Is Hockessin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hockessin
Hockessin, Delaware, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home. This census-designated place in New Castle County provides a lifestyle that balances proximity to urban centers with the charm of a close-knit community.
The area is characterized by its family-friendly atmosphere and access to natural beauty, with attractions like the Mt. Cuba Center highlighting its appeal. Hockessin is known for its desirable living conditions, attracting residents who value both a peaceful environment and convenient access to amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in Hockessin?
Crime Rates
Hockessin is recognized for its low crime rates, significantly below both state and national averages. The overall crime rate is reported at 894 offenses per 100,000 people, which is 61.9% lower than the Delaware average and 61.5% lower than the national average (as reported by First Rate Movers). This safety is further underscored by a violent crime rate of 146 crimes per 100,000 residents, also considerably lower than state and national figures (as reported by First Rate Movers).
The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hockessin is relatively low, with some sources indicating a 1 in 125 chance of being a victim of crime overall (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year, crime in Hockessin has decreased by 7% (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics contribute to Hockessin’s reputation as a secure community.
Neighborhood Safety
Within Hockessin, safety can vary slightly by neighborhood, though the overall trend is positive. While some central neighborhoods might see a slightly higher incidence of crime, the southern parts of the city are generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The zip code 19707, which encompasses a significant portion of Hockessin, holds an A+ crime safety grade, with an overall crime index 75% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
The cost of crime per resident in Hockessin is also notably lower than the national and state averages. This translates to tangible savings for the community, with criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders all being managed effectively (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hockessin
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hockessin is generally considered to be higher than the national average. One report indicates it is 41% higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor, standing 137% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other data suggests that Hockessin is 3% less expensive than the national average, with food costs being less affordable (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
When comparing to other cities, Hockessin’s cost of living can be seen as more expensive than Miami but less expensive than Chicago (as reported by Salary.com). Delaware’s tax-friendly environment, with no state sales tax, can offer some relief to residents (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Market
Hockessin’s housing market is characterized by a competitive environment with steady demand. The median listing price for a home is around $588,800, and the median rent price is approximately $2,800 per month (as reported by ZipMatch). Homes in Hockessin tend to sell relatively quickly, often receiving multiple offers and selling for close to the asking price (as reported by Redfin).
The median home value in Hockessin is reported as $568,800, significantly higher than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). Similarly, the median rent of $3,501 is substantially higher than the national median rent of $1,413 (as reported by Niche). This indicates a robust housing market with strong property values and rental demand.
Job Market and Economy
Hockessin’s job market is supported by a working population engaged in various sectors, with a strong emphasis on professional and administrative roles. The unemployment rate in Hockessin stands at a low 2.4% (as reported by Point2Homes). Delaware’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.4% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).
Major employers in the area include the United States Postal Service, McDonald’s, and Starbucks (as reported by First Rate Movers). Education, professional services, and finance and insurance are identified as the three largest sectors contributing to Hockessin’s economy, each providing over 850 jobs (as reported by First Rate Movers).
Salary and Income
The average annual household income in Hockessin was reported as $207,569 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). Other sources place the median household income at $164,848 (as reported by First Rate Movers) and $172,959 (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual salary for all jobs in Hockessin is approximately $46,611 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Income levels in Hockessin are notably high, with households led by those aged 25-44 earning a median of $250,001, and those aged 45-64 earning $211,827 (as reported by Point2Homes). A very small percentage of residents, only 1.5%, live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Weather Patterns
Hockessin experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Conversely, January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 40°F and lows of 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area experiences approximately 142 days of comfortable weather annually, with the best times to visit being from May to June and mid-August to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Seasons
The annual precipitation in Hockessin averages around 48 inches, with rain falling throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Plantmaps). September typically receives the most precipitation, averaging about 5 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters bring an average of 21 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).
Hockessin has a humid subtropical climate with no dry season (as reported by Plantmaps). The period from April 1 to August 27 is considered the wetter season, with over a 30% chance of a given day being wet, while the drier season spans from August 27 to April 1 (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Hockessin is served by the Red Clay Consolidated School District, which is highly regarded for its educational quality. Public schools in Hockessin boast average math proficiency scores of 54% and reading proficiency scores of 62%, both significantly exceeding Delaware’s state averages (as reported by Niche). The schools in Hockessin generally receive an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 10% of Delaware public schools (as reported by Niche).
Top-ranked schools include North Star Elementary School, William F. Cooke Jr. Elementary School, and Dupont (H.b.) Middle School. These institutions consistently perform well above district and state averages in core subjects (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Population and Demographics
Hockessin has a population of approximately 13,439 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age is around 46 years old (as reported by Point2Homes), indicating a community with a substantial number of established adults and retirees. The racial makeup is predominantly White (78.2%), followed by Asian (13%) and smaller percentages of other races (as reported by Point2Homes).
The gender distribution shows 53.8% female and 46.2% male residents (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant majority of residents, 98.4%, live above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).
Household and Family Structure
Hockessin is home to about 4,812 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 78.4% of these households are families, while the remaining 21.6% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age of residents is 46.3 years (as reported by CUBIT).
Educational attainment is high, with 98.0% of residents over 25 having graduated high school and 69.0% holding a bachelor’s degree (as reported by First Rate Movers). This reflects a well-educated populace contributing to the community’s overall profile.