What is the unemployment rate in Delaware right now?
Updated May. 22, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in Delaware was at 5.3% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In April 2026,
5.3%
of the labor force was unemployed in Delaware
April 2026 had a
-0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In April 2026, the unemployment rate in Delaware was higher than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to April 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in Delaware have the highest and lowest unemployment?
Understanding local unemployment rates is important for economic and policy planning in Delaware. Identifying the counties with the highest and lowest unemployment rates can help target interventions and resources effectively. In Delaware, the counties with the highest unemployment rates face challenges that may include economic shifts, industry decline, or other contributing factors. Conversely, counties with the lowest unemployment rates may benefit from economic activity, diverse job opportunities, and local policies. Comparing these rates within Delaware reveals trends and patterns that can inform strategies to bolster the state's economy and workforce. Addressing unemployment issues at the local level is necessary for fostering economic growth and stability in Delaware. Further research and policy interventions could help employment rates across the state.In Delaware, Kent County, DE had the highest unemployment rate at 5.6%. New Castle County, DE had the lowest at 4.9%. New Castle County, DE, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The latest county-level data is from March 2026.
Unemployment rates in Delaware counties ranged from 4.9% to 5.6% in March 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in Delaware (March 2026)
| 1. | Kent County, DE | 5.6% |
| 2. | Sussex County, DE | 5.3% |
| 3. | New Castle County, DE | 4.9% |
Keep exploring
Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
