DelawarePop. 12,803Towns
Is Milford a Good Place to Live? Milford, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Milford ranks #896 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #165 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.6%, #3 of 151), and trails on high violent crime (464 per 100,000, #122 of 146) and high poverty (17.2%, #181 of 234).
Milford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Milford'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 Milford?
There is no metro price index for Milford, so its cost of living rests on home values and rents. Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,109, 15% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Milford | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $345,109#508 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 | $1,866/mo#622 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $296,900#522 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,260/mo#494 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Milford 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. Milford is in the Dover, DE metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Milford safe?
Milford recorded 464 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Delaware's 347. That ranks #799 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #122 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Milford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,615 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Milford | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 464#799 of 1,085 | 347 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,615#890 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 Milford?
The median household in Milford earns $59,464, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Delaware ($87,534). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Milford | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $59,464#1058 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.2%#995 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +4.6%#24 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 Milford?
The median resident of Milford is 41.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 27.6%#887 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 51.3% | 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 Milford's schools and health?
Milford's 5 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $15,324 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 15.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Milford | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16.7#705 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,324#548 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 15.1%#1168 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 13%#955 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. 4,137 students are enrolled in Milford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Milford?
The average commute in Milford is 23.3 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 0.7% of workers take transit and 8.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Milford scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 36.4°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Milford | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 23.3 min#625 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 81.9% | 72.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 2.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.4% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.1% | 12.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.2#123 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 | 43.6 | 25.4 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 45.7 | 26.3 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 53.9 | 32.9 | 4 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 42.4 | 3.4 |
| May | 73.3 | 51.9 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 82.1 | 61.6 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 86.7 | 66.7 | 4 |
| Aug | 85 | 64.7 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 57.9 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 68.2 | 46.2 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 57.3 | 37.2 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 48.2 | 29.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenwood 2ne.
| Measure | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 74.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 36.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46.3 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 Greenwood 2ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Milford?
Sussex County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sussex County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#459 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 Sussex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sussex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.019% | 91% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.034% | 84% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0017% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% 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 Milford compare with similar-size cities?
Milford is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #165 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 12,803.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford, DEPop. 12,803 | #896 | 51.9 | $59,464 | $1,260/mo | 464 | 23.3 min |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #1293 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 | 16.8 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #837 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 | 20.1 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 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 Milford compare with the rest of Delaware?
Milford ranks #12 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 32% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 Milford's score calculated?
Milford scores 51.9 out of 100, #896 of 1,312 (grade C, 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Milford. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
21.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Milford's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
58.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Milford. Similar-size median 56.5.
39.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Milford's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.2 - AffordabilityCity data, some inputs missing · 11% of score
Milford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 74.8.
71.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Milford. Similar-size median 50.8.
34.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Milford. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
94.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Milford. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Milford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
64.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Milford'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 Milford 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 Milford
Is Milford, DE a good place to live?
Milford ranks #896 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #165 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.6%, #3 of 151), and trails on high violent crime (464 per 100,000, #122 of 146) and high poverty (17.2%, #181 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Milford?
There is no metro price index for Milford, so its cost of living rests on home values and rents. Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,109, 15% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Milford?
Milford recorded 464 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Delaware's 347. That ranks #799 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #122 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Milford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,615 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Milford?
The median household in Milford earns $59,464, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Delaware ($87,534). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Milford?
Median rent in Milford is $1,260/mo (Census), #494 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,866/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Milford?
The typical home value in Milford is $345,109, up 0.5% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $296,900.
How are the public schools in Milford?
Milford's 5 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $15,324 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Milford?
The average commute is 23.3 minutes, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Milford?
Milford averages 55.4°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Milford walkable?
Milford scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Milford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sussex County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Milford?
Sussex County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Milford?
Milford has 12,803 residents. The median resident of Milford is 41.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Milford compare with the rest of Delaware?
Milford ranks #12 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 32% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Milford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Milford's population of 12,803 are South Charleston, WV (#1255 overall), Claremont, NH (#561 overall), Las Vegas, NM (#1293 overall), Jerome, ID (#983 overall), and Box Elder, SD (#837 overall). Milford is #896.