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Is Wilmington a Good Place to Live? Wilmington, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wilmington ranks #1142 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #473 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($231,400, #100 of 524) and low rents ($1,224/mo, #130 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,152 per 100,000, #439 of 444) and high unemployment (6.4%, #446 of 476).
Wilmington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wilmington'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 Wilmington?
Wilmington'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 $1,224/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $329,558, 19% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Wilmington | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 99.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $329,558#461 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,786/mo#572 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $231,400#331 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,224/mo#461 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25%#1004 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Wilmington 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. Wilmington is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Wilmington safe?
Wilmington recorded 1,152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.3 times Delaware's 347. That ranks #1055 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #439 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,901 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wilmington | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,152#1055 of 1,085 | 347 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,901#938 of 1,085 | 1,559 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Wilmington?
The median household in Wilmington earns $58,671, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wilmington | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $58,671#1071 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.4%#1000 of 1,058 | 4.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.4%#1161 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Wilmington?
The median resident of Wilmington is 37 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #686 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.1%#686 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Wilmington's schools and health?
Wilmington's 18 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 13 students per teacher and $21,319 spent per pupil. 41% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Wilmington | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,319#149 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.7%#928 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,518 students are enrolled in Wilmington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wilmington?
The average commute in Wilmington is 23.5 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 7.7% of workers take transit and 16% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wilmington scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 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 | Wilmington | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.5 min#639 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 61.3% | 72.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.7% | 2.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.1% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16% | 12.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Wilmington?
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 | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#537 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Wilmington compare with similar-size cities?
Wilmington is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #473 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,727.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #1142 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 | 23.5 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Queen Creek, AZPop. 71,867 | #149 | 66.2 | $141,978 | $2,210/mo | 155 | 31.1 min |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #38 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #403 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 | 33.7 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #258 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 | 21.6 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 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 Wilmington compare with the rest of Delaware?
Wilmington ranks #16 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 46.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 33% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 3.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 Wilmington's score calculated?
Wilmington scores 46.9 out of 100, #1142 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Wilmington. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wilmington's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
22.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wilmington. Similar-size median 58.9.
33.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wilmington's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
74.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wilmington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
71.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wilmington. Similar-size median 56.1.
26.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wilmington. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wilmington. Similar-size median 50.0.
64.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wilmington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
56.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wilmington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Is Wilmington, DE a good place to live?
Wilmington ranks #1142 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #473 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($231,400, #100 of 524) and low rents ($1,224/mo, #130 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,152 per 100,000, #439 of 444) and high unemployment (6.4%, #446 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Wilmington?
Wilmington'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 $1,224/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $329,558, 19% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Wilmington?
Wilmington recorded 1,152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.3 times Delaware's 347. That ranks #1055 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #439 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,901 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household in Wilmington earns $58,671, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wilmington?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,224/mo (Census), #461 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,786/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wilmington?
The typical home value in Wilmington is $329,558, up 1.5% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $231,400.
How are the public schools in Wilmington?
Wilmington's 18 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 13 students per teacher and $21,319 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wilmington?
The average commute is 23.5 minutes, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wilmington?
Wilmington 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 Wilmington walkable?
Wilmington scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
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 Wilmington?
Wilmington has 71,727 residents. The median resident of Wilmington is 37 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #686 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wilmington compare with the rest of Delaware?
Wilmington ranks #16 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 46.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 33% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 3.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Wilmington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wilmington's population of 71,727 are Johnson City, TN (#667 overall), Harlingen, TX (#1115 overall), Queen Creek, AZ (#149 overall), Centreville, VA (#38 overall), and Bayonne, NJ (#403 overall). Wilmington is #1142.