There are numerous fascinating details to uncover when exploring interesting facts about Delaware. Delaware is a relatively small state in size, especially when compared with most other states, and is situated on the east coast of the US in the Mid Atlantic region, bordered to the south and west by Maryland, north by Pennsylvania, and east by New Jersey.
Delaware has many qualities that make it a unique and rewarding state to either visit, reside, or do business in. With a deep-seated history dating back as early as 1638, multiple beaches running along Delaware’s coastline, and rich state forests, parks, and national parks there really are so many interesting facts about Delaware to discover and examine.
The sheer beauty Delaware has in abundance is showcased, by the 3 state forests, 9 state parks, 1 national park, and 11 beaches spanning across almost 30 miles of coastline and all highlighting the amazing scenery and activities that Delaware has to offer.
1. With a population of just over 950,000, Delaware is not only small in size, but in population too. In fact, there are only 4 states with a smaller population than Delaware and only 1 with a smaller landmass.
2. Delaware is made up of a total area of only 2,489 square miles, of which 540 square miles is water, making Delaware the 49th largest state, or second smallest state!
3. Wilmington is the most populous city in Delaware by almost double (with over 70,000 residents), but it isn’t the largest city by area or the state capital, both of these titles being held by the city of Dover. Wilmington was originally founded by the Swedish nation in 1638, subsequently, ownership of the area changed numerous times, between a host of European settlers up until the time of the American Revolution. Wilmington is known for its stunning riverfront, a waterside district of parks, boutiques, and many splendid restaurants.
Facts About Delaware
Delaware state exceeds expectations and is considered by many to be a great place to visit, reside, and do business in. With many exciting opportunities and places to visit, you will find it hard to get bored when in Delaware, not only this but the healthy business climate and ever-growing economy add to the lucrativeness of the state, creating a multitude of interesting facts about Delaware.
Here are some more Delaware facts that you probably didn’t know
4. Delaware was admitted to the union on December 7, 1787, becoming the first-ever official state!
5. Over the years Delaware has adopted a whole host of different nicknames; The First State, The Blue Hen State, The Diamond State, and The Small Wonder State. To learn about the origins of Delaware’s state nicknames, make sure to take a look at our page on this.
6. The capital city of Delaware is Dover.
7. There are over 28 miles of coastline running across Delaware.
8. The first known Native American inhabitants were the Lenni Lenape and Nanticoke tribes, who actually joined up to form the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape confederation.
9. Delaware was the first official state in the US, but ironically was the last to get a unique state monument, which didn’t happen until 2013! The first state monument is comprised of 1,100 acres of preserved land.
10. Delaware has been considered by many to be a hidden gem, due to its location, size, and beauty, hence why it adopted the nickname “diamond state”.
11. Delaware’s state insect is the ladybug, and the state flower is the peach blossom.
12. There are many state symbols that represent Delaware as a state, the state animal is the gray fox.
13. Brigadier-General, Caesar Rodney of Dover, the man who made an appearance on the Delaware state quarter in 1999 rode 80 miles on horseback to Philadelphia on July 1, 1776, to cast his vote. The significance of this vote was that it ended up being the deciding factor in the nation gaining independence.
14. Delaware has the fastest internet speed out of anywhere else in the US.
15. Delaware is also very popular with cyclists, the League of American Bicyclists named it the third most bike-friendly state in the US in 2015.
16. The University of Delaware offered the country’s first study abroad program in 1923.
17. The iconic Bob Marley lived in the state between the years 1965 and 1977.
18. The insect species, Bethany Beach firefly, can only be found in Delaware.
19. Standing at 113 feet tall, students in Wilmington once held the record for the world’s tallest LEGO tower.
20. The Dogfish Head Craft Brewery was founded in Milton, Delaware in 1995 and it now sells 25 different styles of beer in over 25 states across the US.
21. Delaware is not just one of the smallest and least populated states, it is also the lowest state, with an average altitude of 60 ft above sea level.
22. Delaware only has 3 counties within the whole state, which is the least out of all 50.
23. Delaware’s state bird is the Blue Hen.
24. The state tree is the American Holly.
25. The Delaware postal abbreviation is DE.
26. Delaware’s highest point is Ebright Road, at 448 feet above sea level.
27. Delaware’s lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.
28. Here are some of Delaware’s famous and iconic locations; Hagley Museum and Library, Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Fort Miles, First State Heritage Park, the Kalmar Nyckel.
29. Delaware is actually the 6th most densely populated state in the US despite its size and population.
30. The maximum speed limit in Delaware is 65 mph.
31. The famous Delaware River, which is the river of the Atlantic slope of the United States, is formed via tidewater at Trenton, New Jersey, and is around 130 miles above its mouth. The river itself is around 405 miles in length, and the Delaware River basin drains only around 4/10ths of 1% of the total US land area.
32. One of Delaware’s key tourism spots is Rehoboth Beach, a beautiful coastal town with an abundance of lovely things to do. There are many restaurants, shops, hotels, and amusements within the town.
33. The Delaware state flower is the Peach Blossom, which, unlike other states cannot be seen on the state seal.
34. Located in northern Delaware, situated in the heart of New Castle County, you will find the city of Wilmington. A few years ago students living in Wilmington decided to create a LEGO tower, this project quickly became an obsession and the tower ended up being recorded as the tallest of its kind in the world for a period. The tower was a crazy 113 feet tall and was constructed via 500,000+ LEGO bricks!
Economic Facts About Delaware State
Economic facts about Delaware originate from various business and economic-related considerations. The state’s business climate and economic strength have been growing at a steady, consistent rate.
If you would like to learn how to register a business in Delaware so you can start your entrepreneurial journey, we have created a checklist walking you through the process.
There are a number of booming industries in Delaware, leading to a stable, consistent, and ever-growing state economy. Top industries in Delaware are Agriculture, Fishing, Manufacturing, Tourism, Finance, and Mining to name just a few.
People who decide to move to Delaware do so for many reasons, not least because everywhere is so accessible, being a small state in size makes places easier to reach, without the need for long hours traveling, as well as being home to vastly diverse landscapes and scenery, all ensuring that Delaware is a truly special place.
With all the opportunities Delaware is able to offer to existing businesses, those seeking to start a new company or franchise, or those of you who are simply looking for a job in Delaware, has resulted in the state’s economy growing well, and at a steady rate over the years.
Two of Delaware’s top industries are agriculture and fishing, which utilize the state’s rich and fertile landscapes, providing the best conditions for raising livestock and growing a variety of foods. The state’s exposure to the coast, in turn, makes fishing a successful element of Delaware’s industrial profile.
Let’s take a look at some economic facts about Delaware state
- Delaware’s GDP is over $63 billion.
- Delaware ranked 15th in healthcare (U.S. News & World Report).
- Delaware ranked 17th in economic strength (U.S. News & World Report).
- Delaware ranked 19th in fiscal stability (U.S. News & World Report).
- Delaware’s GDP per capita is over $71,000.
- The most expensive city in Delaware to live is the state capital of Dover.
- The average home price in Delaware is $231,900.
- Delaware has been ranked as a top state for retirees.
- There are over 84,000 small businesses operating in Delaware.
- These small businesses make up over 98% of all Delaware businesses.
- There are over 187,000 small business employees in Delaware.
- Small business employees make up 46% of Delaware’s total workforce.
- Delaware’s sales tax is 0%, meaning what you see is what you get!
- Delaware’s income tax ranges between 0%-6.6%.
- The minimum wage in Delaware is $9.25 per hour.
- The Delaware corporate income tax rate is 8.7% (fixed).
A snapshot of the facts about Delaware state detailed above illustrates why many people choose Delaware to either start a new business or franchise or relocate to the state for work or personal reasons.
It isn’t too hard to imagine why so many people move to the state each year from other states in the US, as well as from other areas of the world to make this great state their home.
