DelawarePop. 13,165Towns
Is Smyrna a Good Place to Live? Smyrna, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Smyrna ranks #1118 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (33.4 min, #227 of 234) and high violent crime (544 per 100,000, #128 of 146).
Smyrna by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Smyrna'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 Smyrna?
Smyrna's cost of living index is 97.5, 3% below the US level of 100 and #566 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,534/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $404,934, in line with the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Smyrna | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 97.5#566 of 1,308 | 99.8 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $404,934#641 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $291,400#505 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,534/mo#742 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 27.5%#1168 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.
Smyrna 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. Smyrna is in the Dover, DE metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Smyrna safe?
Smyrna recorded 544 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% above the US rate of 328 and 57% above Delaware's 347. That ranks #875 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #128 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Smyrna Police Department. Property crime runs 2,012 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Smyrna | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 544#875 of 1,085 | 347 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,012#716 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 Smyrna?
The median household in Smyrna earns $67,048, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Delaware ($87,534). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Smyrna | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,048#875 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.9%#725 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 Smyrna?
The median resident of Smyrna is 34.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Smyrna | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.6%#1119 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 75.8% | 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 Smyrna's schools and health?
Smyrna's 6 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $16,084 spent per pupil. 43.6% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Smyrna | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $16,084#471 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 43.6%#1259 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9%#519 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. 5,003 students are enrolled in Smyrna's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Smyrna?
The average commute in Smyrna is 33.4 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 1.3% of workers take transit and 13.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Smyrna scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 38.2°F, with 47.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Smyrna | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 33.4 min#1237 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 14.4%#1209 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.5% | 72.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 2.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.7% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 13.1% | 12.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.7#506 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 | 44.4 | 27.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 47.4 | 29 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 54.5 | 35.4 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 66 | 44.9 | 3.7 |
| May | 74.4 | 54.4 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 82.7 | 63.8 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 86.9 | 69 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 67.3 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 79.2 | 61 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 68.9 | 49.5 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 58 | 39.3 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 48.6 | 32.1 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dover.
| Measure | Smyrna | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 57.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 75.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 38.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 47.6 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 Dover.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Smyrna?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 76% 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 Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Smyrna | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 41#404 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% | 0.11%#264 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 Kent County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kent County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.02% | 80% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.003% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 60% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 23% 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 Smyrna compare with similar-size cities?
Smyrna is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #197 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 13,165.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna, DEPop. 13,165 | #1118 | 47.6 | $67,048 | $1,534/mo | 544 | 33.4 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #750 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 | 12.2 min |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #8 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year | 12.4 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #693 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 | 16.3 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 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 Smyrna compare with the rest of Delaware?
Smyrna ranks #15 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 23% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 57% above the statewide rate. Homes are in line with 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 Smyrna's score calculated?
Smyrna scores 47.6 out of 100, #1118 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Smyrna. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
27.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Smyrna's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
57.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Smyrna. Similar-size median 56.5.
36.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Smyrna's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
62.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Smyrna's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
68.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Smyrna. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.6 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Smyrna. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
28.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Smyrna. Similar-size median 48.3.
34.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Smyrna's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
70.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Smyrna'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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Is Smyrna, DE a good place to live?
Smyrna ranks #1118 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (33.4 min, #227 of 234) and high violent crime (544 per 100,000, #128 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Smyrna?
Smyrna's cost of living index is 97.5, 3% below the US level of 100 and #566 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,534/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $404,934, in line with the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Smyrna?
Smyrna recorded 544 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% above the US rate of 328 and 57% above Delaware's 347. That ranks #875 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #128 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Smyrna Police Department. Property crime runs 2,012 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Smyrna?
The median household in Smyrna earns $67,048, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Delaware ($87,534). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Smyrna?
Median rent in Smyrna is $1,534/mo (Census), #742 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Smyrna?
The typical home value in Smyrna is $404,934, up 2.7% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $291,400.
How are the public schools in Smyrna?
Smyrna's 6 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $16,084 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Smyrna?
The average commute is 33.4 minutes, #1237 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 14.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Smyrna?
Smyrna averages 57.1°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 38.2°F in winter, with 47.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Smyrna walkable?
Smyrna scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Smyrna at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Smyrna?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Smyrna?
Smyrna has 13,165 residents. The median resident of Smyrna is 34.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Smyrna compare with the rest of Delaware?
Smyrna ranks #15 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 23% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 57% above the statewide rate. Homes are in line with the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Smyrna?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Smyrna's population of 13,165 are Ewa Beach, HI (#308 overall), South Sioux City, NE (#750 overall), South Charleston, WV (#1255 overall), Los Alamos, NM (#8 overall), and Claremont, NH (#561 overall). Smyrna is #1118.