Unemployment is Up in Delaware, Sussex County Shows Strong Job Growth

Unemployment in Delaware is higher – an increase from 4.5% in September to 4.9% in November (the October Labor Review is not available from the Delaware Department of Labor). The national unemployment rate also increased from 4.4% in September to 4.6% in November. In Sussex County unemployment increased from 4.6% in September to 5.4% in November – in November of 2024 unemployment in Sussex County was at 3.1%.

Job growth in Delaware is driven by the Private Education and Health Services sector which saw an over-the-year job change from November 2024 to November 2025 adding 2500 jobs – about 75% of the state’s total non-farm growth. Sussex County led the statewide growth – adding about 2000 jobs in Private Education and Health Services, Professional and Business Services and Trade, Transportation and Utilities sectors. Employment in Kent County was largely flat after seeing similar gains, but losses in several other sectors.

Click here for the full November Delaware Labor Review