Delaware · best for retirees · #23 of 50 states

Best Cities for Retirees in Delaware

Delaware ranks #23 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 62.7. North Star is its best city for retirees at 71.4.

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#1 city in DE for retirees

North Star71.4

Retirees score out of 100

Delaware, all states: #23 of 50
Population: 7,834

Open North Star →

Tax burden

6.52%

% of income

Income tax

7.85%

State + local

Life expectancy

76.5 yr

CDC NCHS

Home value

$406,074

Typical home value

Cost of living

99.8

BEA RPP · 100 = avg

Delaware for Retirees: The Full Picture

Delaware sits at #23 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers healthcare that, while accessible, isn't among the nation's strongest alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 99.8). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.

For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Delaware's health score of 50/100 is middling — life expectancy of 76.5 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 6.52% of income. The 7.85% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.55% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.

At $406,074, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 65/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.

All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees

# City	Grade	Retirees score	Overall	Health	Household finances	Affordability	Population
1North Star	A+	71.4	72.3	79	99	51	7,834
2Hockessin	A+	69.4	72.1	79	100	36	13,439
3Pike Creek	A+	68.0	68.8	73	96	51	7,129
4Middletown	A	63.7	64.5	59	74	60	24,661
5Pike Creek Valley	B+	61.6	60.8	67	73	61	12,431
6Glasgow	B	60.4	58.5	61	75	56	15,546
7Millsboro	C+	60.2	55.7	55	59	69	7,424
8Claymont	C+	59.0	53.3	57	54	69	8,786
9Wilmington Manor	C+	58.0	52.9	50	53	72	8,214
10Bear	C+	56.0	54.1	49	64	62	22,370
11Edgemoor	D	53.2	46.9	52	34	67	6,349
12Elsmere	C	52.8	50.6	44	27	71	6,203
13Milford	C	52.7	51.9	40	34	72	12,803
14Brookside	C	52.5	49.9	49	47	67	15,115
15Smyrna	D	52.2	47.6	37	46	68	13,165
16Newark	C+	52.0	55.6	60	23	60	30,330
17Seaford	D	50.7	46.2	43	29	78	8,485
18Dover	D	46.5	44.9	29	39	72	39,837
19Wilmington	D	45.8	46.9	33	26	72	71,727
20Georgetown	D	43.6	42.8	38	31	70	7,660

City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.

Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings

Also See: Delaware for Other Lifestyles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delaware a good state for retirees?

Delaware ranks #23 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 62.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Fiscal Health (67/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (24/100).

What is the best city for retirees in Delaware?

North Star ranks #1 in Delaware for retirees with a score of 71.4/100, followed by Hockessin and Pike Creek.

What factors are most important for retirees in Delaware?

Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.