Cost of Living in North Star, DE

Population 8,178 · Delaware · Data vintage 2023

186
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Star's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $567,000 for a typical home, 86% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $167,664 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Located 35 miles southwest of Philadelphia, North Star falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 144% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 186

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in North Star

The median home value in North Star is $566,500 — 86% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $167,664/year is 125% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Delaware's top state income tax rate is 6.6% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. Overall, North Star has a cost of living index of 186 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 86% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$566,500
86% above avg
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,173
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,492
3 BR
$2,080
4 BR
$2,278
Owner-occupied 87.0%
Renter-occupied 13.0%

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.7 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.5%
Carpooled
3.3%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
4.2%
Work from home
16.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.6%
Total Sales Tax 0.0%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$167,664
125% above avg
Per Capita Income
$76,200
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Labor Force Participation
61.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 42.6%
Graduate degree 28.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.2
Male median age 47.6
Female median age 52.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
47.4%
Good air days/yr
282
Max AQI recorded
236
PM2.5 days
127
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Star, DE?

North Star has a cost index of 186 (100 = national average). It is 86% above the national average.

What is the average home price in North Star?

The median home value in North Star is $566,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Star?

The median household income in North Star is $167,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Star, DE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Star is 0.0%. The Delaware state income tax top rate is 6.6%.

Is North Star, DE affordable?

North Star is above average in cost of living, with an index of 186 — about 86% higher than the national average.