Packed within 2488 sq. mt., Delaware- the Small Wonder has a lot to offer those looking for an attractive yet pocket-friendly place to call home.
Along with a relatively low cost of living, zero sales tax, good schools, and friendly communities, Delaware also boasts a strong job market in manufacturing, finance, and healthcare industries – making it a lucrative option for anyone who wants to settle in this state. However, like any other place, The First State has challenges, i.e., the crime rate.
While some areas of Delaware are considered safe, others (especially the urban centers) are infamous for violent crime and property theft. If you’re considering a move to Delaware, it’s important to carefully select the location you will call home. Don’t know where to start? Here is something to help you out.
State of Crime in Delaware
Crime rates in Delaware vary widely depending on the location. While some areas of the state have relatively low crime rates, others have reported very high violent and property crimes.
According to the latest State of Safety Survey, Delawareans are more concerned about violent crime, property crime, and package theft than the average American. Up to 38% of residents are worried about gun violence in the state, and no less than 74% of Delaware residents believe crime is rising.
If you look at the numbers, the violent crime rate in Delaware is 4.3 (per thousand people), which means that at least 4 out of 1000 people have experienced some form of violent crime in the state. This number is competitive with the national average of 4.0; the good news is that it is limited to only a few areas in the state.
Also note that while property crime is considered a consistent threat in the state, it is almost equivalent to the national average of 22.5 (per thousand people).
Violent and property crime rates in Delaware have decreased over the years. But what may make you uneasy is that they remain higher than the national averages.
1.2 Violent Crime in Delaware
The western part of the state is generally considered safe from violent crimes. The odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 350 in Western Delaware. Compared to the numbers of the northern neighborhoods, where the odds of falling prey to violent masses are 1 in 159, Western Delaware seems a lot safer.
1.3 Property Crime in Delaware
The northeast part of Delaware is the safest if you consider property crime. Your chances of being a victim of property crime may be as high as 1 in 35 in the southeast neighborhoods. It is as low as 1 in 63 in the northeast part of the state.
2. Which Are the Safest Cities in Delaware for Families?
Here are the top 11 safest cities in Delaware based on their ranking:
| Rank in 2023 | Safest Cities | Population | 2022 VC per 1,000 | 2022 PC per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clayton | 3,577 | 0.8 | 5.3 |
| 2 | Lewes | 3,378 | 0.6 | 10.7 |
| 3 | Milton | 3,066 | 2.0 | 9.1 |
| 4 | Middletown | 23,385 | 2.1 | 19.0 |
| 5 | Newark | 33,752 | 2.4 | 18.8 |
| 6 | Smyrna | 12,011 | 4.1 | 20.1 |
| 7 | Elsmere | 5,851 | 5.0 | 18.8 |
| 8 | Harrington | 3,646 | 6.9 | 25.2 |
| 9 | Georgetown | 7,698 | 7.0 | 35.1 |
| 10 | Millsboro | 4,613 | 7.6 | 40.5 |
| 11 | Dover | 38,428 | 8.6 | 40.3 |
VC = Violent Crime; PC = Property Crime
- Rankings are based on the analysis of 17 cities in Delaware.
- Clayton, Lewes, and Newark experienced a decrease in violent and property crime rates.
- Clayton, Lewes, and Milton reported less than 10 aggravated assaults.
- Clayton ranked at the top for the second consecutive year.
- Except for Harrington, each other city saw a decrease in property crime rate year over year.
- Zero motor vehicle thefts were reported in Lewes and Milton in 2022.
- Harrington (6.9) and Georgetown (7.0) saw high violent crime rates compared to other states in the U.S.
- Georgetown’s violent crime rate increased from 5.7 to 7.0 year over year.
- Harrington saw a decrease in the violent crime rate for the third consecutive year.
2.1. Clayton
Clayton is a small city in Kent County and is the safest city in Delaware, with common assault, larceny, and burglary.
It has no murder or vehicle thefts making it the safest place to raise a family. Living in Clayton offers residents a mixed suburban-rural feel, and most own their homes here. It has excellent schools and a strong community.
In terms of crime, Clayton has a violent crime rate of 0.8 and a property crime rate of 5.3 in 2022, and these rates have generally been falling over the years, as seen in the table below.
| The crime rate in Clayton | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 0.8 | 2.0 | 4.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5.3 | 10.2 | 8.8 |
2.2. Lewes
Residents love to live in Lewes for two significant reasons. One is its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and the second is its parks. It is a beautiful place for people who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and is also known for its safety. Lewes has a 0.6 violent crime rate in 2022 and a 10.7 property crime rate. Crime rates have been falling over the last few years.
| Crime Rate in Lewes | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 0.6 | 1.2 | 2.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 10.7 | 13.7 | 20.7 |
2.3. Milton
Milton has been named the safest community in America by SafeWise. The crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that Milton had zero violent crimes in 2019. Thus, it is known as the least violent state, with a 2.0 violent crime rate in 2022 and a 9.1 property crime rate lower than the previous year.
| Crime Rate in Milton | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 9.1 | 13.3 | 15.8 |
2.4. Middletown
Even the tourists visiting Middletown consider it one of the best places, and there are plenty of restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and good commutability in the town. The beautiful downtown has a busy business district and sprawling farmland and still reports a low crime rate. Middletown has a violent crime rate of 2.1 and a 19.0 property crime rate in 2022.
| Crime Rate in Middletown | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 19.0 | 20.4 | 19.6 |
2.5. Newark
Newark is the sixth oldest city in Delaware, with around 34,000 residents, and plenty of things are available for people who want to enjoy themselves. This college town has many state parks and a main street shopping center and is also home to the University of Delaware. Regarding safety, Newark residents reported a 2.4 violent crime rate and 18.8 property crime rate in 2022, which has been decreasing over the last few years.
| Crime Rate in Newark | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 18.8 | 20.8 | 19.5 |
2.6. Smyrna
Smyrna is a town in Kent and New Castle counties with approx. 12,000 residents. It has a diverse community and is considered an affordable place to live. Its safety levels are among the best for people who want to live in the town. The violent crime rate in the town is 4.1, and the property crime rate is 20.1, as reported in 2022.
| Crime Rate in Smyrna | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 4.1 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 20.1 | 20.9 | 22.7 |
2.7. Elsmere
Elsmere is one of the safest towns in New Castle and is located just outside Wilmington, with around 6,000 residents living in the city. It has multiple neighborhood parks and houses, highly rated public schools, and many employment opportunities. In addition, Elsmere has low crime rates when considering assault, burglary, and larceny. Elsmere has a violent crime rate of 5.0 and a property crime rate of 18.8 in 2022.
| Crime Rate in Elsmere | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 5.0 | 1.8 | 4.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 18.8 | 22.3 | 15.7 |
2.8 Harrington
Harrington is a city in Kent County with a population of around four thousand people. It is an area with plenty of things to do – a diverse community, above-average public schools, plenty of activities to enjoy, and a reasonable cost of living. The residents of Harrington reported a 6.9 violent crime rate and a 25.2 property crime rate in 2022.
| Crime Rate in Harrington | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 6.9 | 9.6 | 11.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 25.2 | 21.1 | 28.7 |
2.9 Georgetown
Georgetown is a town in Delaware and is the county seat of Sussex. The town has seen a 39% increase in population in the last decade and has a diverse community, above-average schools, and family-oriented activities. Georgetown is one of the safest places to live. It has a violent crime rate of 7.0, an increase from last year, and a property crime rate of 35.1 (decreased from the previous year’s figure of 41.3) in 2022.
| Crime Rate in Georgetown | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 7.0 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 35.1 | 41.3 | 51.0 |
2.10 Millsboro
Millsboro is a town in Sussex County. It is ranked in the top position for the number of residential building permits out of all the 25 cities in the county. This implies that the population will increase in the town. It is the safest place to live in Delaware. The town reported a violent crime rate of 7.6 and a property crime rate of 40.5 in 2022.
2.11 Dover
Dover is the capital of Delaware and is in Kent County. It has many historic buildings and plenty of attractions to enjoy. There is always something happening in downtown Dover that draws in plenty of Delawareans for fun nights. It has been named the drunkest city in Delaware. The city has a vibrant nightlife, many outdoor activities, excellent commutation, a diverse community, and above-average schools.
Though it is a capital city, it has low crime rates compared to most major cities in the United States. The capital has a violent crime rate of 8.6 and a property crime rate of 40.3 reported in 2022.
3. Most Unsafe Places to Live in Delaware
Despite most of Delaware is a safe state to live in, a few places are considered dangerous, especially after dark.
Let’s look at the most unsafe places in Delaware.
3.1 Wilmington
Wilmington is a large and densely populated city in Delaware, with a population of around 71 thousand, so it’s not surprising that Wilmington has the highest violent crime rate compared to other cities in Delaware. It has earned the name “Murder City, USA,” so keep your eyes open and walk in groups if you’re out late at night. The property crime rate is comparatively low here.
Wilmington has a crime index of 2 (100 being the safest), meaning 98% of the US is safer than this city.
Wilmington Crime Data
Image source: 6
3.2 Rehoboth Beach
While you won’t consider a beach dangerous, Rehoboth Beach is the number one spot for property crime in Delaware, especially during summers. In fact, during summer, there is a massive 11% chance of being a property crime victim, which makes Rehoboth Beach one of the most dangerous places to live.
Rehoboth Beach Crime Data
Image Source: 7
3.3 Milford
Milford is on Delaware’s top 5 lists for violent and property crime. It is located in the southeastern part of Delaware and is one of the most populated cities in the state. Milford is the 3rd most dangerous city in Delaware. Property crime is high – you’ve got a 1/20 chance of being a victim of a property crime and a 1/100 chance of being a victim of a violent crime.
Milford Crime Data
Image source: 8
3.4 Laurel
The population in Laurel is meager, so you’d expect it to be the safest city in the state. But it is the second most violent city in Delaware. Burglaries are a significant problem in the community, and residents should consider investing in extra home security. Theft, robbery, and assault are high, increasing the city’s overall crime rate. However, the murder rate is lower. In addition to violence, property crime is also high in Laurel.
Image Source: 9
Laurel has a crime index of only 3 (100 being the safest), which means 97% of cities in the US are safer than Laurel.
3.5 New Castle
New Castle has a larger area than most of the cities in Delaware, so the chance of crime is also high. Compared to the national average, New Castle has a higher property crime rate. It can be shocking to know that these crimes occur every 24 seconds. While violent crimes exist, they are not as prevalent as they used to be.
Image Source: 10
3.6 Seaford
Seaford is one of the largest year-round cities, and it can be a dangerous place at times. With a high population in the city, there is a higher chance of becoming a victim of crime. Seaford has a high crime rate, where one in 14 can become a victim of a property crime, and 1 in 111 can become a victim of a violent crime.
Source: 11
3.7 Camden
Camden is a small town in Kent County with a population of only 3,469 residents. Despite its small size, it has the highest crime rate in the state, and property crime is the biggest problem. Though the city’s violent crime rate is low, the overall crime rate is nearly three times the state’s average.
Image Source: 12
4. Safest and most dangerous places to stay in terms of weather in Delaware
Weather Risk in Delaware
| Danger | High Risk | Low risk |
| Heat | Newark | Rehoboth |
| Storm | Georgetown | Lewes |
| Drought | Middletown | Georgetown |
| Fire | Rehoboth Beach | Wilmington |
| Flood | Rehoboth Beach | Wilmington |
Climate Risks for Delaware Cities
- Wilmington, one of Delaware’s largest cities, has the highest overall climate risk. Rehoboth Beach is the city with the lowest overall climate risk.
- Rehoboth Beach has the lowest risk of heat-related deaths, whereas Newark has the highest risk.
- Lewes has the lowest storm risk, whereas Georgetown has the highest risk.
- Middletown has the greatest danger of drought, while Georgetown has the lowest.
- Rehoboth Beach has the highest fire risk, while Wilmington has the lowest.
- Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington are at different danger levels for flooding.
Image Source: 12
5. Best Health Facilities in Delaware
As far as safety is concerned, healthcare facilities also play a significant role. Delaware outperforms other states nationwide when it comes to healthcare facilities, and its hospitals rank nationally every year as some of the best in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report, Delaware ranks 1st for hospital quality, 6th for healthcare quality, and 15th among the best states for healthcare. If you plan to live in Delaware, you may want to know the best hospitals.
Here is the list of hospitals with best-in-class facilities and quality healthcare.
| City | Hospital Name | No of Beds | Address |
| Wilmington | Wilmington VA Medical Center | 999 | 1601 Kirkwood Highway |
| Newark | Care-Christiana Hospital | 913 | 4755 Ogle town, Stanton Rd |
| Wilmington | Care-Wilmington Hospital | 241 | 501 W 14th ST |
| Dover | Bay Health Kent General Hospital | 236 | 640 S State ST |
| New Castle | Delaware Psychiatric Center | 224 | 1901 N Dupont Highway |
| Wilmington | St. Francis Hospital | 224 | 701 N Clayton St |
| Lewes | Beebe Medical Center | 210 | 424 Savannah Rd |
| Wilmington | Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children | 200 | 1600 Rockland Rd |
| Seaford | Nanticoke Memorial Hospital | 139 | 801 Middleford |
| Milford | Bay Health Milford Memorial Hospital | 127 | 21 W Clarke Ave |
| Newark | Rockford Center | 92 | 100 Rockford Dr |
| New Castle | Meadow Wood Behavioral Health System | 53 | 575 S Dupont |
| Dover | Dover Behavioral Health System | 52 | 725 Horse pond Rd |
| Wilmington | Select Specialty Hospital of Wilmington | 35 | 701 N Clayton St |
| Middletown | Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown | 34 | 250 Hampen Rd |
6. Cities With the Least Road Accidents in Delaware
Road safety is another factor that determines a city’s livability. Before COVID-19, fatal car accidents were one of the leading causes of death. Every year, several people die tragically in road accidents in Delaware.
Here is a comparison of the number of road accidents in the three counties:
According to the Annual Traffic Report, 2023, New Castle County seems to be the worst in Delaware, while Kent seems the safest with the least number of fatal crashes and fatalities.
7. Bottom Line
Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, and its population is growing yearly. With a growing population, crime rates are high in some places but, thankfully, on the decline in many cases. Though more than half of Delawareans feel safe living in the state, it is important to know the safest and most dangerous cities before moving to Delaware. If you fail to do the proper research, you might pay a heavy price while moving to Delaware. Stay safe