DelawarePop. 24,661Towns
Is Middletown a Good Place to Live? Middletown, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Middletown ranks #198 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95.3%, #12 of 153) and high household income ($112,831, #27 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30 min, #215 of 234) and high rents ($1,583/mo, #194 of 231).
Middletown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Middletown'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 Middletown?
Middletown'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 $1,583/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $532,809, 31% above the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Middletown | 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 | $532,809#870 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,737/mo#973 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $409,600#807 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,583/mo#775 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.8%#141 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.
Middletown 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. Middletown is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Middletown safe?
Middletown recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #328 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #63 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middletown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,392 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Middletown | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 186#328 of 1,085 | 347 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,392#415 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 Middletown?
The median household in Middletown earns $112,831, 36% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Middletown | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $112,831#204 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.8% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 8.4%#361 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 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 Middletown?
The median resident of Middletown is 38.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 44% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #366 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Middletown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 44%#366 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 76.8% | 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 Middletown's schools and health?
Middletown's 9 public schools graduate 95.3% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $16,148 spent per pupil. 33.3% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Middletown | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 95.3%#64 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $16,148#463 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.3%#638 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.5%#317 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). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,371 students are enrolled in Middletown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Middletown?
The average commute in Middletown is 30 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 0.7% of workers take transit and 18.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Middletown scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.3°F and winters 35.9°F, with 47 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Middletown | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 30 min#1107 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 12.9%#1170 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.7% | 72.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 2.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.9% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 18.9% | 12.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.9#485 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 | 42.5 | 25.1 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 45.6 | 25.4 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 54.2 | 32.8 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 66.9 | 42.1 | 3.7 |
| May | 75.6 | 51.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 83.8 | 61.5 | 4 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 66.4 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 86.8 | 64.7 | 4 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 58.4 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 69.1 | 46.2 | 4 |
| Nov | 56.9 | 35.9 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 47 | 29.8 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newark Ag Farm.
| Measure | Middletown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.7°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 | 35.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 47 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 Newark Ag Farm.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Middletown?
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 | Middletown | 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 Middletown compare with similar-size cities?
Middletown is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #37 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,661.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #275 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 | 18.9 min |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #192 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 | 22.9 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 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 Middletown compare with the rest of Delaware?
Middletown ranks #4 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 64.5 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 29% above the Delaware median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% above 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 Middletown's score calculated?
Middletown scores 64.5 out of 100, #198 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Middletown. Similar-size median 41.9.
67.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Middletown's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Middletown. Similar-size median 56.5.
58.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Middletown's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
71.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Middletown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
59.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Middletown. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Middletown. Similar-size median 35.2.
50.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Middletown. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Middletown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
57.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
56.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Middletown'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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Is Middletown, DE a good place to live?
Middletown ranks #198 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95.3%, #12 of 153) and high household income ($112,831, #27 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30 min, #215 of 234) and high rents ($1,583/mo, #194 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Middletown?
Middletown'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 $1,583/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $532,809, 31% above the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Middletown?
Middletown recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #328 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #63 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middletown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,392 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Middletown?
The median household in Middletown earns $112,831, 36% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Middletown?
Median rent in Middletown is $1,583/mo (Census), #775 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,737/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Middletown?
The typical home value in Middletown is $532,809, up 2% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $409,600.
How are the public schools in Middletown?
Middletown's 9 public schools graduate 95.3% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $16,148 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Middletown?
The average commute is 30 minutes, #1107 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 12.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Middletown?
Middletown averages 55.7°F over the year, 75.3°F in summer and 35.9°F in winter, with 47 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Middletown walkable?
Middletown scores 11.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #485 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 Middletown 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 Middletown?
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 Middletown?
Middletown has 24,661 residents. The median resident of Middletown is 38.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 44% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #366 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Middletown compare with the rest of Delaware?
Middletown ranks #4 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 64.5 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 29% above the Delaware median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% above the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Middletown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Middletown's population of 24,661 are Newport, RI (#275 overall), Fort Dodge, IA (#999 overall), Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall), Auburn, ME (#586 overall), and Ridgeland, MS (#844 overall). Middletown is #198.