Best Cities for Young Professionals in Delaware
Delaware for Young Professionals: The Full Picture
Delaware ranks #30 out of 50 for young professionals, landing in the middle of the pack. The state's economy scores 32/100, though with 5.2% unemployment and a median household income of $79,810. Modest population growth of 0.7% 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, 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 57/100 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: 50/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # | City | Grade | Young Professionals Score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middletown | A | 64.7 | 63.3 | 76 | 64 | 57 | 24,071 |
| 2 | North Star | A | 62.3 | 60.2 | 75 | 50 | 54 | 8,178 |
| 3 | Hockessin | A | 61.2 | 62.3 | 75 | 50 | 54 | 13,608 |
| 4 | Pike Creek | B+ | 59.0 | 57.3 | 69 | 50 | 54 | 7,185 |
| 5 | Newark | B | 55.6 | 55.8 | 51 | 47 | 47 | 30,309 |
| 6 | Pike Creek Valley | B | 55.1 | 53.0 | 51 | 50 | 54 | 11,992 |
| 7 | Milford | C | 55.1 | 46.7 | 34 | 85 | 78 | 12,193 |
| 8 | Glasgow | C+ | 55.0 | 52.9 | 58 | 50 | 54 | 16,095 |
| 9 | Millsboro | B | 54.9 | 54.1 | 44 | 62 | 62 | 7,152 |
| 10 | Claymont | C+ | 52.2 | 49.7 | 43 | 50 | 54 | 9,543 |
| 11 | Bear | C+ | 51.6 | 52.4 | 49 | 50 | 54 | 22,604 |
| 12 | Edgemoor | C | 51.2 | 48.3 | 44 | 50 | 54 | 6,671 |
| 13 | Wilmington Manor | C | 51.0 | 48.3 | 41 | 50 | 54 | 8,030 |
| 14 | Brookside | C | 50.2 | 47.3 | 41 | 50 | 54 | 15,262 |
| 15 | Elsmere | C | 49.1 | 48.0 | 43 | 41 | 47 | 6,189 |
| 16 | Wilmington | D | 47.0 | 43.5 | 35 | 52 | 54 | 71,672 |
| 17 | Georgetown | D | 46.8 | 43.7 | 30 | 60 | 61 | 7,456 |
| 18 | Smyrna | C | 45.0 | 47.2 | 40 | 36 | 43 | 13,031 |
| 19 | Seaford | D | 45.0 | 41.0 | 32 | 59 | 60 | 8,255 |
| 20 | Dover | D | 42.4 | 40.3 | 40 | 42 | 46 | 39,491 |