Top Cities in Delaware 🏙 | Your Guide to the Biggest Delaware Cities by Population

The largest cities in Delaware can be quite important! Many people moving to a particular state have trouble narrowing their options down for places to live. Delaware is the second-smallest state in the country, yet it contains 10 cities, three villages, 44 towns, and numerous unincorporated communities.

An easy way to narrow your options is to examine the biggest Delaware cities by population. Even if you just focus on the large cities, you can find vibrant places to live with upscale homes for sale, great job opportunities, and top events, including in January and July. Here's what to know about the major cities in Delaware, using population data and other figures from the US Census Bureau.

Delaware Demographics

Before you start looking at Delaware cities by population, you may want to get a general understanding of statewide statistics. Here are the demographics for Delaware:

• Delaware population: 1,018,396
• Delaware median age: 41.5
• Delaware median household income: $82,174
• Median price of Delaware homes for sale: $460,000
• Delaware area: 1,948.5 square miles
• Delaware population density: 522.6 people per square mile
• Delaware crime rate: 2,348 offenses per 100,000 residents (1.0% higher than the national rate)

1. Wilmington

• Wilmington population: 71,568
• Wilmington area: 10.9 square miles
• Wilmington median age: 39.3
• Wilmington median household income: $52,768
• Median price of homes for sale Wilmington DE: $258,558
• Wilmington crime rate: 4,573 offenses per 100,000 residents (94.8% higher than the Delaware rate, 96.8% higher than the national rate)
• Wilmington map

Wilmington is the largest city by population in the state of Delaware. It has always been ranked amongst the biggest and top cities in Delaware. The population has hovered around 70,000 over the last few decades, after a steady decline between 1940 and 1980. A 2023 report from Scholaroo found that Wilmington is the most affordable city in America. The report also ranked Wilmington in the top 50 cities for quality of life, education, and healthcare.

Wilmington is a hub for unique and kid-friendly attractions in Delaware, making it one of the best Delaware largest cities for children. The Brandywine Zoo is one of the top zoos in Delaware, covering 4.7 acres and containing dozens of exhibits. The Delaware Art Museum is a family-friendly art museum with cool features like a 9-acre sculpture garden and a play area for children.

2. Dover

• Dover population: 38,879
• Dover area: 23.7 square miles
• Dover median age: 34.7
• Dover median household income: $54,438
• Median price of houses for sale in Dover Delaware: $287,995
• Dover crime rate: 5,349 offenses per 100,000 residents (127.8% higher than the Delaware rate, 130.1% higher than the national rate)
• Dover map

Dover, DE is the state capital and one of the most affordable cities in Delaware. It has a cost of living index of 97.6, meaning items in the area cost 2.4% less than the national average. Dover is well-known as one of the major cities in Delaware for retirees. The community has fewer things to do than the other biggest cities in Delaware, though you have convenient access to the beach.

Despite being a well-developed city, Dover contains or is near some of the best country clubs and golf courses in Delaware. These clubs make Dover one of the top cities in Delaware for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Maple Dale Country Club has a 19-hole golf course and a practice facility with indoor bays. Wild Quail Golf and Country Club is just outside of Dover. The club contains an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a tennis and pickleball court, and an on-site restaurant and lounge.

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3. Newark

• Newark population: 30,655
• Newark area: 9.5 square miles
• Newark median age: 22.6
• Newark median household income: $67,738
• Median price of houses for sale Newark DE: $358,500
• Newark crime rate: 2,389 offenses per 100,000 residents (1.7% higher than the Delaware rate, 2.8% higher than the national rate)
• Newark map

Newark is best known for being home to the University of Delaware, making it one of the most important cities in Delaware for students. US News ranks the University of Delaware in the top 100 national universities and the top 50 public schools. The college makes Newark one of the youngest large cities in Delaware, with nearly one-third of the population being in their 20s.

Most stores, restaurants, and things to do in Newark cater to the college students in the community. Top Newark restaurants like Malins Deli and Blue Crab Grill are casual eateries perfect for quick lunches and nights out with friends. Newark is a popular hub for bars and microbreweries, including Midnight Oil Brewing Company, which serves craft beers and cocktails with ingredients from local breweries.

4. Middletown

• Middletown population: 23,573
• Middletown area: 12.5 square miles
• Middletown median age: 37.3
• Middletown median household income: $104,662
• Median price of homes for sale in Middletown DE: $407,550
• Middletown crime rate: 2,184 offenses per 100,000 people (7.0% lower than the Delaware rate, 6.0% lower than the country)
• Middletown map

Fortune Magazine ranks Middletown as the fifth-best place in America for families to live. The magazine praises Middletown for its low crime rates, top schools, and fun festivals. The community reported fewer than 100 violent crimes in 2022, including zero murders, so its violent crime rate is lower than the state and national averages. It's also safer than most other major cities in Delaware.

Middletown contains two high schools: Appoquinimink High School and Middletown High School. US News ranks both schools in the top 20 high schools in Delaware. Middletown is also home to St. Andrew's School, a top coeducational private boarding school. St. Andrew's provides a liberal arts education with special programs like weekend field trips and arts programs, including film studies classes.

The Olde Tyme Peach Festival is the most popular festival in Middletown. It takes place every August and includes a 5k fun run, a peach pie contest, and vendors selling food and works of art. You can also attend the annual Hummers Parade in January and see floats and costumes parodying the events of the previous year.

5. Bear

• Bear population: 23,070
• Bear area: 5.8 square miles
• Bear median age: 37.7
• Bear median household income: $83,852
• Median price of Bear homes for sale: $309,500
• Bear crime rate: 2,797 offenses per 100,000 people (19.1% higher than the state rate, 20.4% higher than the national rate)
• Bear map

Bear is the largest unincorporated community in Delaware. It's a census-designated place (CDP), meaning the Census Bureau tracks it. Residents living in Bear get some services from the New Castle County government, including law enforcement services. Despite its lack of services, Bear is one of the top cities in Delaware for shoppers.

Bear was a small farming community during much of the 20th century. In recent decades, it's expanded rapidly and now has housing developments, shopping centers, and convenient access to U.S. Route 40. Governor's Square Shopping Center contains several major stores and restaurants, including ShopRite, American Signature Furniture, and Stewart's Brewing Company. Eden Square is across the highway from Governor's Square Shopping Center and has Giant Food, Gabes, and El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant.

6. Brookside

• Brookside population: 14,331
• Brookside area: 3.9 square miles
• Brookside median age: 34.5
• Brookside median household income: $66,485
• Median price of Brookside homes for sale: $322,500
• Brookside crime rate: 2,649 offenses per 100,000 people (12.8% higher than the state rate, 14.0% higher than the national rate)
• Brookside map

Brookside is a CDP bordering Newark and just east of the Delaware-Maryland border. It's a predominantly residential community best known for its public schools, though it has a few attractions. Christina Early Education Center is a preschool for three and four-year-olds. US News ranks Jennie E. Smith Elementary School in the top 60 elementary schools in Delaware. 53% of students test at or above the proficiency level in math, 11 percentage points higher than the state rate. The Brennen School is a public school for students with autism between 2 and 22 years of age.

Vince's Sports Center is the top attraction in Brookside. It's a family-friendly, 18-acre amusement center with a 9-hole golf course, two 17-hole miniature golf courses, an indoor playground, and a video arcade. Vince's Sports Center is a popular point of interest for birthday parties, and the center is home to special events like Halloween parties.

7. Hockessin

• Hockessin population: 13,878
• Hockessin area: 10.1 square miles
• Hockessin median age: 45.1
• Hockessin median household income: $164,848
• Median price of homes for sale in Hockessin DE: $650,000
• Hockessin crime rate: 894 offenses per 100,000 people (61.9% lower than the state rate, 61.5% lower than the national rate)
• Hockessin map

Hockessin borders the Twelve-Mile Circle, the northern border of Delaware. It's in a mostly rural area, making it one of the best cities in Delaware for retirees or people looking or a quiet place to live. Attractions in Hockessin are quaint outdoor points of interest like Mt. Cuba Center, a botanic garden, and historic home. Though it's smaller than other cities in Delaware, it has a sizable real estate market. 136 homes for sale were sold in Hockessin in 2023, most of which were single-family homes.

Homes for sale in Hockessin DE are large properties, with most having four bedrooms and over 2,000 square feet. The median price per square foot is $230, one of the lowest rates in the largest cities in Delaware, so you can buy a large home affordably. There is no one architectural style that is popular in Hockessin. You can find modern and older homes for sale in Hockessin DE, with various features, including shuttered windows, walk-in closets, and stainless steel appliances.

Hockessin is the wealthiest city of the 10 biggest cities in Delaware, in terms of median household income. It's also one of the richest cities in Delaware. Hockessin's median household income is nearly twice the New Castle County median and twice the Delaware median.

8. Milford

• Milford population: 11,714
• Milford area: 9.9 square miles
• Milford median age: 43.6
• Milford median household income: $53,472
• Median price of Milford homes for sale: $338,000
• Milford crime rate: 4,270 offenses per 100,000 people (81.9% higher than the state rate, 83.7% higher than the national rate)
• Milford map

Milford is a quaint community in central Delaware that has a little bit of everything. You can shop at great stores like Walmart Milford DE, and eat at fun and casual restaurants like Westside Restaurant and Arena's Deli. Milford is in a mostly undeveloped area with green spaces, nature centers, and beaches. Milford is one of the best beach towns in Delaware, with convenient access to several major beaches. Fowler Beach is a short drive from Milford and offers beautiful sunset views.

Milford is one of the main cities in Delaware for singles. Nearly one-quarter of the households in Milford are non-family households, meaning people who aren't related to each other live together. The community is also popular amongst retirees and older people. Nearly one-quarter of the population is over the age of 65.

9. Claymont

• Claymont population: 10,191
• Claymont area: 2.2 square miles
• Claymont median age: 37.2
• Claymont median household income: $72,840
• Median price of houses for sale in Claymont DE: $332,450
• Claymont crime rate: 2,347 offenses per 100,000 people (0.1% lower than the Delaware crime rate, 1.0% higher than the national rate)
• Claymont map

Claymont is another community that borders the Twelve-Mile Circle and the Pennsylvania-Delaware border. It’s one of the best cities in Delaware for religious attractions and institutions. It's best known for being Joe Biden's home, and he graduated from Archmere Academy, a top private school for Catholics in Claymont. Claymont has a mixture of residential and commercial sections, including churches and religious centers. The MUNA Center of Delaware is a top Muslim community center, while Dhamma Pubbananda is a Vipassana meditation center.

Claymont is one of the best largest cities in Delaware for commuters. The SEPTA Claymont train station is located along the Wilmington Newark Line, providing access to Wilmington, Newark, and Center City Philadelphia. Interstates 95 and 495 run through the community, providing access to many large cities in Delaware as well as communities like Milton, Delaware, and Ocean View.

10. Wilmington Manor

• Wilmington Manor population: 8,260
• Wilmington Manor area: 1.6 square miles
• Wilmington Manor median age: 39.5
• Wilmington Manor median household income: $72,432
• Median price of Wilmington Manor homes for sale: $300,000
• Wilmington Manor crime rate: 2,571 crimes per 100,000 residents (9.5% higher than the state rate, 10.6% higher than the national rate)
• Wilmington Manor map

Wilmington Manor is five miles southwest of Wilmington. It's best known for being home to Wilmington University, making it one of the best largest cities in Delaware for students. Wilmington University has over 200 degree and certificate programs, including online programs for nursing and business administration. Wilmington Manor borders Wilmington Airport. Avelo Airlines serves the airport and provides flights to destinations like Atlanta, Tampa, and Charlotte. American Airlines offers tarmac-to-tarmac shuttles, taking passengers from Wilmington Airport to Philadelphia International Airport.

Wilmington Manor is a predominantly residential community, though it contains a few family-friendly restaurants and parks. The Golden Dove Diner is a kid-friendly diner that offers classic dishes like pancakes, burgers, and steak in a casual setting. After you eat, you can visit Chelsea Manor Park and go for walks under the trees.

Largest Cities in Delaware Map

You can use this map to find the largest cities in Delaware, as well as things to do within each city.

FAQ

How Many Cities in Delaware Are There?

There are 10 incorporated cities in Delaware, as well as 44 towns, three villages, and numerous unincorporated communities.

What Is the Largest City in Delaware?

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, with a population of 70,898.

How Many People Are in Delaware?

1,018,396 people live in Delaware.

What Is the Fastest Growing City in Delaware?

Middletown is the fastest-growing city in Delaware. Between 2000 and 2020, the city's population increased by nearly four times. It grew by 22.9% between 2010 and 2020 alone.

Which of Delaware's Biggest Cities Is Right for You?

The biggest cities in Delaware are full of surprises! Ranking cities in Delaware by population, you'll find that Wilmington is the biggest city. You can move to an urban community packed with attractions and homes for sale, like Wilmington or Newark. You can also move to a quaint and residential community away from major things to do, like Hockessin.

No matter which city you want to move to, professional Delaware movers can help you out. First Rate Movers is the best Delaware moving company, with over 30 years of experience. Call 302-448-2372 for a free quote now!