Delmar, Delaware Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 10, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Delmar, Delaware is a small town located in the Eastern Shore region of the state. It is situated between the Nanticoke River and the Chesapeake Bay. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, mild winters, and plentiful rainfall throughout the year. The history of Delmar dates back to 1859 when it was founded as a railroad town. Over the years, it has become a vibrant community with strong ties to its agricultural past.

The politics of Delmar are largely conservative, with Republican candidates often favored by local voters. The economy of Delmar is largely driven by agriculture, with many farms in the area producing corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and other crops for sale locally and nationally. In addition to agriculture-based businesses, there are also several small businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Delmar has an excellent school system that includes four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school – all part of the Indian River School District. These schools have been recognized for their high academic standards and rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college-level work.

There are several landmarks in Delmar that draw visitors from near and far alike. These include historic buildings such as Old Delmar Schoolhouse (1871) and St Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1871), both listed on the National Register of Historic Places; plus scenic parks like Trap Pond State Park which features a picturesque swamp forest; plus museums like The Nanticoke Indian Museum which celebrates Native American culture; plus plenty more attractions to explore!

Population: 1,407. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,483 (+5.4% change)
Males: 620 (44.1%), Females: 787 (55.9%)

Sussex County

Zip code: 19940

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.3 years
Median household income: $26,818
Median house value: $78,600

Population by Race

Races in Delmar:

White Non-Hispanic (73.6%)
Black (20.8%)
Hispanic (2.1%)
Two or more races (2.0%)
Chinese (0.9%)
Other race (0.7%)
American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: English (13.9%), Irish (13.0%), United States (12.9%), German (10.4%), Polish (2.1%), French (1.4%).

Elevation: 55 feet

Land area: 0.9 square miles

Map of Delmar, DE

Population by Education

As of the 2010 census, Delmar, Delaware had a population of 1,597. The racial makeup of the town was 83.7% White, 8.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.4% Asian, and 4.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3%.

The median income for a household in Delmar was $34,832 and the median income for a family was $42,917 according to the census of 2000. About 16.2% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line including 22.0% under 18 and 10.1% over 65 years old living in poverty at that time as well. The estimated per capita income for Delmar was $15,818 in 2009; this showed an increase from 2000 when it was $13,574 per capita income at that time according to census records from 2000 to 2009.

Delmar is home to several small businesses including two grocery stores: Royal Farms and Food Lion; two gas stations; one pharmacy; three banks; three auto repair shops; one hardware store; two restaurants; several antique shops and boutiques; one florist shop; one pizza parlor; one barber shop; two beauty salons; a dentist office; an urgent care facility and several other small businesses located in town as well as surrounding areas nearby within 5 miles or less radius from town center.

For population 25 years and over in Delmar

High school or higher: 68.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.1%
Graduate or professional degree: 5.6%
Unemployed: 3.0%
Mean travel time to work: 22.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Delmar town

Never married: 23.5%
Now married: 47.0%
Separated: 3.5%
Widowed: 16.4%
Divorced: 9.5%

2.8% Foreign born (1.6% Latin America, 0.9% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +115 (+8.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Delmar:

DEER’S HEAD CENTER (about 7 miles; SALISBURY, MD)
HEALTHSOUTH CHESAPEAKE REHAB HOSPITAL (about 7 miles; SALISBURY, MD)
PENINSULA GENL HOSP (about 7 miles; SALISBURY, MD)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Delmar:

SALISBURY-OCEAN CITY WICOMICO REGIONAL (about 10 miles; SALISBURY, MD; Abbreviation: SBY)
DOVER AFB (about 46 miles; DOVER, DE; Abbreviation: DOV)
NEW CASTLE COUNTY (about 84 miles; WILMINGTON, DE; Abbreviation: ILG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Delmar:

BENNETT (about 5 miles; SALISBURY, MD; Abbreviation: 1N5)
LAUREL (about 6 miles; LAUREL, DE; Abbreviation: N06)
SUSSEX COUNTY (about 22 miles; GEORGETOWN, DE; Abbreviation: GED)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Delmar:

SALISBURY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 7 miles; SALISBURY, MD; Full-time enrollment: 5,645)
DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE-OWENS (about 20 miles; GEORGETOWN, DE; Full-time enrollment: 2,053)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND-EASTERN SHORE (about 20 miles; PRINCESS ANNE, MD; Full-time enrollment: 2,940)
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 49 miles; Dover, DE; Full-time enrollment: 2,641)
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (about 73 miles; ANNAPOLIS, MD; Full-time enrollment: 4,172)
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 76 miles; ARNOLD, MD; Full-time enrollment: 6,467)
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (about 76 miles; NEWARK, DE; Full-time enrollment: 17,786)

Schools

Public high school in Delmar:

DELMAR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 565; Location: 200 NORTH EIGHTH STREET; Grades: 08 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Delmar:

DELMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 501; Location: 200 NORTH EIGHTH STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)

Private primary/middle school in Delmar:

PINE SHORE MENNONITE SCHOOL (Students: 7; Location: ROUTE 1 BOX 426 A; Grades: 1 – 9)

Libraries

Library in Delmar:

DELMAR PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $151,091; Location: 101 NORTH BI-STATE BLVD; 20,048 books; 674 audio materials; 1,311 video materials; 67 serial subscriptions)