About Sussex County
Sussex County is the southernmost of Delaware's three counties, including approximately 938 square miles along the Atlantic coast and Delaware Bay. Established in 1683, Sussex County is the largest Delaware county by area and is the state's agricultural heartland while also being home to Delaware's coastal resort communities. Sussex County Seat is Georgetown, a centrally located town founded in 1791 and deliberately positioned to be equidistant from all parts of Sussex County.
As of recent estimates, Sussex County has a population exceeding 245,000 residents, making it Delaware's second-most populous county with rapid growth driven by retirees and beach tourism. Major landmarks include the resort towns of Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island, which attract millions of visitors annually. Sussex County is also home to Cape Henlopen State Park, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and extensive agricultural lands producing poultry, soybeans, and corn.
Sussex Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office, located at 2 The Circle in Georgetown, maintains land records dating back centuries. Sussex County Clerk of the Peace, also at 2 The Circle, handles various court filings and vital records. Sussex County Assessment Office at 22 The Circle manages property assessments and tax records.
What makes Sussex County unique is its blend of agricultural heritage, beach resort economy, and traditional Delaware culture, with annual events like the Return Day political reconciliation ceremony held in Georgetown every two years after elections, a tradition dating to 1792.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Sussex County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Sussex County. The office does not operate Sussex County jail but is involved in processing arrests and serving legal documents. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and partnerships with local organizations to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
Sussex County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Sussex County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Georgetown Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, and Seaford Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and working collaboratively on major investigations.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Sussex County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 6 The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware 19947, is the primary law enforcement arm of Sussex County government.
- Requests for arrest records should be directed to the arresting agency or the Delaware State Police Criminal History Unit.
- Processing times for FOIA requests typically range from 15-30 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
To look up inmates in Sussex County facilities, the Delaware Department of Correction maintains an online offender locator at doc.delaware.gov that includes inmates at Sussex County Correctional Institution located at 20653 Blue Church Road in Georgetown. Municipal police departments serving Sussex County include the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Dewey Beach Police Department, Lewes Police Department, Bethany Beach Police Department, Fenwick Island Police Department, Millsboro Police Department, Seaford Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Milton Police Department, Selbyville Police Department, and Bridgeville Police Department. The Delaware State Police also maintains several troops covering Sussex County areas.
Arrest records in Sussex County are public under Delaware's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 29 Del. C. § 10001 et seq.
Some municipal departments post recent arrests on their social media pages or websites.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Sussex County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Delaware State Police, which provides full criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sussex County are maintained by Sussex County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records are part of the public record and can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications. Arrest records typically include details such as the individual's name, charges, arresting agency, and date of arrest. Under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to access public records, including arrest records, subject to certain exemptions.
- Requests for arrest records can be made in person or through written communication with the relevant law enforcement agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Sussex Correctional Institution, located in Georgetown, is the primary detention facility for Sussex County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Sussex County, where detainees are processed and held pending trial or release. Inmate lookup services are available through the Delaware Department of Correction's online portal, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling, with guidelines available on the institution's website.
- The bond and bail process in Delaware allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recent arrests can be accessed through the correctional facility's resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sussex County are taken and retained by the arresting agency, typically the local police department or Sussex County Sheriff's Office. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the respective law enforcement agency's records division. While some mugshots may be available online through third-party websites, official requests for mugshots should be directed to the agency that conducted the arrest.
Courts & Case Records
Sussex County is served by the Delaware Superior Court, which sits at Sussex County Courthouse located at 1 The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware 19947 The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil cases with amounts exceeding $50,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Delaware Court of Chancery, which handles business disputes and equity matters, also has sessions in Georgetown.
- The Register in Chancery office at the Georgetown courthouse maintains probate records and estate filings.
- The Delaware State Courts website at courts.delaware.gov provides case search capabilities through the eCourts portal for civil and criminal cases, though some records require in-person requests.
- Superior Court filing fees typically start at $150 for civil cases, while Justice of the Peace small claims filing fees range from $25 to $100 depending on claim amount.
- Certified copies of court documents cost approximately $2 per page plus certification fees.
The Delaware Family Court maintains a Sussex County location at 25 The Circle in Georgetown, handling divorce, custody, child support, and juvenile matters, reachable for The Justice of the Peace Courts in Sussex County, with locations throughout Sussex County including Georgetown (Court 7), Lewes (Court 3), Seaford (Court 4), and Millsboro (Court 6), handle misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $25,000, and landlord-tenant disputes. Delaware court records are governed by Delaware Supreme Court Rules and the Freedom of Information Act. Public access computers are available at the Georgetown courthouse for those conducting in-person research.
Property & Public Records
Sussex Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 2 The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware 19947, phone, maintains full land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, releases, and subdivision plats dating back to Sussex County's founding. The Recorder's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Sussex County provides a free online property search through its website at sussexcountyde.gov under the Recorder of Deeds section, allowing users to search by name, instrument number, or parcel number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for document requests.
- The online parcel viewer at sussexcountyde.gov/gis provides aerial imagery, zoning information, flood zones, and ownership data.
- Recording fees for new documents are $50 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
Documents can be viewed and printed for no charge, though unofficial copies are acceptable for most purposes. Property tax records are maintained by Sussex County Assessment Office at 22 The Circle, Georgetown The Assessment Office website offers a GIS mapping system and property card search where users can look up property assessments, tax bills, ownership information, sales history, and parcel boundaries.
Tax records include current and delinquent tax information. The Recorder of Deeds office also maintains UCC financing statements, federal tax liens, and various other instruments affecting real property. All land records are public under Delaware law with limited exceptions for certain confidential addresses under victim protection programs.
Vital Records
Vital records for Sussex County, Delaware residents are maintained by both the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics and Sussex County Clerk of the Peace. Birth certificates for births occurring in Sussex County can be obtained through the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (Division of Public Health) at Jesse Cooper Building, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com with additional service fees and expedited shipping options.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and ordering process through the State Office of Vital Statistics.
- To obtain a birth or death certificate, requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative).
- Marriage licenses cost $50, require both parties to appear in person with valid identification, and have no waiting period or blood test requirement.
Birth certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, with processing times of approximately 2-3 weeks for mail requests or immediate issuance for walk-in requests in Dover. Marriage licenses in Delaware are issued by the Clerk of the Peace offices, and Sussex County couples should visit Sussex County Clerk of the Peace at 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 The license is valid for 30 days from issuance.
Divorce records are maintained by the Delaware Family Court at 25 The Circle in Georgetown for Sussex County divorces. Delaware vital records law is codified at 16 Del. C.
§ 3101 et seq, which establishes confidentiality protections and eligibility requirements for accessing vital records. Genealogical researchers may access older records through the Delaware Public Archives in Dover.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Sussex County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For state-level business entity formation and registration, the Delaware Division of Corporations (part of the Secretary of State) maintains full business records accessible at corp.delaware.gov. This searchable database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Delaware, including those operating in Sussex County.
- Business entity searches are free and provide entity name, file number, incorporation date, registered agent, and status.
- Sussex County Clerk of the Peace at 2 The Circle, Georgetown, processes trade name registrations (DBAs) and fictitious business names for Sussex County businesses, with fees typically around $25-50.
- Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, located in Georgetown with a website at sussexcountychamber.org, provides business resources and networking opportunities for county businesses.
These records are public and can be searched in person at the Clerk's office. Local business licenses are required by many Sussex County municipalities, and license requirements vary by town. The Town of Georgetown, for example, requires business licenses obtained through Town Hall at 9 North Bedford Street.
Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Seaford, and other municipalities maintain separate business licensing systems through their respective town offices. Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) are issued by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, searchable at dpr.delaware.gov. Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Sussex County are handled by Sussex County Planning and Zoning Department at 2 The Circle, Georgetown
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Sussex County, Delaware are administered by Sussex County Department of Elections, located at 119 North Race Street in Georgetown, Delaware 19947. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at sussexcountyde.gov/department-elections. Voter registration in Sussex County can be completed online through the Delaware State Election Commissioner's website at ivote.de.gov, which provides online registration, voter record updates, and sample ballot viewing. Delaware residents must register at least 24 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Voters can also register in person at Sussex County Department of Elections, any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office, or by submitting a paper application.
- Absentee voting in Delaware is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- To request an absentee ballot for Sussex County, voters should complete the application available at ivote.de.gov or contact the Department of Elections.
Delaware participates in same-day registration during the early voting period. To find your polling place in Sussex County, voters can use the polling place locator at ivote.de.gov by entering their address, or contact the Department of Elections. Sussex County has over 100 polling locations across its municipalities and election districts.
Public election records in Delaware include voter registration lists (available for purchase by campaigns and political parties under 15 Del. C. § 2050), campaign finance reports filed with the Delaware Commissioner of Political Practices (available at cpac.delaware.gov), candidate filing information, and certified election results by precinct.
In the November 2024 general election, Sussex County voter turnout was approximately 71%, reflecting high engagement in the presidential election and representing Sussex County's typically strong turnout compared to the state average. Sussex County traditionally leans Republican compared to New Castle and Kent Counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Delaware's at-large seat, statewide offices including Governor (if scheduled), Delaware General Assembly seats, and local offices. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, or voters may apply in person through the day before the election. Delaware also offers early voting at designated locations beginning 10 days before Election Day.
Election transparency in Sussex County is governed by Delaware's Freedom of Information Act and election statutes at Title 15 of the Delaware Code, which provide for public observation of polling places, access to election results, and the ability to request election related records including ballot reconciliation reports and voter history.
Economy & Demographics
Sussex County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, tourism, retail, healthcare, and food processing industries, with significant growth in recent decades. Agriculture remains Sussex County's largest land use and a major economic driver, with poultry production being the dominant agricultural sector, Sussex County is one of the nation's leading poultry-producing counties, home to major processing facilities operated by Mountaire Farms, Perdue Farms, and Allen Harim Foods, which collectively employ thousands of workers.
- Median household income in Sussex County is estimated at approximately $63,000, somewhat below the Delaware state median.
Sussex County produces over 250 million broiler chickens annually, along with significant corn and soybean crops supporting the poultry industry. Tourism constitutes another pillar of the economy, with Delaware's beach resort towns generating hundreds of millions in economic activity annually from visitors to Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Lewes. The Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach represent a major retail destination attracting year-round shoppers.
Major employers beyond agriculture and food processing include Beebe Healthcare (Sussex County's largest hospital system with facilities in Lewes and Millsboro), Indian River School District, and numerous hospitality sector businesses. The manufacturing sector includes companies like Biotherm Americas (cosmetics) and Zip Pak (packaging). Sussex County has experienced significant residential construction driven by retirees relocating from the Northeast, creating growth in construction, real estate, and related services.
Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying beyond traditional sectors, with Sussex County supporting business park development and infrastructure improvements. Unemployment in Sussex County typically tracks slightly above the Delaware state average due to seasonal tourism employment patterns. Sussex County also benefits from no sales tax due to Delaware's tax structure, attracting retail shoppers from neighboring Maryland and Virginia.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (eCourts portal) | Property: Yes: Free Search (Recorder & GIS) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Online (FOIA required) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online (Voter tools & results) | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Sussex County provides strong digital access to property and court records, with excellent GIS mapping and state business databases, though arrest records and vital records require more direct agency contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Sussex County
Explore public records for 25 cities and communities in Sussex County, Delaware.