DelawarePop. 6,203Towns
Is Elsmere a Good Place to Live? Elsmere, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Elsmere ranks #971 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.1%, #215 of 234) and high living costs (102.6, #190 of 230).
Elsmere by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Elsmere's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Elsmere?
Elsmere's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,339/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,277, 41% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Elsmere | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 99.8 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $239,277#221 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $225,800#316 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,339/mo#578 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Elsmere housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Elsmere is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Elsmere safe?
Elsmere recorded 144 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 58% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #227 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elsmere Police Department. Property crime runs 978 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Elsmere | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 144#227 of 1,085 | 347 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 978#205 of 1,085 | 1,559 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Elsmere?
The median household in Elsmere earns $67,944, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Delaware ($87,534). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Elsmere | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,944#858 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 23.1%#1194 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.9% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Elsmere?
The median resident of Elsmere is 35.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1266 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Elsmere | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 15.1%#1266 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 65.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Elsmere's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Elsmere to describe its public schools. 37.1% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Elsmere | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.1%#954 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 14.4%#1042 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Elsmere?
The average commute in Elsmere is 24.4 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 3.1% of workers take transit and 9.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Elsmere scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.3°F and winters 35.7°F, with 45.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Elsmere | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 24.4 min#730 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.9% | 72.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 3.1% | 2.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.8% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 9.9% | 12.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.9#174 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.4 | 25.6 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 44.1 | 27 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 52.5 | 33.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 64.2 | 43.5 | 3.5 |
| May | 73.5 | 53.4 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 63 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 86.8 | 68.3 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 84.9 | 66.6 | 4 |
| Sep | 78.5 | 59.3 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 67 | 47.3 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.9 | 37.4 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 46 | 30.3 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wilmington New Castle Co Airport.
| Measure | Elsmere | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 75.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 35.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 45.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wilmington New Castle Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Elsmere?
New Castle County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts New Castle County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Elsmere | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#537 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for New Castle County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, New Castle County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0052% | 67% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0027% | 65% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0044% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0027% | 27% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Elsmere compare with similar-size cities?
Elsmere is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #173 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,203.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #853 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 | 13.6 min |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #716 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Elsmere compare with the rest of Delaware?
Elsmere ranks #13 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 22% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Delaware home.
| City | Rank in DE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #1 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data |
| Hockessin, DEPop. 13,439 | #2 | 72.1 | $171,204 | $3,501/mo | no data |
| Pike Creek, DEPop. 7,129 | #3 | 68.8 | $139,635 | $2,262/mo | no data |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #4 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #5 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data |
| Glasgow, DEPop. 15,546 | #6 | 58.5 | $113,982 | $2,039/mo | no data |
| Millsboro, DEPop. 7,424 | #7 | 55.7 | $78,707 | $1,277/mo | 345 |
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #8 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #9 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #10 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #11 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data |
| Milford, DEPop. 12,803 | #12 | 51.9 | $59,464 | $1,260/mo | 464 |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #13 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 |
| Brookside, DEPop. 15,115 | #14 | 49.9 | $78,328 | $1,444/mo | no data |
| Smyrna, DEPop. 13,165 | #15 | 47.6 | $67,048 | $1,534/mo | 544 |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #16 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #17 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #18 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #19 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 |
| Georgetown, DEPop. 7,660 | #20 | 42.8 | $49,719 | $1,410/mo | 719 |
All 20 Delaware cities we track, by overall score. Delaware statewide: median income $87,534, violent crime 346.9 per 100,000.
How is Elsmere's score calculated?
Elsmere scores 50.6 out of 100, #971 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Delaware's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Elsmere. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.6 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Elsmere's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
90.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Elsmere. Similar-size median 56.5.
44.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Elsmere's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
70.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Elsmere. Similar-size median 50.8.
27.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Elsmere. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
22.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Elsmere. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Elsmere's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
56.1 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Elsmere.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Elsmere's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Elsmere has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Elsmere
Is Elsmere, DE a good place to live?
Elsmere ranks #971 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.1%, #215 of 234) and high living costs (102.6, #190 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Elsmere?
Elsmere's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,339/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,277, 41% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Elsmere?
Elsmere recorded 144 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 58% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #227 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elsmere Police Department. Property crime runs 978 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Elsmere?
The median household in Elsmere earns $67,944, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Delaware ($87,534). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Elsmere?
Median rent in Elsmere is $1,339/mo (Census), #578 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Elsmere?
The typical home value in Elsmere is $239,277, up 0.4% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $225,800.
How are the public schools in Elsmere?
We have too few school records for Elsmere to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Elsmere?
The average commute is 24.4 minutes, #730 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Elsmere?
Elsmere averages 55.5°F over the year, 75.3°F in summer and 35.7°F in winter, with 45.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Elsmere walkable?
Elsmere scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Elsmere at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts New Castle County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Elsmere?
New Castle County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Elsmere?
Elsmere has 6,203 residents. The median resident of Elsmere is 35.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1266 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Elsmere compare with the rest of Delaware?
Elsmere ranks #13 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 22% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 58% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Elsmere?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Elsmere's population of 6,203 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Shelburne, VT (#6 overall), Torrington, WY (#853 overall), and South Lakes, AK (#716 overall). Elsmere is #971.