When considering buying or renting a home, property tax is an essential factor to consider.

Newark, DE has three school districts: Christina School District, Red Clay Consolidated School District, and Appoquinimink School District. Each district has different tax rates, so the total property tax amount varies depending on your residential area.

Currently, the tax rate for the Christina School District is 61.50 cents per $100 of assessed value. The Red Clay School District has a slightly lower rate of 59.18 cents per $100, compared to Christina. The Appoquinimink School District has a different rate than the other two, and the applicable rate varies by residential area, so it's best to check with the New Castle County Department of Finance for the most accurate amount. Property taxes are also combined with the New Castle County rate and the Newark city rate.

The Christina School District currently has 18,280 students enrolled and operates 30 public schools. It is relatively large and diverse. The Red Clay School District includes schools with relatively high academic achievement, making it a preferred choice for residents. One unique feature of Delaware is the School Choice program, which allows residents to apply to public schools outside their residential district. The application period opens every January.

It's also good to understand how property assessments work in Delaware. New Castle County bases taxes on assessed value rather than market value. The assessed value is generally set lower than the market value, and the last full reassessment in New Castle County was conducted in 1983. As a result, the current assessed values often appear significantly lower than actual market values. This should be taken into account when calculating actual tax burdens.

There is also a Senior Property Tax Relief program for seniors aged 65 and older or individuals with disabilities. If you apply through the Delaware Division of Revenue and meet certain criteria, you may receive a reduction in school district property taxes. Additionally, there are separate relief benefits for military service members and their spouses.

Before moving, it's helpful to know which school district you belong to and what the exact tax rate is for that district, as this will make budgeting much easier.