DelawarePop. 30,330Small cities
Is Newark a Good Place to Live? Newark, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Newark ranks #671 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #120 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.9%, #176 of 184) and high poverty (27.7%, #197 of 208).
Newark by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Newark'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 Newark?
Newark'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 $1,654/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $365,464, 10% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Newark | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 99.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $365,464#553 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,037/mo#732 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $382,500#746 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,654/mo#834 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 25.8%#1077 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Newark 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. Newark is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Newark safe?
Newark recorded 299 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #560 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #104 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newark Police Department. Property crime runs 1,735 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Newark | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 299#560 of 1,085 | 347 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,735#594 of 1,085 | 1,559 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Newark?
The median household in Newark earns $76,912, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 27.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Newark | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $76,912#676 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.9%#975 of 1,058 | 4.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 27.7%#1277 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Newark?
The median resident of Newark is 22.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 58.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #146 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Newark | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 22.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 58.2%#146 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 50.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Newark's schools and health?
Newark's 6 public schools graduate 80.3% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $22,518 spent per pupil. 29.6% of adults are obese and 7.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Newark | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80.3%#876 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $22,518#104 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.6%#375 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.8%#88 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.8%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.8%#491 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,395 students are enrolled in Newark's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Newark?
The average commute in Newark is 19 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 2% of workers take transit and 18.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Newark scores 12 of 20 (above average walkable), #476 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 | Newark | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 56.2% | 72.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2% | 2.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 14.3% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.6% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 18.8% | 12.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12#476 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | Newark | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 35.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 45.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Newark?
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 | Newark | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Newark compare with similar-size cities?
Newark is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #120 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 30,330.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #671 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 | 19 min |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #1174 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 | 21.3 min |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #429 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data | 30.9 min |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #831 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 | 16.2 min |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #1008 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 | 20.4 min |
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #138 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 | 24.2 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #904 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 | 20.1 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 Newark compare with the rest of Delaware?
Newark ranks #8 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 12% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 Newark's score calculated?
Newark scores 55.6 out of 100, #671 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Newark. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Newark's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
75.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Newark. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Newark's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
66.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Newark's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
60.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Newark. Similar-size median 46.7.
22.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Newark. Similar-size median 44.2.
32.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Newark. Similar-size median 47.3.
76.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Newark's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
57.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
56.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Newark's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Newark 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 Newark
Is Newark, DE a good place to live?
Newark ranks #671 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #120 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.9%, #176 of 184) and high poverty (27.7%, #197 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Newark?
Newark'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 $1,654/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $365,464, 10% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Newark?
Newark recorded 299 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below Delaware's 347. That ranks #560 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #104 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newark Police Department. Property crime runs 1,735 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Newark?
The median household in Newark earns $76,912, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 27.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Newark?
Median rent in Newark is $1,654/mo (Census), #834 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,037/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Newark?
The typical home value in Newark is $365,464, up 1% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,500.
How are the public schools in Newark?
Newark's 6 public schools graduate 80.3% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $22,518 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Newark?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Newark?
Newark 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 Newark walkable?
Newark scores 12 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #476 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 Newark 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 Newark?
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 Newark?
Newark has 30,330 residents. The median resident of Newark is 22.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 58.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #146 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Newark compare with the rest of Delaware?
Newark ranks #8 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 12% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Newark?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Newark's population of 30,330 are Hopkinsville, KY (#1174 overall), Drexel Hill, PA (#429 overall), Morgantown, WV (#831 overall), Paragould, AR (#1008 overall), and Bixby, OK (#138 overall). Newark is #671.