WILMINGTON, Del. — Delaware’s job market continues to show strength, according to the state’s newly released Annual Economic Report from the Department of Labor. The report, which is free to the public and available online, provides a comprehensive look at employment trends, wages, and labor force participation across the state.
Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie said the report offers valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, researchers, and residents alike. “This year’s report highlights Delaware’s strong job growth and an annual unemployment rate that ticked lower than the national rate,” Moultrie said.
For the first time since 2020, Delaware’s annual unemployment rate stood at 3.7 percent, below the national rate of 4.0 percent. Job growth was seen across major cities, including Wilmington, Newark, and Dover, while all three counties posted gains compared with the previous year. New Castle County added roughly 2,000 jobs, Kent County grew by about 600, and Sussex County saw an increase of 2,500 positions.
The report also noted that Delaware welcomed more new residents from Pennsylvania than from any other state. The Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing sector remained the largest contributor to the state’s economy, accounting for more than 40 percent of Delaware’s total GDP. Despite these gains, the report highlighted a decline in the state’s labor force participation rate, which fell to 59.6 percent—the lowest level since records began in 1976. The Annual Economic Report provides a detailed snapshot of Delaware’s workforce and economic trends, offering guidance for those looking to make informed decisions about living, working, or investing in the first state.
You can view the report at lmi.delaware.gov
