Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilmington, DE
Thinking of moving to Wilmington, DE? With a population of about 71,000, Wilmington offers affordable living with a median home value around $261,000 and average rents near $1,230. Commuters enjoy a short 23-minute average trip, and you’ll benefit from a vibrant arts scene and good access to healthcare. While crime rates are higher than average, Wilmington features diverse neighborhoods, notable school options, and a mild climate with 56% sunny days—making it a city full of opportunity and character for new residents.
Demographics - Wilmington, DE
Demographics - Wilmington, DE
Wilmington is home to about 70,750 residents with a median age of 37.1, reflecting a diverse community where over half identify as Black and about a third as White. The city has a moderately dense population with 16.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This blend of cultures contributes to Wilmington's unique local character and vibrant neighborhoods.
Population:
70,750
Density:
6,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
33.5%
Black:
56.4%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilmington, DE?
Living in Wilmington is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $261,000 and average monthly rent around $1,230. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, mainly due to higher utility and healthcare costs, but housing remains more budget-friendly than many U.S. cities. State income taxes range from 2.2% to 6.6%, adding to the overall reasonable cost for residents.
Median House Value:
$261,000
Gross Rent:
$1,230
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,510
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
2.2%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
91.7
Utilities:
108.7
Transportation:
104.5
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
102.3
Crime
Is Wilmington, DE a safe place to live?
Wilmington experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 1,153 per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 24. While safety is a concern in some areas, many neighborhoods remain welcoming and active, and local initiatives continue to address crime prevention. Prospective residents should consider specific neighborhoods and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,153
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,096
Crime Index:
5,249
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 87
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilmington, DE year-round?
Wilmington enjoys a mild, four-season climate with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters that rarely dip below 27°F. The city averages about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 56% sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer particularly comfortable temperatures for enjoying local parks and events.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Wilmington benefit from a median household income of $48,400 and a diverse community, though the city has a higher poverty rate at 23.1%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, with 27.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the average commute time is a short 23.5 minutes. Public transportation serves about 10% of the population, adding convenience for daily travel.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$48,400
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$33,900
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.4%
Rent:
$1,230
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
10.2%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
27.4%
Education
How are the schools in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington provides a range of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Cab Calloway School of the Arts and Charter School of Wilmington, as well as private options such as Ursuline Academy. The city is also home to higher education institutions like Delaware College of Art and Design, with Wilmington University nearby, supporting diverse academic interests. With a strong educational foundation, families have access to quality learning environments for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Street:
100 N Dupont Rd
Phone:
302-651-2700
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Charter School of Wilmington
Street:
100 N Dupont Rd
Phone:
302-651-2727
Students:
970
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
Ursuline Academy
Street:
1106 Pennsylvania Ave
Phone:
302-658-7158
Students:
430
Colleges
Name:
Delaware College of Art and Design
City:
Wilmington
State:
DE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
230
Name:
Wilmington University
City:
New Castle
State:
DE
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Wilmington offers quality healthcare with major facilities like ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital and Saint Francis Healthcare providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate at 91.2%, ensuring accessible medical support for most residents. Healthcare services are robust, making Wilmington a practical choice for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital
Address:
501 W 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone:
(302) 733-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Francis Healthcare
Address:
701 N Clayton St, Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone:
(302) 421-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
70.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington's housing market features a median home price of $261,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,230. The city has a balanced mix of homeowners and renters, with a 6.1% annual home appreciation rate that suggests solid investment potential. Rental vacancies are moderate, and new construction is limited, maintaining stable property values.
Median Home Price:
$261,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,230
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles serves Wilmington residents at its New Castle location, offering all standard vehicle registration, licensing, and titling services. Residents can access assistance online or by phone, making DMV tasks convenient and efficient. The DMV's resources are tailored for both new arrivals and longtime locals.
State:
Delaware
Department:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2230 Hessler Blvd, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone:
1-302-434-3200
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.