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 70,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $270,000 and average rents near $1,350. 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 (55% 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 70,200 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 32% White, 55% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
70,200
Density
5,300 per sq mi
Median Age
35.9
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
15.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
32.0%
Black
55.0%
Asian
2.8%
Others
10.2%

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 102.8. Median home values are around $270,000 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
$270,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.6%
Cost Of Living Index
102.8
Grocery
100.5
Housing
96.2
Utilities
104.3
Transportation
101.8
Health Care
101.1
Miscellaneous
99.4

Crime

Is Wilmington, DE a safe place to live?

Wilmington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,040 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. 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
1,040
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,150
Crime Index
4,190
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 96
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

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 28°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 19.0%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 13% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$32,000
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
19.0%
Non English Speakers
13.0%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
12.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
29.5%

Education

How are the schools in Wilmington, DE?

Wilmington offers quality education options, with public schools like The Tatnall School and Cab Calloway School of the Arts known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Delaware (Wilmington campus facilities) and Wilmington University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
The Tatnall School
Street
1501 Barley Mill Rd
Phone
(302) 998-2292
Students
550
Student Teacher Ratio
8.5
Name
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Street
100 N Dupont Rd
Phone
(302) 651-2700
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
14.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Elizabeth School
Street
1500 Cedar St
Phone
(302) 655-8205
Students
620

Colleges

Name
University of Delaware (Wilmington campus facilities)
City
Wilmington
State
DE
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Wilmington University
City
New Castle
State
DE
Distance
10 miles
Students
20,000

Healthcare

Wilmington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital and Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 91.8% 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) 428-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware
Address
1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone
(302) 651-4000
Type
Pediatric Specialty
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
79.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wilmington, DE?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $270,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 4.6% 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
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
44.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

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 70,200, median home value $270,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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