Delaware Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location...: Delaware is located on the Atlantic Coast of the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. in the eastern section of the Delmarva Peninsula, between Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay. It is the second smallest state.
Cities: Dover is the state capital and Wilmington is the largest city.
Behind the Name: The state takes its name from Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, a British nobleman and Virginia‘s first colonial governor. Delaware is nicknamed the “First State” -- there is only one First State and Delaware is it.
A Closer Look: In addition to being claimed by Sweden, Holland, and England at points in its history, there are also signs that Egyptian settlers once found their way to Delaware.
Did You Know? How did Delaware get its nickname? One of the original Thirteen Colonies, Delaware has the honor of being the first to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Delaware Careers and Employment:
Population: 873,092 (11.4% increase since 2000) - 51.5% Female, 49.5% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 12th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) retail trade; (2) finance and insurance; (3) health care and social assistance; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.2% to 5.95% and No Sales Tax (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 102.8 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 45th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 33.95; Apr: 53.02; July: 76.45; Oct: 56.95 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 24th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Delaware Economics:
In General: Though small in size and population stature, Delaware has consistently boasted a prosperous economy, benefiting from the large urban markets nearby. The finance, insurance and real estate industry group contributes more to the gross state product than any other group. Growth in the finance and insurance sectors fuel development in real estate. Community, business and personal services (private health care, law firms, hotels, car rental agencies) in addition to the wholesale (automobiles, food products, commercial equipment and supplies) and retail (discount stores, grocery stores, restaurants) trade industry are also important facets of Delaware’s economy.
Service Industry: The service industry holds most of Delaware’s job opportunities, but other strong industries include the wholesale and retail trade (17%), military and government services (14%) and finance, insurance, and real estate industries (39%).
Agriculture: In terms of revenue generated, Delaware’s top five agricultural products are broilers (young chickens), soybeans, corn for grain, greenhouse and nursery products and dairy products.
Manufacturing: Chemicals (drugs, industrial chemicals, plastics and other synthetics) are Delaware’s primary manufactured products. The food processing industry (gelatin, pudding, other prepared desserts, canneries, poultry, baked goods, fish products, soft drinks) ranks second followed by automobile production.
A Closer Look: The history of the state’s economic and industrial development is closely tied to the impact of the Du Pont family, founder of E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company, one of the world’s largest chemical companies.
Did You Know? ‘Got Minerals?’ While magnesium, sand and gravel are its primary minerals, Delaware ranks last of all the states in mineral production.
Delaware Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Delaware, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
