Study: Kent, Sussex counties experience one percent homeownership growth over four years

DOVER — Using data from the University of Wisconsin’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, debt service provider TurboDebt examined homeownership rates in the first state, and determined Kent and Sussex counties both had a one percent bump in population, while New Castle County remained flat.

According to the study, Delaware has added more than 25,000 new homeowners in the last four years. It said Hawaii added the most, with more than 32,000 representing a four-percent increase; and only Washington D.C. experienced a decrease in home ownership.

The study said the decrease is because of the price of real estate and a high cost of living.

“While it's encouraging to see significant increases in homeownership rates driven by economic recovery and state initiatives in many counties, it's equally important to address the challenges faced by regions experiencing declines,” Josh Stomel, co-founder of TurboDebt said in a release. “The high cost of living in urban areas underscores the need for continued efforts to make homeownership more accessible.”