DelawarePop. 7,834Towns
Is North Star a Good Place to Live? North Star, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
North Star ranks #25 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($150,733, #3 of 234) and low poverty (3.5%, #16 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($583,700, #214 of 231) and high living costs (102.6, #190 of 230).
North Star by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with North Star's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for North Star: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is North Star safe?
What is the cost of living in North Star?
North Star'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). The median owner-occupied home is valued at $583,700.
| Measure | North Star | 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 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $583,700#1061 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
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.
Is North Star safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Star alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North Star crime rate or rank it on safety. Delaware as a whole records 347 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in North Star?
The median household in North Star earns $150,733, 81% above the US figure of $83,163 and 72% above Delaware ($87,534). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | North Star | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $150,733#40 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 3.5%#30 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 North Star?
The median resident of North Star is 51.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 72.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #28 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | North Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 51.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 72.7%#28 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 86.4% | 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 North Star's schools and health?
We have too few school records for North Star to describe its public schools. 26.1% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | North Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 26.1%#184 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 11.5%#13 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 3.9%#12 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 North Star?
The average commute in North Star is 24.1 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 0.6% of workers take transit and 20.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index North Star scores 5.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1295 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 | North Star | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70% | 72.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 2.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.4% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 20.6% | 12.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 5.8#1295 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 | North Star | 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 North Star?
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 | North Star | 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 North Star compare with similar-size cities?
North Star is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,834.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #25 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data | 24.1 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #1165 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 | 20.8 min |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #533 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 | 15.5 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 North Star compare with the rest of Delaware?
North Star ranks #1 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 72.3 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 72% above the Delaware median.
| 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 North Star's score calculated?
North Star scores 72.3 out of 100, #25 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, 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 · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in North Star. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in North Star. Similar-size median 56.5.
78.9 - AffordabilityCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
North Star'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.
50.5 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in North Star. Similar-size median 50.8.
99.1 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in North Star. Similar-size median 48.3.
58.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across North Star's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
25.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
56.1 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving North Star alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for North Star.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for North Star.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: North Star'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 North Star 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 North Star
Is North Star, DE a good place to live?
North Star ranks #25 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($150,733, #3 of 234) and low poverty (3.5%, #16 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($583,700, #214 of 231) and high living costs (102.6, #190 of 230).
What is the cost of living in North Star?
North Star'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). The median owner-occupied home is valued at $583,700.
Is North Star safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Star alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North Star crime rate or rank it on safety. Delaware as a whole records 347 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in North Star?
The median household in North Star earns $150,733, 81% above the US figure of $83,163 and 72% above Delaware ($87,534). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much does a house cost in North Star?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in North Star is $583,700, #1061 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in North Star?
We have too few school records for North Star to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in North Star?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in North Star?
North Star 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 North Star walkable?
North Star scores 5.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1295 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 North Star 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 North Star?
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 North Star?
North Star has 7,834 residents. The median resident of North Star is 51.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 72.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #28 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does North Star compare with the rest of Delaware?
North Star ranks #1 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 72.3 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 72% above the Delaware median.
What cities are similar in size to North Star?
The tracked cities in other states closest to North Star's population of 7,834 are York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall), and Montpelier, VT (#62 overall). North Star is #25.