Best Cities for Young Professionals in Delaware
Delaware ranks #21 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 56.2. North Star is its best city for young professionals at 68.8.
- Delaware, all states
- #21 of 50
- Population
- 7,834
Delaware for Young Professionals: The Full Picture
Delaware ranks #21 out of 50 for young professionals, landing in the middle of the pack. The state's economy scores 41/100, though with 4.8% unemployment and a median household income of $87,534. Modest population growth of 0.94% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 99.8, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Delaware's livability score of 46/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 48/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1North Star | A+ | 68.8 | 72.3 | 100 | — | 25 | 7,834 |
| 2Hockessin | A+ | 68.8 | 72.1 | 100 | — | 41 | 13,439 |
| 3Pike Creek | A+ | 65.5 | 68.8 | 91 | — | 34 | 7,129 |
| 4Middletown | A | 60.2 | 64.5 | 67 | 50 | 57 | 24,661 |
| 5Pike Creek Valley | B+ | 58.9 | 60.8 | 59 | — | 47 | 12,431 |
| 6Glasgow | B | 56.0 | 58.5 | 69 | — | 34 | 15,546 |
| 7Milford | C | 55.3 | 51.9 | 21 | 94 | 70 | 12,803 |
| 8Millsboro | C+ | 54.4 | 55.7 | 38 | 59 | 66 | 7,424 |
| 9Bear | C+ | 53.6 | 54.1 | 49 | — | 53 | 22,370 |
| 10Wilmington Manor | C+ | 53.4 | 52.9 | 38 | — | 62 | 8,214 |
| 11Claymont | C+ | 52.7 | 53.3 | 35 | — | 65 | 8,786 |
| 12Newark | C+ | 52.3 | 55.6 | 42 | 33 | 58 | 30,330 |
| 13Brookside | C | 49.9 | 49.9 | 38 | — | 52 | 15,115 |
| 14Edgemoor | D | 47.5 | 46.9 | 21 | — | 67 | 6,349 |
| 15Elsmere | C | 46.7 | 50.6 | 29 | 23 | 68 | 6,203 |
| 16Wilmington | D | 46.7 | 46.9 | 32 | 38 | 73 | 71,727 |
| 17Seaford | D | 46.7 | 46.2 | 17 | 57 | 74 | 8,485 |
| 18Dover | D | 43.6 | 44.9 | 32 | 40 | 65 | 39,837 |
| 19Smyrna | D | 42.3 | 47.6 | 28 | 29 | 56 | 13,165 |
| 20Georgetown | D | 42.3 | 42.8 | 13 | 57 | 63 | 7,660 |
City young professionals 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.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Delaware for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware a good state for young professionals?
Delaware ranks #21 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 56.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Fiscal Health (67/100) and its weakest is Economy (41/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Delaware?
North Star ranks #1 in Delaware for young professionals with a score of 68.8/100, followed by Hockessin and Pike Creek.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Delaware?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.