Living in Millsboro DE 🏘 | What to Know Before Moving to Millsboro

Living in Millsboro DE is perfect for families, retirees, and singles alike! The Nanticoke and Lenape peoples lived in the Millsboro area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the early 1600s. English settlers formed a small community to cut lumber, eventually starting a few mills in the area. A township formed in the 1700s and expanded further after residents moving to Millsboro built a mill in 1792.

The state government incorporated Millsboro as a town in 1893. Millsboro got its name from the lumber mills that used to dominate the town's economy. During the 20th century, Millsboro became a center for the holly wreath industry. Is Millsboro DE a good place to live? Yes, it's a very nice place to live, with a quaint residential atmosphere and modern amenities. It's best known for its relaxed way of life and top attractions, including great beaches and restaurants.

Moving to Millsboro may be the next thing you want to do. But before you start looking for a new home, you should learn more about living in Millsboro DE. Here's what to know about this great community.

Where Is Millsboro Delaware?

Where is Millsboro Delaware, and what county is Millsboro DE in? Millsboro is in Sussex County, inside the Salisbury, Maryland metropolitan area. Millsboro borders Dagsboro, Phillips Hill, and Oak Orchard. It is not a suburb of any major city, though it is 9.0 miles from Georgetown to Millsboro. Millsboro borders Millsboro Pond and contains a few small parks and green areas, but it's mostly developed with subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, and commercial sectors.

DART First State provides public transportation services for residents living in Millsboro DE. DART Connect is an on-demand, rideshare-like bus service for rides within Millsboro and select destinations outside the town, including Mountaire. Route 215 is a regular bus route that ends in Millsboro and runs to Rehoboth Beach, Long Neck, and Massey's Landing. 

Many people living in Millsboro DE use public transportation, though you can also drive. US Route 113 runs through the center of Millsboro and connects the community to Delaware beach towns and the Maryland Eastern Shore.

Millsboro DE Population and Demographics

According to the US Census, the Millsboro DE population in 2020 was 6,863, up by 77% since 2010. Millsboro is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, with its population growth outpacing larger cities like Wilmington and Dover. The Millsboro population density is 1,343.1 people living in Millsboro DE per square mile, more than five times higher than the Sussex County density.

Notable people living in Millsboro DE include Huck Betts, John J. Williams, and Lulu Johnson. Notable Millsboro DE demographics include:

• 56.3% female, 43.7% male
• Median age of people living in Millsboro DE: 41.4
• Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Millsboro DE: 64.8% White (64.8% non-Hispanic), 16.9% Black or African American, 10.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% two or more races, 1.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% Asian
• Median household income of people living in Millsboro DE: $77,750 (6.2% lower than the Delaware median)
• Educational attainment of residents living in Millsboro DE: 92.4% of residents older than 25 living in Millsboro DE have graduated high school, 36.7% have a bachelor's degree
• Foreign-born population of people living in Millsboro DE: 9.6%

Millsboro is one of the youngest communities in Sussex County, with a median age just below the state average. 24.7% of residents living in Millsboro DE are under the age of 18. 25.5% of residents living in Millsboro DE are over the age of 65, so moving to Millsboro is popular among seniors. Many people living in Millsboro DE consider Millsboro to be one of the best places to retire in Delaware.

Here are the latest crime rates for living in Millsboro DE from the FBI in 2022:

• Overall Millsboro crime rate: 2,816 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Millsboro DE (19.9% higher than the Delaware crime rate, 21.2% higher than the national average)
• Violent Millsboro crime rate: 379 crimes per 100,000 people living in Millsboro DE (1.2% lower than the state rate, 2.5% higher than the national average)
• Property Millsboro crime rate: 2,437 offenses per 100,000 people living in Millsboro DE (24.1% higher than the Delaware rate, 24.7% higher than the national rate)

Millsboro has higher crime rates than the state and national averages. However, very few people living in Millsboro DE experience crime. Crime is common among businesses, not residents living in Millsboro DE. If you follow basic crime precautions like storing valuables out of sight, you can avoid experiencing crime while living in Millsboro DE, and enjoy a safe life. The Millsboro Police Department employs 18 police officers who respond to all emergencies in Millsboro communities.

Cost of Living in Millsboro

Millsboro cost of living statistics are not publicly available, so you can use Sussex County Delaware cost of living figures to make a rough estimate. Sussex County has a cost of living index of 102.1, meaning items in the county cost 2.1% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Sussex County needs to earn $103,213 a year to cover the cost of living. 

Millsboro can be an affordable place to live if you are moving to Millsboro without children. Child care costs $1,234 a month and $14,808 a year. Transportation is the highest expense at $1,608 a month and $19,296 a year, so you should consider walking and using public transportation to get around.

Millsboro DE real estate is relatively affordable. According to Redfin, homes for sale Millsboro DE have a median sales price of $349,000, with a median price of $185. There are only a few apartments for rent in Millsboro DE for rent, so average prices are hard to find. One-bedroom apartments for rent in Millsboro DE can cost between $1,604 and $2,999 a month, while two-bedroom apartments in Millsboro can cost between $1,736 and $3,823 a month. For buyers exploring coastal and golf community properties in nearby areas, working with experienced professionals like NV Realty Group can also provide valuable insight into the broader Delaware and coastal real estate market.

Typical Millsboro* Living Expenses

• 1 pound of white rice: $2.50
• 1 pound of bananas: $0.53
• 1 pound of onions: $1.23
• 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.59
• Average Millsboro* utilities per month: $111.15
• 1 pair of jeans: $25.00

Source: Numbeo

*Expenses actually for Salisbury, Maryland

Millsboro Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Millsboro

Millsboro has a few neighborhoods and communities where you can find great Millsboro homes for sale. Here are the best places to live in Millsboro and buy Millsboro DE real estate.

Independence | Top 55+ Community in Millsboro With Great Amenities

Independence is a 55+ community conveniently located close to all the beaches near Millsboro. It supports older people living in Millsboro DE and looking for an active lifestyle. You can enjoy an on-site 24,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, and other amenities. Independence offers relatively affordable homes for sale, especially if you're moving to Millsboro with a small number of items. Two-bedroom homes for sale in Independence Millsboro DE with 2,000 square feet and amenities like an indoor mudroom cost less than $500,000.

Plantation Lakes | Best Millsboro Neighborhood for Golfers

Plantation Lakes is a master-planned community surrounding Plantation Lakes Golf Course. You can buy a home right on the edge of the course with scenic views of the greens, bunkers, and water obstacles. If you buy a home with Lennar Homes, you can receive a free membership to the golf course. Homes for sale in Plantation Lakes Millsboro DE are cheaper than homes in other parts of Millsboro. You can buy a move-in-ready two-bedroom home covering 1,800 square feet for $300,000.

Millsboro DE Weather and Climate

Millsboro has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cold and partly cloudy winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 77 degrees and an average high of 85. Temperatures peak in late July and decline gradually through the rest of the summer. The temperatures steadily decline in fall, with January being the coldest month of Millsboro DE weather. January has an average temperature of 36 degrees and an average low of 29.

Millsboro is rainy throughout the year. The community receives a yearly total of 38.3 inches of rain, with each month having at least 2.7 inches of rain. Each month has at least seven days of precipitation, with July having 11 rainy days. The community also receives 8.2 inches of snow during the winter. Millsboro does not experience extreme weather on a regular basis.

October is the best month of the year for Millsboro weather. October is the sunniest month of the year, with 63% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. The average temperature is 59 degrees, so you can stay comfortable in a light jacket and a long-sleeved shirt.

Things to Do in Millsboro DE

Millsboro is full of unique, cool, and kid-friendly things to do, including shopping. Peninsula Crossing is the top shopping center in Millsboro, containing a Lowe's Home Improvement store, a PetSmart store, and a BJ's Tire Center. You can go grocery shopping at Food Lion and Giant Food, both of which supply affordable groceries and household goods.

Baywood Greens

Golf Digest has consistently ranked Baywood Greens in the top five golf courses in Delaware. Baywood Greens has nine waterside holes with acres of manmade ponds and nine woodside holes in patches of hardwoods and wildflowers. Beginners can receive golf instructions from PGA staffers and practice on the Baywood Green Driving Range.

32267 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE, 19966

Plantation Lakes Golf

Golfweek named Plantation Lakes Golf the best public-access golf course in Delaware. Plantation Lakes Golf offers an 18-hole golf course with water obstacles, sand bunkers, and well-manicured greens.

20301 Charlotte Boulevard, Millsboro, DE, 19966, 302-933-8072

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery

The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery is the official veterans cemetery for veterans living in Sussex County. You can visit and pay respects to veterans who served during both World Wars, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.

26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE, 19966, 302-934-5653

Additional Things to Do in Millsboro DE

• Nanticoke Indian Museum
• Millsboro Dog Park
• Cupola Park

The Millsboro Parks and Recreation Department maintains public parks in Millsboro and plans special events throughout the area. You can use the Millsboro events calendar to see when these events will occur.

Restaurants in Millsboro DE

Delaware is well known for its fresh seafood, kid-friendly restaurants, and unique dishes like scrapple. You can find these treats and other fun experiences from Millsboro restaurants.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is a romantic and classy Italian restaurant with chicken, fish, and veal dishes with fresh ingredients. It's one of the best restaurants in Millsboro DE for dining dates and nights out with friends.

32369 Long Neck Road #14, Millsboro, DE, 19966, 302-945-5008

Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers is the top fast-food restaurant in Millsboro. Wayback Burgers serves freshly made burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and other classic dishes. You can also enjoy a range of seasonal specials, including wraps.

28606 DuPont Boulevard, Millsboro, DE, 19966, 302-934-8303

Country Kitchen

Country Kitchen is a family-friendly diner that serves sandwiches, all-day breakfast, and broiled and fried seafood. Most dishes cost less than $15, making Country Kitchen one of the most affordable restaurants in Millsboro.

28521 DuPont Boulevard, Millsboro, DE, 19966, 302-934-0263

Jobs in Millsboro DE

3,162 people have jobs in Millsboro DE, up by 75.1% since 2013, so you can find a great job opportunity after moving to Millsboro. Health care, educational services, and administrative support are the three biggest job sectors in Millsboro, accounting for a combined total of 51.6% of jobs in Millsboro DE. Healthcare jobs have median earnings of over $180,000 a year.

According to CareerOneStop, the three largest employers in Millsboro are Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Allen Harim Foods, and Merck Animal Health. According to Payscale, the average salary in Millsboro is $63,000 a year, and the average hourly rate is $17.08. You can use Indeed to find Millsboro DE jobs and apply for Town of Millsboro jobs on the town government's website.

Millsboro Schools

Indian River School District serves all students living in Millsboro DE. You can use the Delaware Department of Education school finder tool to see which schools your students will attend. US News ranks East Millsboro Elementary School as the top elementary school in Millsboro and in the top 50 elementary schools in Delaware. Millsboro Middle School is the only middle school in Millsboro.

The school district contains two high schools, both of which US News ranks in the top 30 high schools in Delaware. Indian River High School is well known for its state championship football team and its award-winning drill and rifle teams.

Millsboro is not home to any notable private schools or colleges. The Millsboro Public Library is open to all residents living in Millsboro DE.

Millsboro Statistics and Information

• Millsboro county: Sussex County
• Millsboro area: 5.43 square miles
• Millsboro zip code: 19966
• Millsboro area code: 302
• Millsboro elevation: 23 feet
• Millsboro time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
• Closest airport to Millsboro: Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY), 24.4 miles from Millsboro

Millsboro DE Map

You can find the best things to do in Millsboro, top Millsboro restaurants, and other amenities with this Millsboro DE map!

Start Living in Millsboro DE

Living in Millsboro DE is perfect, whether you're looking for a job, looking to retire, or looking to raise a family! The community has friendly neighbors, top restaurants, and fun and cool things to do. Moving to Millsboro isn't as difficult as it may seem. First-Rate Movers has a team of top Millsboro movers, with a 96% customer referral rate. Call (302) 448-2372 for a free estimate now.