Delaware is a small state, which is located in the Mid Atlantic and the Northeastern regions of the United States. In Terms of area, Delaware is the second smallest state among the 50 U.S. states, having an area of 2,489 square miles (6,450 sq. km). According to the 2022 United States census, it has a population of 1,018,396 residents, making Delaware the sixth least populous state among the 50 United States. The second smallest U.S. state borders north by Pennsylvania, northeast by New Jersey, south and west by Maryland, and east by Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington is Delaware’s most populous city. Dover is the capital and the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Delaware.
Delaware has a fascinating history, it was one of the original thirteen colonies (during the 17th century) participated in the American Revolutionary War. In that the Army of United Colonies defeated the British and ended the British Colonization, and established the U.S as an Independent Nation. On 7th December, 1787, Delaware was admitted to the Union as the first state to approve the Constitution of the United States (Supreme law of U.S.A), being the first U.S state it attains the nickname as “The First State”. Delaware can also be called ‘The Small Wonder’ & ‘The Diamond State’.
The second smallest U.S state is divided into three counties. Those are from north to South, New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County respectively. Delaware has the fewest number of counties among the 50 U.S. states. According to the 2020 United States census New Castle county is the most populous county in the state with a population of 5,70,719 residents. According to the area, Sussex County is the largest county with an area of 1,196 square miles, while New Castle county is the Least extensive county in the U.S. state of Delaware. The 4th Constitution (current constitution ) of Delaware, which was acquired in 1897 provides for the following three branches Legislative, Executive, and Judicial ( the constitution establishes a number of courts). The Legislative branch situated in the capital (in Dover) has a house of Representatives having 41 members and a Senate with 21 members all are elected to 2 year and 4 year terms. The Governor is head of the Delaware state government i.e, the executive branch of Delaware is controlled by the Governor. In Delaware New Castle and Sussex counties have the county council whereas Kent County has Lavy Court.
The U.S. state of Delaware is known for its cleanest coast line in the Nation, and the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach these are the most tourist attractions during the summer. It has a rich historical heritage of Old Swedes Church and various landmarks associated with the American Revolutionary War. The U.S. state of Delaware is home to the University of Delaware, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Cape Henlopen State park, and Delaware Art Museum. Chemical Manufacturing and agriculture industries have a major portion of the state’s economy. Due to the State’s geographic diversity, historical significance,and famous tourist attractions draw visitors every year.
Here we are going to discuss the counties of the U.S. state of Delaware & some interesting facts about them. The 03 counties of Delaware along with their County Seat , area, and population according to the 2020 census listed below.
3 Counties of Delaware
|
County Name |
County Seat |
Tot. Area (Sq. mi) |
Population |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kent County |
Dover |
798 |
1,81,851 |
|
New Castle County |
Wilmington |
494 |
5,70,719 |
|
Sussex County |
Georgetown |
1,196 |
2,37,378 |
Kent County
Kent County is located in the central region of the U.S.’s second-smallest state, Delaware. It is one of the three counties of Delaware, United States. According to the 2020 United States Census, Kent County was the least populous county among the three counties of Delaware, with a population of 1,81,851 residents. It has an area of 798 square miles (2,070 sq. km). The county shares its borders with New Castle County to the North, Sussex County to the South, Cape May County (New Jersey) to the East, and Queen Anne’s County to the West.
Dover is the county seat, which is also the state capital. Dover is the largest city and cultural center in the county. It was established in the 17th century, which had played a vital role in the state’s history. The Capital city, Dover is not only the capital but also a hub for various industries. Kent County is governed by a Levy Court with seven members. Six of them were elected by district & seventh one (president) was elected at large.
Kent County is home to the state’s capitol, Delaware State University (DSU), which contributes to the educational landscape of the region. The county is known for its Historic buildings, Museums, Killens Pond State Park, and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which is a national protected area. Kent County is well known for state politics as well as agriculture.
New Castle County
New Castle County is situated in the northernmost part of the U.S. state, Delaware. According to the 2020 United States Census, it is the most populous and also the most densely populated county with a population of 5,70,719 residents (mix of urban and suburban residents), which is nearly 60% of the state’s population. The county has more people than the other two counties combined. In terms of area, New Castle County is the smallest county compared to the other Delaware counties, having an area of 494 square miles (1,280 sq. km). It is also the most economically developed county among the three counties of Delaware.
Wilmington is the County seat and the most populous as well as the largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware. Wilmington is an economic and cultural hub. New Castle County bordered Delaware County (Pennsylvania) to the North, Salem County (New Jersey) to the east, Kent County to the South, and Cecil County (Mary Land) to the West. New Castle County’s governing body is the County Council (administrative body) consisting of 13 members headed by the County Executive. 12 of them were elected by the district and the thirteenth one (president) was elected at large. The County is home to the University of Delaware. It also had a historical significance with landmarks reflecting colonial history (17th century), and also the capital of Delaware Colony in the formative era of the United States. Financial Services and Manufacturing industries had a major portion of the county’s local economy.
Sussex County
Sussex County is situated in the southernmost region of Delaware, on the large peninsula of Delmarva. In terms of geography Sussex County is the largest county among the three counties of Delaware, spanning over 1,196 square miles (3,100 sq. km). According to the 2020 United States census, the county has a population of 2,37,378 residents, which is the second most populous county after New Castle County. Sussex County bordered Kent County to the North, Wicomico County (Maryland) to the Southwest, and Cape May County (New Jersey) to the Northeast. Georgetown is the county seat and Seaford is the largest city of the county.
Sussex County’s governing body is the County Council. It consists of a County council with 5 members and various executive heads, all are elected to four-year terms from single-member districts. They choose a County Executive or a County administrator.
Sussex County has a rich historical significance. It had a pivotal role in both the Civil War and the American Revolutionary War. The county has a diverse geography with significant beaches along the Atlantic coast, various parks, and plains, including Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Bethany Beach Boardwalk, and Cape Henlopen State Park, these are all the most tourist attractions, attracting more visitors during summer. Sussex County is home to Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge, it is home to the various species of Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles, it is a National Protected area. It offers more recreational areas and tourist attractions, which leads the tourism industry in the county. Agriculture and the Tourism Industry are the major contributors to the county’s economy. Most of Delaware’s agricultural land is on the Western side of the county.
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many counties does the U.S. state of Delaware have?
The U.S. state of Delaware has three counties, the fewest number of counties of any of the 50 U.S. states.
- What is the most populated county in the U.S. state of Delaware?
New Castle County is the most populous & fastest-growing County in the U.S. state of Delaware.
- What is the least populous county in the U.S. state of Delaware?
Kent County is the least populous county in Delaware, United States.
- What is the capital city of Delaware?
Dover is the County Seat of Kent County and the Capital city of Delaware, United States. It is the second most populous city in the state.