Blades, DE
Population 1,055 · Delaware
About Blades, DE
Blades is a small town located in Delaware with a population of 1,055 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,596 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Blades features a median home value of $209,600, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Blades in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 422 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (302 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (61 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blades shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Blades have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.8% of Blades residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Blades Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Blades, DE
Compared to national averages, Blades has a median household income of $62,596 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $209,600, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Blades's income is 27% below the state average of $85,962, and home values are 46% below the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Blades, DE?
Blades offers affordable housing with a median home value of $209,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,596) that falls below the national average. However, Blades’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blades has a population of 1,055 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Blades with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Blades
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felton | 1,129 | $62,000 | $276,800 | Compare |
| Frederica | 972 | $70,288 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Bethany Beach | 923 | $105,833 | $648,500 | Compare |
| Newport | 1,209 | $59,833 | $230,900 | Compare |
| Frankford | 883 | $74,583 | $277,800 | Compare |
| Rodney Village | 1,318 | $40,341 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Dagsboro | 1,350 | $64,250 | $285,000 | Compare |
| Rehoboth Beach | 1,388 | $141,250 | $1,238,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Blades With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blades
What is the population of Blades, DE?
The population of Blades, DE is 1,055 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Blades?
The median household income in Blades, DE is $62,596 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blades?
The median home value in Blades, DE is $209,600, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Blades?
The median monthly rent in Blades, DE is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blades?
The unemployment rate in Blades, DE is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Blades, DE a good place to live?
Blades offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,055 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Blades, DE?
7.8% of residents in Blades aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Blades?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blades, DE: median home value is $209,600 (14% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $62,596. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Blades?
The poverty rate in Blades, DE is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Blades, DE?
Blades's population is 2.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 8.4% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.