At a glance: Delaware Delaware is the 45th most populous state in the U.S., with 1,051,917 residents across its 2,489 square miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The state ranked No. 34 for business in 2024 by CNBC. Delaware is known for its business-friendly environment. It has been the premier state of formation for business entities since the early 1900s. The state’s economy is supported by thriving industries including agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, finance, and mining. Energy Delaware ranks No. 50 among states for most energy production, with its leading production sources being wood and waste and noncombustible renewables, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Delaware ranks No. 29 for most energy consumption. The leading energy sources consumed by Delaware residents is natural gas, motor gasoline and petroleum. Delaware residents’ residential electricity rate is $0.179/kWh, more expensive than the national average. Commercial electricity rate is cheaper; Delaware commercial users pay a rate of $0.1183/kWh, compared to the national average commercial rate of $0.1259/kWh. Industrial users pay $0.0785/kWh, below the national average industrial electricity rate of $0.0804/kWh. Delaware’s residential natural gas price is $17.69 per thousand cubic feet, above the national average of $14.75, according to the most recently available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Environment Annual carbon emissions decreased 21 percent since 1970, while the state’s population increased 85.7 percent during the same span. The population is projected to increase another 6 percent, to 1.15 million residents, by 2050. The federal government lists 15 species in Delaware as threatened or endangered.
