Delaware / New Castle County

Moving to Wilmington, DE

Thinking of making a move to Wilmington, DE? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilmington, DE

Considering a move to Wilmington, DE? This welcoming community of 71,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $220,000 and average rents near $1,400. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wilmington's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wilmington, DE

Wilmington has a population of 71,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 37% White, 57% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
71,000
Density
5,500 per sq mi
Median Age
35.9
Gender Ratio
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
37.0%
Black
57.0%
Asian
2.4%
Others
3.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wilmington, DE?

The cost of living in Wilmington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 101.8. Median home values are around $220,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$220,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$650
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.6%
Cost Of Living Index
101.8
Grocery
100.9
Housing
96.4
Utilities
104.8
Transportation
102.7
Health Care
101.5
Miscellaneous
99.8

Crime

Is Wilmington, DE a safe place to live?

Wilmington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,050 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 26. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Delaware.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,050
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,900
Crime Index
4,950
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 95
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 26

Weather

What is the weather like in Wilmington, DE year-round?

Wilmington experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
44°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,500 and a low poverty rate of 22.0%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,000
Household Income
$60,500
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$33,500
Income Male
$40,500
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
22.0%
Non English Speakers
13.0%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
14.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.0%
Bachelors or More
28.0%

Education

How are the schools in Wilmington, DE?

Wilmington offers quality education options, with public schools like Mott Elementary School, Pulaski Early Education Center, and Wilmington High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Delaware - Wilmington Campus, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College - Wilmington Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Mott Elementary School
Street
26th & McCall Sts
Phone
(302) 429-4170
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Pulaski Early Education Center
Street
1620 N. Broom St
Phone
(302) 429-4171
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
13.4
Name
Wilmington High School
Street
100 N. Dupont Rd
Phone
(302) 429-4000
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
St. Peter Cathedral School
Street
1017 N. Lincoln St
Phone
(302) 654-4316
Students
280
Name
Salesianum School
Street
1801 N. Broom St
Phone
(302) 654-2495
Students
950

Colleges

Name
University of Delaware - Wilmington Campus
City
Wilmington
State
DE
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,300
Name
Wilmington University
City
New Castle
State
DE
Distance
9 miles
Students
20,000
Name
Delaware Technical Community College - Wilmington Campus
City
Wilmington
State
DE
Distance
2 miles
Students
4,800

Healthcare

Wilmington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, and St. Francis Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital
Address
501 W 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone
(302) 320-2211
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware
Address
1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone
(302) 651-4000
Type
Children’s Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
St. Francis Hospital
Address
1601 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone
(302) 421-4100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
92.5%
Health Care Index
78.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wilmington, DE?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $220,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.2%. Wilmington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$220,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Wilmington handle vehicle services through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Dover. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Delaware
Department
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901
Phone
(302) 744-2500

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.

FAQs About Moving to Wilmington, DE

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Wilmington, review the core fields on this page: population 71,000, median home value $220,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,400, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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