top 62% nationally

-$1,082

Est. Monthly Cash Flow

With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Quick Investment Calculator

Down Payment20%

5%50%100%

Purchase

Purchase Price$475,272

Down Payment (20%)$95,054

Loan Amount$380,218

Interest Rate6.85%

Monthly Cash Flow

Gross Rent+$2,169

Monthly P&I-$2,491

Est. Expenses (35%)-$759

Net Cash Flow-$1,082/mo

3.6%

Cap Rate (all cash)

-11.9%

Cash-on-Cash Return

5.48%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Negative leverage: At 6.85% rates, borrowing costs exceed the 3.6% cap rate. All-cash buyers may see better returns.

* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.

Run Full Analysis Try House Hack Strategy

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

47/100

Cash Flow(30%)

52/100

Based on 5.48% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.

Appreciation(25%)

47/100

Based on -0.5% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

37/100

Price-to-income ratio of 6.3x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

+Complete rent data available

Challenges

-Declining home values (-0.5% YoY)
-Negative cash flow at typical financing (-$1,082/mo)
-Negative leverage (cap rate 3.6% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
-High price-to-income ratio makes financing challenging

Economic Indicators

Population

240,668

Median Income

$75,406

vs $57,018 national est.

Unemployment Rate

—

Data pending

Price-to-Income

6.3x

Less affordable

Compare to Nearby Counties

County					Verdict
New CastleDE	65	$361,117	$1,878	6.24%	Buy	View
KentDE	59	$360,954	$1,773	5.90%	Hold	View
CurrentSussexDE	47	$475,272	$2,169	5.48%	Hold

The Bottom Line

HoldSussex is a neutral market. Consider house hacking or targeting below-market deals.

Sussex County in Delaware scores 47/100, ranking #609 of 1,000 US counties (top 81%). The 5.48% rent-to-price ratio may require creative strategies or below-market purchases for positive cash flow. Current market conditions make traditional buy-and-hold investing challenging. Consider house hacking, value-add strategies, or all-cash purchases.

Monthly Cash Flow

$-1,082/mo

Cap Rate

3.6%

Cash-on-Cash

-11.9%

Ready to Analyze a Deal in Sussex?

Use our investment calculators to run detailed numbers on specific properties.

Single Family1-4 unit rentals, BRRRR House HackOwner-occupied strategy Multifamily5+ unit properties

Explore Other Markets

Quick Investment Calculator

Down Payment20%

5%50%100%

Purchase

Purchase Price$475,272

Down Payment (20%)$95,054

Loan Amount$380,218

Interest Rate6.85%

Monthly Cash Flow

Gross Rent+$2,169

Monthly P&I-$2,491

Est. Expenses (35%)-$759

Net Cash Flow-$1,082/mo

3.6%

Cap Rate (all cash)

-11.9%

Cash-on-Cash Return

5.48%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Negative leverage: At 6.85% rates, borrowing costs exceed the 3.6% cap rate. All-cash buyers may see better returns.

* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.

Run Full Analysis Try House Hack Strategy

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

47/100

Cash Flow(30%)

52/100

Based on 5.48% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.

Appreciation(25%)

47/100

Based on -0.5% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

37/100

Price-to-income ratio of 6.3x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

County

Verdict

New CastleDE

$361,117

$1,878

6.24%

Buy

View

KentDE

$360,954

$1,773

5.90%

Hold

View

CurrentSussexDE

$475,272

$2,169

5.48%

Hold

The Bottom Line

HoldSussex is a neutral market. Consider house hacking or targeting below-market deals.

Monthly Cash Flow

$-1,082/mo

Cap Rate

3.6%

Cash-on-Cash

-11.9%