October 2026
By Virginia Roach Yukins
For anyone who lives in Sussex County, it is no secret that we are experiencing an unprecedented population explosion. Sussex County has witnessed a 43% population increase in the past 16 years. Significantly, the rate of population growth is increasing, with a 16% growth rate between 2020 and 2025. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 277,100 residents in Sussex County in 2025, 26.1% of the population of Delaware.
When this story goes onto the landing page, insert Chart #1 with headline “About 277,100 people…” around here. ALSO, the charts will have to be made smaller. Make sure that the colors of the dots are bright and strong. When I see them on the page, they don’t look very bright, but it could be my computer screen. They may need some adjusting.
Overall, population shifts are caused by changes in birth rates, death rates, or changes in migration. In our case, the dramatic rise in population is due to migration. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, our in-migration has had two main drivers: a post-pandemic wave of remote workers and an influx of retirees. Of these two drivers, retirees make up the overwhelming majority. Sussex County is an aging population. Using U.S. Census Bureau data, USAFACTS reported more than 30% percent of Sussex County residents are 65 and over. This figure is about 10% higher than the 65 and over population in the State of Delaware overall, and approximately twice as high as the total U.S. population over 65.
In contrast, the population of Sussex County that is 44 and younger is significantly less than that in the state and country overall. Indeed, the birth cohort of children and youth under 18 is less than half of the population 65 and over.
While the population in Sussex County may be “retirement-heavy,” it certainly is vibrant with new residents ready to start a new chapter. It is incumbent upon Sussex Democrats to actively engage with the new arrivals in the important work of the Democratic Party.
It is our responsibility to reach out to our new neighbors and help them navigate the nuances of political citizenship in Delaware. First and foremost is directing new Delawareans to https://ivote.de.gov. This easy-to-use website allows residents to register to vote and designate or change party affiliation online. As has been reported in this newsletter, our newest neighbors may not realize if they were registered as AVR—no party—voters if they registered to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Democrats should be ready to explain that system (now being phased out) and help new voters designate a party affiliation.
Further, it is incumbent upon the Democrats in Sussex County to explain the Democratic Party system in Delaware from the Representative District (RD), through the region and county-level committees, and up to the statewide Democratic Party.
Next, invite your new neighbors to Democratic Party events in your area. Monthly RD meetings, candidate “meet and greets,” and rallies are great ways to learn more about the Party, meet new friends, and welcome newcomers to the community. These purposeful, social gatherings are a great way to help new neighbors determine how they would like to be involved in the future while broadening their social circle and creating community.
As you get to know your new neighbors, find out what brought them to Delaware, what they like about the community, and what special talents or interests they have. Often, skills employed in a former career are readily translated into political advocacy. Our new neighbors bring talents in leadership, design, public speaking, group dynamics, writing, research, entertainment, organizing, and planning – all skills easily translated to the political arena.
Most of all, convey that being a Democrat is to believe in the power of the people to make our communities livable, harmonious, safe, inclusive, and creative. That as Democrats, we are the party of inclusion and finding creative solutions to the problems of today and the potential of tomorrow.
Retirees who move to Delaware are ready to start a new chapter. It is incumbent on Sussex County Democrats to befriend and engage our new neighbors in the important work we do that makes Delaware, and Sussex County, such an inviting retirement spot.
Virginia Roach Yukins is the current secretary of RD 14. She began her career as a special education teacher, worked in state and federal education policy, was a professor of educational administration and policy, and dean of two graduate schools of education before moving to Delaware full time.