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With a population of roughly 853,000 people, Delaware ranks 45th among the states in population size.
Major First State cities include Wilmington,
Dover, Newark, Milford,
Seaford, Middletown, Elsmere,
Smyrna, New Castle, and Georgetown.
Delaware's economy relies upon both industry and agriculture. Important agricultural commodities
include poultry, hogs, dairy products, soybeans, corn, tomatoes, apples, strawberries, asparagus,
other fruit, barley, wheat, potatoes, peas, and greenhouse and nursery stock.
Delaware's mineral products are limited and include magnesium, sand, and gravel.
By far Delaware's most important manufacturing industry is chemical production, including drugs,
industrial chemicals, plastics, and other synthetics. Other important manufactures include food
products, automobiles, paper products, rubber products, scientific instruments, and printing and
publishing.
Finance, insurance, and real estate comprise the greatest economic contributors in the state. Other
important industries include community, business, and personal services as well as wholesale and
retail trade.
In 2006, Delaware ranked 10th in the U. S. in median household income at $52,833 and ranked 12th in
per capita income (PCPI) at $38,984. The average annual growth rate of PCPI between 1996 and 2006 was
4.2 percent, compared to the average annual growth rate for the nation at 4.2 percent. The First State
boasts a home ownership rate of nearly 76 percent. Its unemployment rate is 3.6 percent. Delaware's
top bracket of personal income tax is 5.95 percent; the state levies no sales tax. Delaware's cost of
living is lower than the national average.
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