Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Foreign-born share
1900–2023Share of residents born outside the U.S.
Foreign-Born Population
Roughly 111,000 Delaware residents, or 10.7% of the population, were born outside the United States, a share that has grown steadily over the past decade.
Foreign-born residents
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of total population, B05002 (2020 not released).
Foreign-born population
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-born share (%) | 10.7 | 13.9 |
- •Delaware's foreign-born population has grown alongside its overall 1.0% annual population growth rate.
Countries of Origin
Mexico, India, and Guatemala are the leading countries of origin for Delaware's foreign-born residents, reflecting both agricultural and professional-sector migration.
Foreign-born residents who are naturalized citizens
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-born population (k) | 111 | 140 |
- •Indian-born residents in Delaware are concentrated near the state's financial and biotech employers in New Castle County.
Migration Flows
Combined domestic and international migration into Delaware totals roughly 7,000 net new residents annually, a key driver of the state's population growth.
Total net migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, international plus domestic net migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Net migration total | 7000 | 3200 |
- •Delaware's population grew about 1.0% in the past year, driven largely by migration rather than natural increase.
International Migration
Delaware gains a modest but steady flow of international migrants each year, contributing to its 1.0% annual population growth rate alongside domestic in-migration.
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
- •International migration is one of several factors behind Delaware's steady 1.0% annual population growth.
Domestic Migration
Delaware has experienced positive net domestic migration in recent years, as residents relocate from higher-cost neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Net domestic migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net domestic migration to/from other states, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
- •No state sales tax and low property taxes make Delaware attractive to retirees relocating from nearby states.