Living in Camden DE: 😍 Moving to Camden Complete Guide
Are you considering living in Camden DE, this quaint Kent County town? It’s best to do some research first! Camden DE is known for its rich history dating back to the late 1700s, notable parks like Brecknock Park, and its proximity to Dover AFB. Camden has a tight-knit feel and a local economy that’s fueled by retail and services.
Camden is named after Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, an 18th-century British statesman and jurist. The town was established in the 1790s, but land divisions can be tracked to the 1780s.
This town is served by one of the best school districts in the US (according to USA Today) , has a growing population, and comprehensive plans to develop its economy. Camden, Delaware, is a great place to live for growing families and young professionals.
What County Is Camden DE in?
Camden, Delaware, is located in Kent County and is part of the Dover metro area. The town is positioned 3.5 miles south of Dover and is considered one of the top suburbs in the area. Its proximity to the St. Jones River & St. Jones Reserve provides coastal plain scenery, typical for Delaware’s coast.
Its location is convenient and quiet, with major roadways providing easy access to nearby Dover, Milford, and other notable communities.
- U.S. Route 13
- Delaware Route 10 (DE-10)
- Delaware Route 15 (DE-15)
- Delaware Route 1 (DE-1)
Public Transit
DART First State provides bus transit to Dover and other Kent County cities. The primary route people living in Camden DE utilize is Route 104.
What Is the Population of Camden DE?
The Camden DE population is 4,011, according to the 2020 US Census Bureau. The median age is only 35.9, and 40% of people living in Camden DE are 29 years old or younger. With an average household size of 2.5 people, 21% of residents are 19 or younger, so you can expect many families residing here. The median household income is $61,895, which is below the national average; 19% of individuals are living in poverty.
Additional Demographics + Racial & Ethnic Makeup
Camden, Delaware, is racially diverse:
- 56.6% White
- 23.9% Black
- 7.1% Hispanic
- 4.3% Asian
- 1.3% Native American/Other
- 6.8% Multiracial
- Foreign-born population: 24.3%
It’s also varied in other aspects of its demographics: 63% of residents are married, versus 37% who are unmarried. 80% of people own their homes (5% higher than the state), and the median value of those homes is $268,800. 10% of its population (roughly 401 people) have relocated here within the past year. Many new Camden residents are coming from New York, according to RedFin’s migration data; 3,944 New York residents relocated to the Dover metro area in the past year.
The population is highly educated, with 94.2% holding high school diplomas and 33.8% holding bachelor's degrees. The veteran population here is 21.5%.
Camden DE Crime Rate
According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, Camden, Delaware, has a total crime rate of approximately 5,400 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is higher than both the Delaware and national averages.
The violent crime rate as of 2024 in Camden is 320.81, which is below the state’s crime rate of 384 and the nation’s of 370. There were 4,967.02 property crimes per 100,000 people living in Camden DE, with a total of 241 property crimes happening within a year. While Camden’s total crime rate is above state and national averages due to property crimes, violent crime remains below both averages, reflecting a generally safe environment.
In the past year, Delaware has seen a sharp decline in violent crime across almost all its counties, as evidenced by Camden’s lowered numbers.
The Camden Police Department and the Camden-Wyoming Fire Company provide emergency services to those living in Camden DE.
Before moving anywhere, you should consider the cost of living, the housing market, and how much you would need to earn to live comfortably there.
Cost of Living in Camden Delaware
According to the Economic Research Institute, the Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 94, making it 6% more affordable to live in Camden than the national average. The COLI in the Dover Metro is slightly higher, at 95.6. Delaware as a whole has a reasonable cost of living, as it’s only 1% more expensive compared to other US states.
The Economic Policy Institute suggests a household income of $101,374 for a family of four; here’s a closer look at the daily expenditures of the region:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $13
- Liter of milk: $1.00
- Loaf of bread: $2.03
- Pound of white rice: $2.30
- Pound of chicken fillets: $5.23
- Fitness club membership (monthly): $120.00
- Average Camden utilities per month (950 square foot apartment): $218.33
Source: Numbeo
Camden DE Real Estate Overview
According to Redfin, the housing market in Camden is very competitive, with homes for sale in Camden DE selling in a median of 68 days (25% going above the listing price). The sale-to-list price is 99%, indicating a seller’s market. As of last year, the median sale price in Camden, Delaware, is $275,000, and the median price per square foot is $182. The median sale price has decreased by 16.4% over the past year, while the price per square foot has increased by 13.5%.
The average rent in Camden DE is $2,048, according to Redfin’s data. This amount exceeds Wyoming ($1,758), Milford ($1,516), and Dover ($1,849) by at least $200 per month.
Camden DE Weather
Camden, Delaware, experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). You will experience all four seasons when living in Camden DE, consistent humidity, and no dry season.
December through February have average temperatures in the 20s and 40s (Fahrenheit), while March and May bring rapid increases in heat. Spring in Camden is comfortable, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The hottest month is July, with an average daily high of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall here is moderate throughout the year, with the summer months receiving the most. The average annual rainfall is between 45 and 46 inches. You will see snowfall from December through March, averaging 9 to 20 inches per year.
There are frequent thunderstorms and the occasional hurricane due to its proximity to the coast. Some properties in Camden are at risk of flooding, and 42% of homes have at least some risk of wind damage. Delaware’s coastal region is at the highest risk of hurricane damage in the state.
The best time of year to visit is early Spring, in May and early June; the temperatures are comfortable, and the chance of rain is lower than in the summer.
Neighborhoods in Camden Delaware
Explore the best places to live in Camden DE, with our list of the best neighborhoods and developments in the town’s limits.
Chaplecroft
With homes back up to the beautiful Brecknock County Park, Chaplecroft is a very family-friendly neighborhood in Camden. It’s within walking distance of Caesar Rodney High School and is less than a mile from the Camden-Wyoming State Road 13 exit. This neighborhood is ideal for families and working professionals who need an easy commute when living in Camden DE.
Barclay Farms
Barclay Farms is a cozy 55+ neighborhood located on Camden’s southside. Thanks to its proximity to Willow Grove Road and State Road 13, it offers the perfect blend of quiet suburbia and convenient big-city living.
The main amenities are luxurious homes, a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, an outdoor swimming pool, and an indoor whirlpool.
Things to Do in Camden De
Living in Camden DE offers shops, parks, and other attractions that appeal to adults and children alike.
Brecknock County Park
From its acres of green spaces to the Howell Mill Nature Center and Community Teaching Garden, Brecknock County Park offers a plethora of activities and attractions in Camden.
80 Old Camden Rd, Camden, DE 19934, (302) 744-2495
Air Mobility Command Museum
Take a short drive to Dover to explore historical aircraft and artifacts from WWII. This is a great activity for kids living in Camden, DE.
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902, (302) 677-5938
Bally's Dover Casino Resort
Bally’s Casino is the ideal option for date nights and adult gatherings.
1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, (302) 674-4600
Additional Attractions & Events
Looking for more to do? These activities are just a short drive from Camden and are ideal for day trips:
Kent County Parks and Recreation maintains the public park spaces within Camden. Keep an eye on their special events calendar, so you don’t miss popular regional gatherings like the Peach Festival in Wyoming.
Restaurants in Camden DE
Camden is famous for a specific dish, rather than for its wide variety of dining options. Explore these delicious Camden DE restaurants to try after moving here!
Sal's Pizza & Grill
Sal’s Pizza is one of the best places to eat in Camden DE, thanks to its friendly ambience and large variety of options. They serve everything from garlic knots to Philly cheesesteaks.
101 South St, Camden, DE 19934, (302) 698-5303
Antojitos Mexicanos La Poblanita
If you like Authentic Mexican food, try the 5-star-rated tacos and fresh tortillas at Antonito’s in Camden!
2114 S Dupont Hwy, Camden, DE 19934, (302) 535-8891
Mike & Mel’s Family Restaurant
Mike & Mel’s is home to friendly service and a reputation for being the best diner in town. They offer unique menu items, such as sweet potato pancakes, alongside traditional breakfast favorites.
108 N Railroad Ave, Wyoming, DE 19934, (302) 697-7448
Jobs in Camden DE - Hiring Opportunities, Major Employers, Leading Industries
If you’re considering living in Camden DE, you’re likely looking for work, also. The town's leading industries are health care & social assistance and retail trade. Camden is small, and its economy employs only around 2,000 residents, leading many to seek work in nearby Dover or the Kent County region. The employment base in the Dover metro area is much larger (over 84,100 people). Kent County’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was about $10.5 billion in 2023, indicating stronger employment opportunities and output.
According to the Delaware Department of Labor, the mean annual wage for Dover metro area residents is $56,812, and the average hourly wage in Delaware is $32.37.
There are over 200 local businesses in Camden, with restaurants, supermarkets, services, and small retail as the main categories. If you work in the public sector, consider the city of Dover jobs and the town of Camden careers. Other major employers in the region are Dover Air Force Base, the State of Delaware, Bayhealth, and Delaware State University. There are over 2,000 jobs in the Camden area hiring.
Schools in Camden DE
Caesar Rodney School District serves K through 12th-grade students living in Camden DE. You can determine which school serves your address by using the district's school locator map. There are more than 8,200 students across 14 schools. The district has 28 Advanced Placement (AP) courses for college prep, and the district is ranked among the top in its area, according to School Digger.
If you’re looking for a higher education option in the Camden Wyoming area, Delaware State University is located in Dover. It is less than a 10-minute drive from your potential new home.
Additional Education Resources
The Dover Public Library and the Kent County Public Library branch system are available to Camden residents. You will find research resources like UDLib/SEARCH, homework support, and community gatherings.
Camden FAQs
Is Camden Delaware a Nice Place to Live?
Camden, Delaware, is a nice place to live due to its small-town atmosphere and access to local amenities. It is part of the Caesar Rodney School District. Residents benefit from nearby recreational areas, such as John Dickinson Plantation. The town features a mix of historic neighborhoods and newer developments, appealing to families and retirees alike.
What Are the Demographics of Camden Delaware?
Camden, Delaware, has a population of 4,011 residents. The community is diverse, as reported by the Census Bureau, with a racial composition of 56.6% White, 23.9% Black, 7.1% Hispanic, 4.3% Asian, 1.3% Native American/Other, and 6.8% Multiracial. The Foreign-born population is 24.3%. The median age is 35.9 years, and households often include families and retirees. The area has a mix of historic homes and newer developments, reflecting steady growth. Camden is in Kent County, with local services and schools provided by the Caesar Rodney School District, which contributes to a family-friendly environment.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Delaware
Moving to Delaware offers benefits such as no state sales tax, a lower overall cost of living than in other Mid-Atlantic states, and access to quality schools in districts like the Capital School District. The state also offers recreational options, such as Lums Pond State Park and historic towns. However, cons include limited public transportation, traffic congestion, and high crash rates near major highways like DE-1, and a smaller job market compared with larger cities. The weather can be humid in summer, and some areas may experience occasional flooding near waterways.
Camden DE Statistics and Information
- County: Kent County
- Camden DE area: 3.75 square miles
- Camden DE zip code(s): 19934
- Camden DE area code(s): 302
- Camden DE elevation: 39 feet
- Camden DE time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC −5 and -4)
- Closest airport: Dover Air Force Base is approx. 4 miles from the town, but the nearest major passenger service is at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is about 73 miles southwest of Camden DE.
Moving to Camden Delaware With First-Rate Movers
As you can see, living in Camden DE offers a wide range of things to do, with easy access to high-paying jobs and more attractions. If you're looking for a relaxed life near larger cities like Dover and Philadelphia, you're in the right place if you plan to move to Camden. You're close to the beach, a robust art scene, and tons of regional attractions. Whenever you're ready to make the transition, call the best Camden DE movers in the area, First-Rate Movers.
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