Best Cities for Families in Delaware
Delaware for Families: The Full Picture
Delaware lands in the middle of the pack for families at #29 out of 50 states. The state has genuine strengths β affordability scores strong at 67/100 β but also areas that may give parents pause. A high school graduation rate of 88% is encouraging, and the median home price of $352,000 is manageable for dual-income households.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Delaware faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 88%, roughly in line with national norms. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 49/100) mask significant local variation. Childcare runs $10,738 annually for infants β a meaningful expense but in line with national norms.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Delaware faces elevated crime rates that families should factor into neighborhood selection at 423 incidents per 100,000 residents. With a cost-of-living index of 99, household expenses are close to the national norm β neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # | City | Grade | Families Score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middletown | A | 64.7 | 63.3 | 71 | 80 | 65 | 24,071 |
| 2 | Newark | B | 63.8 | 55.8 | 77 | 77 | 64 | 30,309 |
| 3 | Hockessin | A | 58.5 | 62.3 | 74 | 50 | 44 | 13,608 |
| 4 | Millsboro | B | 58.4 | 54.1 | 66 | 67 | 66 | 7,152 |
| 5 | North Star | A | 55.7 | 60.2 | 49 | 50 | 58 | 8,178 |
| 6 | Bear | C+ | 55.6 | 52.4 | 76 | 50 | 63 | 22,604 |
| 7 | Elsmere | C | 53.6 | 48.0 | 49 | 70 | 68 | 6,189 |
| 8 | Pike Creek | B+ | 53.5 | 57.3 | 49 | 50 | 53 | 7,185 |
| 9 | Pike Creek Valley | B | 53.1 | 53.0 | 49 | 50 | 63 | 11,992 |
| 10 | Smyrna | C | 52.7 | 47.2 | 63 | 65 | 65 | 13,031 |
| 11 | Glasgow | C+ | 52.0 | 52.9 | 49 | 50 | 59 | 16,095 |
| 12 | Claymont | C+ | 51.9 | 49.7 | 49 | 50 | 66 | 9,543 |
| 13 | Wilmington Manor | C | 51.1 | 48.3 | 49 | 50 | 69 | 8,030 |
| 14 | Edgemoor | C | 50.9 | 48.3 | 49 | 50 | 64 | 6,671 |
| 15 | Brookside | C | 50.5 | 47.3 | 49 | 50 | 65 | 15,262 |
| 16 | Milford | C | 49.3 | 46.7 | 58 | 26 | 72 | 12,193 |
| 17 | Wilmington | D | 48.5 | 43.5 | 73 | 17 | 73 | 71,672 |
| 18 | Georgetown | D | 48.4 | 43.7 | 64 | 29 | 72 | 7,456 |
| 19 | Seaford | D | 43.8 | 41.0 | 58 | 13 | 68 | 8,255 |
| 20 | Dover | D | 43.3 | 40.3 | 71 | 2 | 75 | 39,491 |