Is Millsboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Millsboro

Millsboro, Delaware, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing location for those seeking a change of pace. Nestled in Sussex County, this town provides a gateway to popular beach destinations while maintaining a distinct community identity. Its growing population and developing infrastructure suggest a town on the rise, attracting a diverse range of residents.

The decision to relocate to any new town involves weighing various factors, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and quality of life. Millsboro presents a compelling case for many, with its blend of natural beauty, community events, and proximity to major employment centers. Understanding the nuances of life in Millsboro is key for anyone considering making this Delaware town their home.

Is it Safe to Live in Millsboro?

Millsboro’s crime rate is a point of consideration for potential residents. The overall crime rate in Millsboro is 31.1% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Millsboro are 17% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes in Millsboro are 34% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

When compared to communities of similar population size, Millsboro’s crime rate is notably higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Millsboro is 1 in 238, a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime occurs at a rate of 24 per one thousand population, meaning there is a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, some analyses suggest a different perspective. One source indicates that Millsboro has a crime safety grade of B-, with the overall crime rate being 27% below the national average (according to DoorProfit). This source also states that your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 304, which is 14% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit). Property crime shows a 1 in 46 chance of victimization, which is 18% higher than the national average (according to DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Millsboro

Housing Costs

The housing market in Millsboro presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. The median sale price of a home in Millsboro was $337,000 recently (as reported by Redfin). However, other data indicates a median listing price of $449,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Home prices in Millsboro are 21% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

For renters, the situation is also varied. The average monthly rent in Millsboro is approximately $1,776 (as reported by RentCafe). Another source cites the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Millsboro at $2,300 as of May 2026 (according to Zumper). Houses for rent in Millsboro average a monthly cost of $2,300 (as reported by Zumper).

Overall Expenses

The overall cost of living in Millsboro is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. Millsboro’s cost of living is 12% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Items in Sussex County, which includes Millsboro, cost 2.1% more than the national average (according to Livability.com).

When breaking down expenses, housing is a significant factor, being 21% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Utilities are about 4% less pricey than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). Groceries are around the same price as in the rest of the country, while clothing costs about 2% more (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Millsboro’s economy is supported by a range of industries and employers. Key sectors include educational services, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). Mountaire Farms is a significant agricultural business in the area, specializing in poultry (as reported by ReadySetHire). Cadia Healthcare also provides healthcare services and employs many in Millsboro (as reported by ReadySetHire).

Other notable employers and companies in Millsboro include Blue Shield of California, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and Perdue Farms (as reported by ReadySetHire). Retail giants like McDonald’s, ALDI, and Lowe’s also have a presence, contributing to the local job market (as reported by Indeed.com).

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Delaware was 5.4% in March 2026, which is unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is higher than the U.S. overall unemployment rate for the same period (as reported by USAFacts). The average annual pay for hourly workers in Millsboro is approximately $48,905, which translates to about $23.51 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The median household income in Millsboro was reported as $78,707 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is slightly higher than some other estimates, such as $68,294 reported by Livability.com. The median income for households led by residents aged 45 to 64 is higher, reaching $105,816 (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate in Millsboro

Temperatures

Millsboro experiences a climate with warm, muggy summers and very cold, wet, and windy winters. Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 28°F to 86°F, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Time and Date). The hot season lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 77°F.

The hottest month is July, with an average high of 85°F and a low of 70°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cold season spans from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 29°F and a high of 45°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation

Precipitation levels in Millsboro are relatively consistent throughout the year. The monthly average rainfall ranges from 2.9 inches in February to 4.49 inches in August (as reported by Time and Date). Annual rainfall averages around 45 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Snowfall is moderate, with an average annual snowfall of approximately 13 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round (as reported by Time and Date).

Education in Millsboro

School Ratings

Millsboro is served by public schools within the Indian River School District. Several schools in the area receive positive ratings. Sussex Academy, a public school serving K-12, holds a rating of 3.99 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Love Creek Elementary School and East Millsboro Elementary School are also noted for their quality (as reported by Niche).

Sussex Technical High School is rated 4.09 out of 5, with 517 reviews (as reported by Niche). Millsboro Middle School has an overall Niche grade of B and a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). East Millsboro Elementary School has a B+ rating and a 4 out of 5 rating on Niche (as reported by Niche).

Educational Attainment

The educational attainment of Millsboro residents is notable. Approximately 92.4% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school (as reported by Livability.com). Of these, 36.7% have obtained a bachelor’s degree (as reported by Livability.com).

Demographic data indicates that the largest racial/ethnic groups in Millsboro are White (62.3%), followed by Black (16.8%) and Hispanic (10.4%) (as reported by CUBIT). The median age of residents is 39.5 years (as reported by CUBIT).

Demographics of Millsboro

Population and Age

Millsboro is home to a growing population. As of the most recent U.S. Census data, the town has 7,424 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Projections estimate the population to reach 8,324 by 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Millsboro is 39.5 years (as reported by CUBIT).

The age distribution shows that about 17.4% of residents are children under 15, while 24.9% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender breakdown indicates that 56.2% of Millsboro locals are female, and 43.8% are male (as reported by Point2Homes).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Millsboro is diverse. White residents constitute the largest group at 62.3%, followed by Black or African American residents at 16.8%, and Hispanic residents at 10.4% (as reported by CUBIT). Other racial and ethnic groups make up smaller percentages of the population.

In terms of citizenship, 86.9% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship, and 5.1% are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). The foreign-born population in Millsboro is approximately 12.6% (as reported by Data USA).